Big Laguna Meadow, CA

• 4-star hikes
• 7 mile loop
• Moderate | Gain 670 to 740 feet
• Mt Laguna, CA | San Diego Region
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A person wearing a red jacket and black pants is walking along a dirt path in a natural setting. The path is surrounded by dry grass and leads towards a body of water, possibly a river or lake, which is partially frozen. The landscape is bordered by a dense forest of evergreen trees under a clear blue sky.

Big Laguna Lake on the Meadow Spur Trail.

Offering a remarkable diversity of trails and scenic views, Big Laguna Meadow is a wonderful hiking destination in Cleveland National Forest. It is not only great for hikers but also popular with horse riders and cyclists due to its flat terrain and dramatic mountain views.

The figure-eight loop is an especially rewarding option for hikers, with its striking variety of trails and vistas. The west side's Sunset Trail winds through a shady hillside forest of oak and pine, featuring occasional mountain viewpoints that include Cuyamaca and Stonewall Peaks. The east side of the loop follows the Meadow Spur and Water of the Woods Spur Trails, with the former being particularly picturesque as it approaches and follows the banks of the seasonal alpine Big Laguna Lake.

Trail Options Expand KML · Google Earth ·

⬤ 4★ Big Laguna Meadow Loop 6.9 mi loop, moderate, gain 740 ft
GPX File · AllTrails · Directions GPX?

⬤ 4★ Big Laguna from Penny Pines 6.7 mi loop, moderate, gain 670 ft
GPX File · AllTrails · Directions

Trail conditions are moderate at their most difficult, with sandy beds and occasional rocks, mostly found on the woodland Sunset Trail. Most of the loop's elevation gain is also on the Sunset Trail, including a peak-bagging opportunity to an unnamed summit with great views northwards towards Garnet Peak. Additionally, the trail is elevated at around 5,500 feet, which may be noticeable to some sea-level dwellers.

The figure-eight loop begins at Meadows Trailhead, where roadside parking is available between signs. Be sure to pay the day-use fee either at the roadside payment machine, or by online methods, such as with the Recreation.org website or smartphone app.

A person wearing a red jacket and a black cap is walking along a dirt trail through a forested area. The trail is surrounded by tall pine trees and dry grass. There is a wooden trail marker with various symbols on the right side of the trail. The sky is clear and blue, indicating a sunny day.

Sunset Trail is a shaded woodland hike with great views.

For those starting their hike at the Penny Pines Trailhead, parking was free at the time of publication, though we recommend checking this before venturing out. Penny Pines Trailhead is also the start of a 4.1 mile out-and-back route to Garnet Peak, should you wish to extend your hike with another destination.

⚠ Heat Safety Tips: Shade is extremely limited on this trail. Please stay safe in hot weather by knowing the forecast and planning to avoid the hottest parts of the day. Recognize danger signs and turn back when necessary. Wear lightweight non-cotton clothing and head coverings. Use sunblock and UV chapstick. Bring more water than you think you need, coupled with salt & electrolite tablets.

A panoramic view of a mountainous landscape with a dense forest of evergreen trees. The scene includes rolling hills and mountains in the background under a clear blue sky with some wispy clouds. The foreground consists of various shrubs and bushes.

Expansive westerly views from Sunset Trail.

The image shows a scenic landscape with a prominent peak in the center background. The foreground consists of a mix of green trees and shrubs, leading to a large, open, dry grassy field. There is a small pond visible on the right side of the field. The background features rolling hills covered with trees and bushes, and a range of mountains under a clear blue sky. Three birds are flying in the sky above the hills.

Garnet Peak views from an unnamed summit near Sunset Trail's end.

A small stream winds through a dry, grassy landscape with scattered rocks and sparse vegetation. In the background, there is a dense forest of evergreen trees and a hill with an observatory or similar structure visible on top. The sky is clear and blue, indicating a sunny day. This image captures a serene natural scene with a mix of different terrains and features, including the stream, rocks, trees, and the observatory, which adds a point of interest in the distance.

Creek feeding the Water Of The Woods where the trails converge.

Tangents:
• Official: US Forest Service
• AllTrails Public: Meadows Loop, Penny Pines Loop
• Facebook Group: Comment, Follow Us

Trailspotting Nearby
4★ Garnet Peak (2-4 mi) · Show Map

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