Desert View Trail, William Heise County Park | Julian, CA

If you’re in need of a change of scenery, far-removed from the chaparral covered and boulder-strewn landscapes found along San Diego proper trails, look no further than Julian. The once mining town now well-known for its delicious pies, is often overlooked for its numerous hiking opportunities.

Many of these can be found just a few miles south of town at William Heise County Park. The park also features numerous campsites, all nestled in miles of woodlands rare to most regions of San Diego. If you’re in need of a short, yet moderately strenuous hike, the Desert View Trail is a great option.

Once you enter William Heise Park, drive uphill towards campsite 87. You’ll find day use parking near the campsites numbered in the 60’s, on the right side of the road you’ll see a large sign that reads “Canyon Oak Trail Day Use Parking”. After parking, continue to follow the paved road uphill until you reach campsite 87, where you’ll see a large wooden kiosk which marks the trailhead.

From the trailhead, follow the well-defined trail as it slowly begins to weave uphill. You’ll encounter a junction, where you can turn left for the Canyon Oak Trail and Desert View Trail (a 2.25-mile loop), or you can turn right for the Desert View Trail. Turn right if you want a bit more of a challenge and to reach Glen’s View, an appropriately placed telescope at the northeastern corner of the park.

We opted to go for the right trail, quickly reaching another junction for the Nature Trail and turning left to continue on the Desert View Trail. The trail will be fairly straightforward from this point, with few spur trails that may lead to confusion. You’ll gain 900 ft. in elevation within your mile, which may be more difficult to climb in warmer months. However, when we hiked in fall it was a pleasant trek, especially with beautiful foliage. As a condolence, the higher you climb, the more rewarding your views will be.

Once you’ve reached the top of the hill, you’ll see a sign leading to Glen’s View. This is a short but worthwhile detour, and the viewpoint will provide you with the most dramatic views of the surrounding landscape. You’ll see another sign at the top of Glen’s View marking the “End of the Trail”. Retrace your steps back to the Desert View Trail and veer right to continue the trail.

In approximately another mile the trail will once again intersect with the Canyon Oak Trail. You can choose to extend your hike another 1.65 miles by going this route, or you can simply conclude the Desert View Trail by ignoring the turn off. We chose to continue our hike, knowing fully well we were about to indulge in pie shortly after our hike.

Depending on the route you choose, you’ll either end up at the same starting point if you only pursue the Desert View Loop or you’ll end up closer to the park entrance of you decide to extend your hike on the Canyon Oak Trail. If you do choose to follow the Canyon Oak Trail, make your way out of the camp area and back uphill along the paved road to return to your parking spot. Keep an eye out for Rio Grande wild turkey and mule deer, both of which we were lucky enough to spot on our hike.

Desert View Trail Tips

Bring cash. At the time of this post, it costs $3 for day use parking at William Heise County Park.
Wear hiking boots. Shoes with good traction are a must on this trail.
Hike with a friend. Although mountain lions are very rarely seen here, it is better to be safe and hike with others.
Hike in the spring and fall for blooms and foliage.
Visit the nearby town of Julian after to indulge in some pie. After all, you earned it!

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 (signs for 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. Park in the Canyon Oak Trail day use designated parking spots.