On the northern end of Cuyamaca Rancho State Park, you’ll find the remains of one of the most prosperous mines in all of Southern California, Stonewall Mine. By 1886 , Stonewall Mine was well renowned for producing gold. In 1888 alone, 5,182 tons of gold ore were processed and mined with a total value of $198,666. According to a 1963 California Division of Mines & Geology report, Stonewall Mine was the most productive gold mine in all of San Diego county. In total, it yielded two million dollars over its entire span of operation. Today, the crumbling remains of a crucial part of San Diego’s rich history can be seen by hiking the Stonewall Mine Trail.
The Stonewall Mine Trail is a short, 0.6-mile loop trail that takes visitors through dense woodlands and features views of Lake Cuyamaca. The actual mine itself can be found on the adjacent Miner’s Cabin Trail. Although both trails are short in length, they can easily be extended several miles by continuing onto the nearby Minshall Trail. This will give visitors closer views of Lake Cuyamaca, a 110-acre reservoir stocked with over 38,000 lbs. of trout annually.
The Stonewall Mine trailhead picks up at the end of the parking area. Although payment isn’t monitored, do California State Parks justice by paying the $10 use fee. You can do so by inserting cash into a deposit box located near the Miner’s Cabin Trail. The Stonewall Mine trail immediately splits into two trails, one for hikers the other for equestrians. Veer to the left to stay on the trail for hikers (and avoid stepping on a pile of horse poo).
Impressive views of the surrounding Cuyamaca Rancho State Park can be seen almost immediately. To your left, you’ll see the charred remains of trees destroyed in the 2003 Cedar Fire. This is an unfortunate sight found in most of the park, still suffering the devastating effects over a decade after. Luckily, promise of rebirth is also found throughout this trail. We saw flowers blooming in the spring all over the trail.
After 0.1-miles you’ll reach yet another “Y” junction with a wooden bench in the middle of it. Follow the path to the right to follow the loop. Here you’ll also see two side trails. Ignore those for now. Should you choose to continue your hike further later, you can take one of those two trails to head down to Lake Cuyamaca.
Continue on the loop, passing beneath the shade of pine trees above, a rarity on most San Diego trails. To your right, you’ll see the expansive Lake Cuyamaca, a popular reservoir for fisherman. At 0.4-miles you’ll reach yet another trail junction, with one path veering to the left and the other slightly right. Stay on the path to the right to close the loop. You’ll eventually meet back up with the same bench you passed just a little bit earlier. Continue just a bit further to get to return to the parking lot.
Though you’ve finished the short Stonewall Mine trail, don’t forget to check out the actual mine itself. The mine located just beyond the middle of the parking lot, marked by a large kiosk to your right and sign that reads “Miners Cabin”. The mine will be directly on your left, blocked off by a wire fence. You’ll have to observe the ruins of the mine from afar as the grounds surrounding it are unstable and unsafe for visitors.
Just beyond the mine, you’ll see a large green cabin, an ode to what was once a bustling mining community. At one point in time, this area consisted of two bunkhouses for single miners, cabins for married miners, a school, library, general story, cemetery, and a Superintendent’s house. Walk inside the cabin to read historical placards placed along the walls and room to get a better idea of what life was like working at one of the most prosperous mines in Southern California.
For those looking for a longer hike, you can easily extend your hike by taking the Minshall Trail, found right past the Miner’s Cabin or on the Stonewall Mine Trail. The Minshall Trail offers the best views of Lake Cuyamaca and takes hikers around the entire lake.
Stonewall Mine, Miners Cabin Trail Tips
Tip #1: Bring cash. There is a $10 day-use fee to park in the lot for the Stonewall Mine trailhead.
Tip #2: Don’t venture off the trail. If you decide to go down to the lake, don’t disrupt nature and go past the barb wire fence.
Tip #3: Do bring fishing poles. If you like to fish, Lake Cuyamaca is a popular destination for trout and bass fishing.
Tip #4 : Step into the miner’s cabin. Here you can read in depth the history of Stonewall Mine.
Tip #5: Don’t litter. Pack out what you pack in. We saw several geese squabbling over a candy wrapper in the middle of a meadow. Don’t be that person who endangers wildlife.
Driving Directions
From downtown San Diego, take CA-163 N for 3.1 miles. Take exit 3A to merge onto I-E toward El Centro. Drive 35 miles and take exit 40 for CA-79 N/Japatul Valley Rd toward Julian. Turn left onto CA-79 N/Japatul Valley Rd. In 2.7 miles, turn left to stay on CA-79 N. In 10.2 miles (shortly after passing Paso Picacho Campground), turn right onto the road marked “Stonewall Mine/Horse Camps”. Follow the road until it ends at a parking lot. Park here.
Difficulty: Easy
Dog Friendly: No
Total Distance: 0.6 miles
Trailhead Address: Minshall Trail, Julian, CA 92036
