Canyon Oak Trail, William Heise County Park | Julian, CA

William Heise County Park is a must-see for San Diegans and Southern California residents alike. The park features over 10-miles of trails, campsites, wilderness cabins, and perhaps best of all, four seasons we often lack elsewhere. The Canyon Oak Trail found near Campsite Area 3, offers hikers a short, 1.65-mile loop glimpse of the beauty this park has to offer. It can also be part of a longer, more rigorous trek if you wish to add on the 2.25-mile Desert View Trail.

There are two ways to reach the Canyon Oak Trail. The first and easiest way is to park in the Canyon Oak day use parking area. From here, you’ll simply walk toward the Group Camp Area 1, across from campsite 62.

The second way to reach this trail is to proceed uphill along the paved road until you reach campsite 87. Here, you’ll find a wooden kiosk that serves as the trailhead for the 3 loop trails in this area: Canyon Oak, Desert View, and a self-guided nature trail. The Desert View Trail and Nature Trail will branch off to the right whereas the Canyon Oak Trail will be to your left. Follow signs for the Canyon Oak Trail to begin your hike.

If you take the first way, the trail will begin to slowly wind uphill through forests of oak, pine, and cedar that survived the massive 2003 Cedar Fire that also touched William Heise County Park. Along the well-defined trail you’ll pass several benches, including one that is worthy taking a short break to admire the view before you.

Although you’ll only gain approximately 300 feet of elevation on your hike, much of this will come during the first half of the hike as you make your way up a switchback. As you continue your climb, don’t forget to take in the surrounding views. You’ll see the Cuyamaca Mountain Range looming in the somewhat near distance, another wonderful place to hike on another day.

Once you’ve cleared the switchback, the rest of the trail is straightforward until you reach the intersection for the Desert View Trail. This is where you can extend your hike another 2.25 miles. The Desert View Trail will take you even higher and the view are arguably even more breathtaking, including Glen’s View. At 4,927 feet, Glen’s View offers panoramic vistas of Cuyamaca Rancho State Park, the Anza Borrego Desert, and on clear days, you may see as far as Salton Sea.

If you want to evade the Desert View Trail and close the Canyon Oak Loop, simply follow the sign to keep you on the Canyon Oak Trail until you reach the sign leading you back to the campground. Follow this trail to return back to the trailhead.

History

Back in the mining days, two gold mines were managed on what is now called William Heise County Park. The park is named after William Heise, an inventor of ambulance equipment who purchased the land in hopes of turning it into a recreational area. The mines were sealed in 1941, long after when gold was first discovered in Julian in 1870. In 1967, he sold his land to the County of San Diego and the park opened to the public in 1970 .

Canyon Oak Trail Tips

Keep an eye out for poison oak. There are several spots on the trail where you may find this.
Wear hiking boots. There is a lot of loose gravel on this trail. I would recommend wearing shoes with good traction.
Hike with a friend. Although encountering a mountain lion is very rare, there are signs warning their presence.
For a longer hike, continue onto the 2.25-mile Desert View Trail.
Stop by nearby Julian afterwards to reward yourself with a delicious slice of apple pie.

Driving Directions

From downtown San Diego, take CA-163 N to I-8 E toward El Centro. In 12.9 miles, keep left at the fork to stay on I-8 E. Continue on I-8 E for 22.2 miles. Take exit 40 for CA-79 N/Japatul Valley Road toward Julian. Turn left onto CA-79 N/Japatul Valley Rd.

In 2.7 miles, turn left to stay on CA-79N. In 30.3 miles, turn left onto Main St. and drive through the town of Julian. Turn left onto Washington St. In 1 mile, turn left onto Pine Hills Rd. In 1 mile turn left onto Deer Lake Park Rd. Turn left onto Frisius Dr. Keep right to continue on Heise Park Rd. Follow Heise Park Rd. past the check-in station. Park in the Canyon Oak Trail day use designated parking spots on the right.