San Diego is an outdoor adventurer’s paradise: perfect weather year-round, hundreds of hiking trails within a 60-mile radius and no shortage of peaks to bag. Almost every single day of the year is a prime opportunity to hit the trails. There is no need to worry about frigid temperatures, wearing enough layers to stay warm or being snowed in. While one can appreciate consistent sunshine, there are times us native San Diegans miss snowfall.
We turn to our TVS, login to our Netflix, and change our desktop screen savers to experience true winter; one blanketed in a sheet of snow on our front lawn. We dream of a white Christmas. We admire the photos of others ankle-deep hiking in Colorado. Luckily, you don’t need to travel to Colorado to experience snow. In fact, you don’t need to drive more than a few hours to find snow near San Diego.
These five destinations are less than a two-hour drive from San Diego and generally experience snow fall during winter in San Diego.
Note: Check your local weather reports before heading out to ensure snow hasn’t melted.
Mt. Laguna
About an hour drive from central San Diego and over 6,000 feet above sea level, Mt. Laguna typically receives the most snowfall in all of San Diego county. Snow is common around winter months, but can begin as early as November and last as late as June. I’ve had the most luck seeing snow at this destination in late December to late January. Sometimes, especially during snow storms, chains may be required for your car when driving up Mt. Laguna so check the weather forecast before your head out to make sure you are properly equipped.
Dust off your sleds and cross-country skis and make your way to Mt. Laguna this winter.
Cuyamaca Rancho State Park
In the coldest winters, Cuyamaca Rancho State Park turns into a winter wonderland, completely covered in snow. You’ll find many families flocking here, taking up the relatively small number of parking spots in the Paso Picacho area campground. Both campgrounds offer several hiking trails, including treks to several popular peaks such as Stonewall Peak, Middle Peak, and Cuyamaca Peak. Additionally, there are several free turnouts ideal for kids to stop and play in the snow.
Arrive early, enjoy a day in the snow, and drive an additional 20 minutes to eat some warm apple pie in Julian after.
Julian
Many flock to Julian for their famous apple pies, historic landmarks, and scenic hiking trails, but winter offers an additional appeal: snow. At just an hour and fifteen-minute drive from downtown San Diego, Julian is the perfect destination to travel to to build a snowman, start a snowball hike, or hike along a lightly snow-dusted trail. Parking is usually not an issue but easiest to find at Jess Martin park, Julian Memorial Park or William Heise Park. Just remember to be respectful of the residents of Julian and pack out what you pack in.
Once you’re done playing in the snow, make sure to warm up by stopping at one of their famous wineries or breweries.
Palomar Mountain
A windy drive up Palomar Mountain transports you to biodiversity reminiscent of Northern California. Step into the pine, cedar, and fir wood forests and you might forget you’re even in Southern California. While Palomar Mountain is farther than other snow destinations in San Diego (about an hour and 45-minute drive), it is one of the best in terms of snow hikes and solitude.
Take a walk along the French Valley Trail and loop back towards Doane Pond for a beautiful hike through the forest and meadow.
A few other notable mentions, although snow occurrences are rare, are Temecula and Murrieta. Both got about an inch of snow fall in December 2014, a seldom occurrence for towns that are around 1,500 feet in elevation.
Photo Credit: gavdana , Allan Ferguson
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