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By R
ebecca Person
Photo: Farmstand in Jacumba Hot Springs
July 13, 2023 (San Diego’s East County) -- The backcountry of San Diego, though seemingly quiet, is alive with opportunities for adventure and local events.
Aside from the lure of the open road on one of San Diego’s most scenic highways, oak-and -boulder-studded Old Highway 80, or via beautiful CA-79, there are barbecues, fairs, country markets, art and music shows, occasional farm stands, lakes, yard sales, horseback riding and the like tucked into the breathtaking scenery along the route.
San Diego’s backcountry offers unforgettable AirBnb experiences in the rural towns of Campo, Boulevard, Guatay, Descanso, Julian, Pine Valley and Jacumba Hot Springs.
Photo: In-Ko-Pah Spirit AirBnb
July in those parts east of San Diego brings a chance to try lots of new things. How about family-friendly karaoke night every Thursday from 6 p.m. ‘til 9 p.m. at Pine Valley House in Pine Valley?
Or maybe you’re craving a lively country-flavored concert? Where highways 79 and 80 meet in the village of Descanso, the Junction Outback is a wild outdoors venue behind Descanso Junction family-style restaurant. They celebrate summer there with live music every Friday and Saturday nights, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Guatay Mountain Native Plant Nursery in Guatay (between Descanso and Pine Valley) makes a beautiful stop on a sunny drive off I-8 onto Old Highway 80 at Descanso. (Open weekends 9-5 and ‘whenever the gate is open’).
Tryyan Wooden Spoon Gallery at 27538 Old Highway 80, just steps from the nursery in Guatay, is a treat to visit with its art glass and wooden spoon collection.
Photo: Tryvan Wooden Spoon Gallery
Lake Cuyamaca on Highway 79 heading into Julian, is beautiful any time of year, and the popular Pub at Lake Cuyamaca offers a rare lake view dining experience.
The kids’ trout fishing derby there is planned for Sept. 23, where Fishin’ in the Pines has become an exciting yearly gathering with picnicking and a slew of prizes.
If you venture over CA 79 to Julian, famous for its apple pie, you can stroll its quaint streets and choose from several great eateries, and/or take a tour of the California Wolf Center nestled in the hills there. 
Getting a peek at the Tiny House Block is an excellent excuse to take a sightseeing drive up along the beautiful Sunrise Highway east of Pine Valley, another of San Diego’s scenic rural roadways. Located at 9849 Sunrise Hwy, Mt. Laguna, Tiny House Block was created by sister/brother team Jon and Melissa Block, and is one of the first tiny house villages in San Diego County. Mount Laguna is one of the first camping areas Pacific Crest Trail hikers encounter, a low-key family recreation spot in summer and during winter snows.
Photo: Tiny House Block
Jacumba Hot Springs, 29 miles south and east of Pine Valley, at the farthest reaches into San Diego’s backcountry, is enjoying a rebirth of popularity with a bazaar the first Saturday of each month from 10-2 at the Old Bathhouse landmark in the center of town. Visiting musicians also play there to stars and candlelight; now folks can catch an art exhibit too at the Old Bathhouse, or visit Gilliam Gallery across the highway, after strolling along the lake and dunes.
Photo: The Old Bathhouse
The Desert View Tower just east of Jacumba is a cherished landmark and camping spot overlooking the desert near Ocotillo. Its famous Boulder Park is a rare adventure with hidden trails and charming rock carvings.
Photo: Desert View Tower’s Boulder Park
Hiking trails, stargazing, wildflower viewing, nature photography, and all kinds of special events make exploring San Diego’s true outback a favorite destination for motorcycle and classic car clubs. Bicyclists, too, take advantage of the route they call the Southern Tour on their way to the East Coast of the USA. It’s not unusual to meet a family making the extreme bicycle tour to the Atlantic Ocean.
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