Garnet Peak, Laguna Mountains CA

• 4-star hikes
• 2 to 4 mile options
• Moderate | Gain 500 to 690 feet
• Mt Laguna, CA | San Diego Region
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The image shows a group of four people standing on a rocky outcrop, looking out over a vast landscape of rolling hills and valleys covered in greenery. The individuals are dressed in outdoor gear, including jackets and backpacks, suggesting they are on a hiking or trekking expedition. The sky is clear with some wispy clouds, and the view extends to distant mountains, indicating a high vantage point.

Admiring westerly views from the summit.

Garnet Peak offers a unique hiking experience where the verdant Laguna Mountains meet the arid expanse of the Anza Borrego Desert. Its trails blend dramatic landscapes, diverse flora and stunning panoramic views, promisinga rewarding hiking adventure.

The most popular trail to Garnet Peak is also our preferred route. Beginning at the Penny Pines trailhead on Sunrise Highway, this trail route follows the renowned Pacific Crest Trail for most of its distance. The sandy trail, interspersed with rocky patches, runs along a ridgeline marked by jagged, weathered white rocks, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

The trail’s blend of chaparral and desert flora—including scattered cacti and yucca plants—showcases the region’s unique biodiversity. Fauna sightings, such as lizards and birds add to the charm. The summit rewards hikers with sweeping views of the green Laguna Mountains to the west and the rugged Anza Borrego Desert to the east. On the clearest of days, the Salton Sea shimmers in the distance, making the climb well worth the effort.

Trail Options Expand KML · Google Earth ·

⬤ 4★ PCT Trail 4.1 mi out & back, moderate, gain 690 ft
GPX File · AllTrails · Directions GPX?

⬤ 4★ Garnet Peak Trail 2.3 mi out & back, moderate, gain 500 ft
GPX File · AllTrails · Directions

⬤ 4★ Short Loop 3.7 mi loop, moderate, gain 620 ft
GPX File · AllTrails · Directions

From Penny Pines trailhead at 5,430 feet to the 5,890 foot summit, elevation gain is moderate. Though the effects of hiking at this altitude aren't significantly different from those at a sea-level, they can be noticeable to some.

For a shorter trek, the Garnet Peak Trail is another option, beginning at the edge of Sunrise Highway at an unmarked location. We have it from park rangers in writing that parking on the dirt beyond the paved road at this location is acceptable, and no day-use Adventure Pass is required. As always however, please check for and obey any posted signs.

Alternatively, you can combine both trails and complete a loop that starts and ends and Penny Pines with a half-mile of pavement pounding. Penny Pines trailhead can accommodate around a dozen vehicles and the US Forest Service website confirms parking at this location was free at time of publication.

The image shows a person wearing a red jacket, black pants, and a black backpack walking on a narrow dirt trail through a hilly landscape covered with green shrubs and bushes. The sky is clear and blue, and there are rocky outcrops visible in the distance.

Heading for the peak along the Pacific Crest Trail.

The image shows a panoramic view of a desert landscape with mountain ranges in the background. The foreground features rocky hills with sparse vegetation, while the middle ground reveals a vast, flat desert plain. The background is dominated by a range of mountains with a bluish hue, likely due to atmospheric perspective. This image captures the vastness and varied topography of a desert environment, highlighting the contrast between the rugged hills and the expansive flatlands.

Desert views beyond the ridgeline.

The image features two people hiking on a trail through a hilly landscape covered with green shrubs and bushes. One person is walking a dog on a leash. The sky is clear with some thin clouds, and the view extends to distant hills and mountains. The trail appears rocky and uneven, indicating a natural and possibly challenging hiking path.

Returning down the Garnet Peak trail.

The image shows a serene landscape with a harmonious blend of grassy fields, dense shrubbery, and various trees. In the distance, you can see rolling hills and a striking, rugged peak standing majestically above the surrounding landscape. Its steep slopes are interspersed with jagged cliffs and rocky outcrops. Sparse vegetation clings to the mountain's lower reaches, giving way to bare rock as the elevation increases. The scene also features far-off mountain ranges under a clear blue sky.

Garnet Peak viewed from Big Laguna Meadow.

⚠ 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.

Tangents:
• Official: US Forest Service
• AllTrails Public: Via PCT, Garnet Peak Trail
• Facebook Group: Comment, Follow Us

Trailspotting Nearby
4★ Big Laguna Meadow (7 mi) · Show Map

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