Azalea Glen Loop Trail | San Diego, CA

The Azalea Glen Loop Trail is a lightly-trafficked multi-use trail in Rancho Cuyamaca State Park near Julian. Its short length, adequate shade, stunning views, and minimal elevation gain make it an ideal weekend hike for families and experienced hikers alike. This trail does not take you to the top of a peak or to a waterfall, but it does expose you to unique landscapes that are not often seen on other San Diego hikes.

The Azalea Glen Loop picks up at the Paso Picacho Campground off Highway 79. There are several ways to access this trail, however the most popular and easiest trailhead is located near the entrance of the campground. At the southwest edge of the Day Use parking area, you’ll find a sign for both the Azalea Glen Loop and the shorter Paso Picacho Loop trail. These trails follow the same path for the first portion of the trail.

Trees loom overhead at the start of the trail, providing you with shade. Enjoy the shade while you can because soon you will walk through an open meadow and the charred remains of the 2003 Cedar Fire. The fire swept through Rancho Cuyamaca State Park destroying many of the trees. There are signs of rebirth: healthy bushes and plants surround either side of the trail. However, many charred stubs remain behind as a reminder of the devastation that took place here.

At about a quarter of a mile in, you’ll cross your first wooden foot bridge. Just beyond the footbridge is where you will come to the fork for the Paso Picacho Loop Trail and the Azalea Glen Loop. Stay left to follow the Azalea Glen Trail. Continue to follow the Azalea Glen Loop Trail to a second, longer footbridge.

If you keep your eyes open, you may see Poodle Dog Bush in this area. This can be found in other areas of Rancho Cuyamaca State Park as well, such as on the hike to Stonewall Peak, and should be avoided. If it comes in contact with your skin it will give you a blistering rash.

At 0.6-miiles, you’ll find another junction for the California Hiking and Riding Trail. Follow the trail to the left, which continues to follow the Azalea Glen Loop Trail. If you need a moment to catch your breath, or want to take in the views surrounding you, you’ll find a wooden bench here to rest. Once you’ve had enough relaxation continue along the narrow trail.

At 1.1-miles you’ll begin the most challenging portion of the trail. This is where you will gain the majority of the elevation during this hike. Luckily, you will once again be shaded by the trees overhead as you meander up the single-track trail that follows the Azalea Creek. Even on a warm, sunny day in the middle of summer water could still be heard rushing below us to our right.

Here we encountered two park rangers clearing logs and brush from the path for hikers. The National Forest Service has done an impressive job maintaining this trail, and this can be evidenced throughout the entirety of this hike.

Once you’ve climbed your way out of the forest of trees and away from the creek, you’ll once again follow a flat portion of trail. Soon after emerging from the woods, you’ll find an old wooden kiosk that contains a worn map of the Rancho Cuyamaca State Park and a sign for Azalea Springs. You’ll follow the fire road, past a fenced-off building, for a short distance until you reach one last fork. This fork can be easy to miss, so keep your eyes open for it. Veer away from the fire road and follow the narrow trail to the left to complete the Azalea Glen Loop.

You’ll see more burnt trees along this portion of the trail, yet because of this, you are awarded spectacular views of Lake Cuyamaca and Julian in the distance. The trail will bend east and Stonewall Peak will come into view. Continue walking toward Stonewall Peak until you reach a “T” junction. Turn left at the “T” to return back to the campgrounds. Follow the “exit” signs once you enter the campgrounds to return back to the park’s front entrance and the parking lot.

Stonewall Peak in the distance

Azalea Glen Loop Trail Tips

Tip #1: There are portions of this trail that are largely unshaded. Wear sunscreen and proper attire.

Tip #2: Stay on the trail. Veering off the trail could result in your skin coming in contact with Poodle Dog Brush, which would be very bad.

Tip #3: Follow the markers closely. While the trail is well-marked, it can be easy to get off course if you are not paying full attention.

Tip #4: Hike here in the late spring to see the western Azaleas bloom into beautiful white flowers.

Tip #5: Well-maintained restrooms are located near the parking lot at the entrance of the Paso Picacho campground.

Tip #6: Horses are allowed on this trail.

Driving Directions

From downtown San Diego: Take I-8 East to CA-79N/Japatul Valley Road exit. Turn left and follow 79 north. After 2.7 miles, turn left to stay on 79 (towards Julian). Continue on 79 for 9 miles until you reach Paso Picacho campground on your left. The Day Use parking area will be on your right. Please note there is an $8 fee to park here.