Volcan Mountain, Julian CA

• 4-star hikes
• 5 mile options
• Moderate | Gain 1,210 to 1,250 feet
• Julian, CA | San Diego Region
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The image shows two people and a dog at a scenic overlook. The people are standing on a rocky path, looking at an informational sign. One person is wearing a blue shirt and a green backpack, while the other person is wearing a dark jacket and a green backpack. The dog is on a leash and standing next to the person in the blue shirt. To the right of the people, there is a coin-operated binocular viewer mounted on a black pole. The background features a vast landscape of rolling hills, forests, and distant mountains under a clear blue sky.

Westerly views from a lookout near the summit.

Winding hillside roads an hour's drive from San Diego will lead you to the popular historic town of Julian. Visitors enjoy learning about its Gold Rush past; but mostly they enjoy Julian's locally made pies and ciders, thanks to nearby thriving apple orchards. When visiting the area, we recommend an early start and a hike up Volcan Mountain to appreciate the local orchard hillside terroir and to work up an appetite before exploring the local delicacies.

Despite its name, Volcan Mountain is not volcanic in origin and stands as a prominent geographical feature near the historic town of Julian in San Diego County, offering hikers a moderately challenging trail to its 5,356-foot summit, which rewards visitors with expansive views and natural beauty.

Trail Options Expand KML · Google Earth ·

⬤ 4★ Part-Loop 5.3 mi part-loop, moderate, gain 1,250 ft
GPX File · AllTrails · Directions GPX?

⬤ 4★ Out-And-Back 5.0 mi out & back, moderate, gain 1,210 ft
GPX File · AllTrails · Directions

P Free parking

The main Volcan Mountain Trail features a wide natural surface that gradually ascends through mixture of chaparral, woodlands and grassy hilltop meadow. The lower half of the trail offers some shade, which gradually becomes sparser as you climb the moderately sloped trail.

We recommend forking onto the narrower Five Oaks Trail at around the half-mile point, which offers greater seclusion and additional scenic views as it weaves through dense oak groves. Five Oaks Trail eventually rejoins the main trail and adds substantial trail variety for only a marginally longer hike.

The image shows a person walking on a gravel path towards a mountainous area. The path is bordered by a low stone wall on the left side. On the right side of the image, there is a large wooden sign with the text 'VOLCAN MOUNTAIN WILDERNESS PRESERVE SAN DIEGO COUNTY DEPT OF PARKS AND RECREATION.' The background features a variety of trees and shrubs, with hills and a clear blue sky.

Roadside parking leads to tasteful trailhead signs.

From the summit, hikers are rewarded with panoramic views extending in all directions across Southern California's diverse landscapes, including vistas of the Salton Sea to the east, the Pacific Ocean to the west on particularly clear days, Mexico to the south, and the higher elevations of the Peninsular Ranges including Palomar Mountain and the Laguna Mountains to the north and northeast. The summit area includes several rock outcroppings that serve as ideal resting spots for taking in these expansive views. A notable landmark at the summit is a defunct airway beacon that stands as a historical reminder of early aviation technology that used to guide pilots in the days before modern electronic navigation.

Parking for the trailhead is free and located off-pavement along the side of Farmer Road. Due to its popular location and to avoid sun exposure, we recommend an early start. Trail opening times are posted at the official website linked below.

⚠ 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 lip balm. Bring more water than you think you need, coupled with salt & electrolyte tablets.

The image shows two people hiking on a dirt trail that winds through a hilly landscape covered with dry, reddish-brown vegetation. The trail ascends gently, and the hikers are seen from behind, walking uphill. One hiker is wearing a hat and carrying a backpack, while the other is using hiking poles. The sky is clear and blue, and there are some green trees visible in the distance.

Typical conditions on the Volcan Mountain Trail.

The image shows a scenic view of a mountainous landscape framed by the branches and trunk of a tree in the foreground. The tree has a thick, dark trunk with some patches of lichen or moss, and its branches are mostly bare with a few leaves. The background features multiple layers of rolling hills and mountains, creating a sense of depth and distance. The sky is clear with a light blue hue, and the overall atmosphere is serene and picturesque.

We recommend Five Oaks Trail for scenic views.

The image shows a person walking along a dirt path through a dry, grassy landscape. The path winds through the field, leading towards a hill in the distance. Several utility poles with power lines run parallel to the path, adding an element of human infrastructure to the natural scene. The sky is clear and blue, with the sun shining brightly, casting sharp shadows on the ground. In the background, there are mountains and trees, creating a picturesque, tranquil atmosphere.

Hiking sunward past grassy meadows toward the summit.

The image shows a tall, metal airway beacon tower with a square platform at the top. The tower is positioned next to a dense cluster of trees and bushes, under a clear blue sky. The structure is constructed from a lattice of metal beams, and the top platform houses the beacon light, which is used for guiding aircraft. The scene highlights the importance of airway beacons in aviation history, helping pilots navigate their routes before modern electronic navigation systems were developed.

A defunct airway navigation beacon crowns the summit.

The image shows two people hiking on a trail in a mountainous area. The landscape features rolling hills covered with a mix of green vegetation and dry, brown patches. The background showcases a range of mountains with varying shades of blue and gray, indicating different distances and elevations. The sky is clear and blue, suggesting a sunny day. The hikers are wearing backpacks and outdoor clothing, indicating they are prepared for a trek.

Clear 50-mile vistas to Mt San Jacinto (Toro Peak on right).

The image shows a close-up of a wooden carving that appears to be part of a larger structure, possibly a door or a panel. The carving depicts a detailed face of a mythical creature, possibly a gargoyle or a similar figure, with intricate features such as a prominent nose, open mouth, and flowing beard. The background consists of a natural landscape with various shades of green foliage and a clear blue sky, suggesting that the carving is located outdoors.

Artful carvings on a wooden trailhead entrance.

Tangents:
• Official: San Diego Parks
• AllTrails Public: Volcan Mountain Trail
• Facebook Group: Comment, Follow Us

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