Lightning Ridge Trail, Mount Laguna | San Diego, CA

The Laguna Mountains offer a nice break from typical San Diego trails, a far cry for the typical chaparral and rock covered hills. Instead, the trails on Mount Laguna offer a breath of fresh air, literally and figuratively. They feature dense wood forests, breathtaking meadows, and glimpses of the vast Anza Borrego Dessert in the near-distance. One trail that offers a good introduction to Mount Laguna or can also serve as an add-on hike is the Lightning Ridge Trail, a short, 1.4-mile hike near Horse Heaven Group Camp.

Located about 10 miles north of the I-8 East, the Lightning Ridge Trail picks up at the entrance of Horse Heaven Group Camp. The name of the campground can be misleading seeing as equestrian camping is not permitted here, however this tent-only camping destination can accommodate groups up to 100 people . Campers and hikers alike can stay at Horse Heaven Group Camp any time from Memorial Day until Labor Day. It remains closed for camping the rest of the year, however hiking on the adjacent Pacific Crest Trail or Lightning Ridge Trail is permitted year-round.

After parking, cross Sunrise Highway, and follow the access road to Horse Heaven Group Campground. Soon you’ll reach a fork. Turn right and follow the dirt road to the right. Follow the well-traveled trail as it slowly traverses uphill, where you’ll gain all of your elevation for the hike. Though the trek to the summit is short, you’ll likely feel winded once you reach the Chula Vista Reservoir, a gated water tank. Here is where the most scenic views will present themselves, with miles of woodlands in every direction you turn and Little Laguna Lake gleaming in the distance.

Once you’ve taken in the vistas from above, re-trace your steps back downhill until you reach the fork. Follow the brown wood sign that reads “trail” to traverse down a series of switchbacks. You are now on the official Lightning Ridge Trail, a short yet sweet path that shades hikers with the help of staggering pines above.
At the bottom of the hill, you’ll see another sign that directs you toward Horse Heaven Campground.

Follow the trail toward Horse Heaven Campground, passing picnic tables to your left before you reach a paved road. Continue to walk along the road until it reaches a fork. Follow the road uphill to the left to return back to the access road you started on. Soon you’ll likely begin to hear the sound of cars whizzing by on Sunrise Highway. This is an indication your lightning-fast hike has come to an end. Carefully cross the highway once again to conclude your hike.

Lightning Ridge Trail Tips

The Lightning Ridge Trail is for hikers only. Equestrians and bikers are not permitted.
There are numerous side trails. Be wary to stay on the main, well-traveled path to avoid getting lost.
Don’t cut out the short stretch to the top of the reservoir. The views are most impressive here.
Bring your kids. This hike is easy enough for the whole family to take together.

Driving Directions

From downtown San Diego, take CA-163N. Take exit 3A to merge onto I-8 E toward El Centro. In 12.9 miles, keep left at the fork to stay on I-8 E. Follow I-8 E for 29.2 miles and take exit 47 toward Sunrise Highway. Turn left onto County Rte S1/Old Hwy 80.

Follow Sunrise Highway north for approximately 10 miles. Just a little past mile marker 25.5 you’ll see a sign on your right for Horse Heaven Group Camp. If the campground is open (after Memorial Day but before Labor Day) park in the campground to your left. If not, park your car on the right side of the road across from the campground in the dirt turnoff.