Viejas Mountain Trail | Alpine, CA

Viejas Mountain serves as more than just a local hiking trail. It is also a sacred mountain to the Kumeyaay Indians who once made a pilgrimage to the summit to view the sun rising above Buckman Peak for winter solstice.

I had heard of the Viejas Mountain Trail awhile back, but it took me months before I finally made the relatively short drive out to Alpine to check the trail out for myself. I’d read the warnings about this trail: the steep uphill ascent, tough terrain, limited switchbacks, no shade. Those warnings were right, however I also found quite a few positives on this trail. The Viejas Mountain Trail has its perks: it is great path to take for those looking for something a little more challenging, it’s short in distance, and it is far less crowded than other peaks in San Diego. Additionally, the views from the summit also make this steep, mostly uphill trek entirely worthwhile.

The trail for Viejas Mountain picks up across the road from a small dirt turnout where you will park your car. The trailhead is often mistaken for the red gate at the end of Anderson Road. Be careful not to start here. This will take you through private property on Anderson Road and to the Anderson Truck Trail, an entirely different hike.

View of Anderson Road from parking area

Instead, cross the street at the small dirt turnout and find the very narrow single-track dirt path which is marked by two poles. This can be very easy to spot or miss, so refer to the image below to get a better understanding of what to look for. Once you pass the poles, the trail is very straightforward and easy to follow. You’ll want to continue to climb up this majorly steep trail, gaining about 1,000-feet in elevation for every mile, until you can’t climb any further.

Trail starts here

Type of terrain you’ll be working with the entirety of the hike.

Don’t forget to stop to take a breath, and, almost equally as important, take in the views which only get better as you continue to climb.

Continue trekking uphill until you reach a flat clearing. Here you can catch your breath and get a preview of what is to come by exerting just a tiny bit more energy. After the clearing, you have just a few hundred yards left to climb until you finally reach the Viejas Mountain summit. At the ridge of the summit, you can walk southwest or northeast to the actual summit.

At the peak on a clear day, you’ll be able to take in 360 degree panorama vistas as far as Northern Mexico. On the clearest of days, you may even catch a glimpse of Mt. Baldy, Mt. San Jacinto, and Mt. San Gorgonio lurking in the very far distance. Aside from these well-known distant peaks, you’ll also be able to see all of San Diego’s peaks from Cuyamaca Peak to Garnet Peak. Once you’ve taken in the sweeping views of Mexico, and southern California, retrace your steps downhill back to your car. Stay safe when trekking back to the trailhead. Because of the loose gravel and rocks, the descent is more technical than one might expect.

Viejas Mountain Trail Tips

Tip #1: This trail is entirely unshaded. Wear proper clothing and sun protection while hiking on this trail.

Tip #2: To follow tip #1, it is recommended to hike this trail in winter and spring months when the temperature is cooler.

Tip #3: Bring plenty of water. There are no restrooms or water facilities located on this trail.

Tip #4: Remember, if you walk to the red gate, you’ve gone too far. The trailhead picks up directly across from the small turn out where cars will likely be parked.

Tip #5: This trail has many loose rocks and gravel. Wear hiking boots with good traction.

Tip #6: Trekking poles will be your best friend on this hike to assist you with steep uphill portions of the trail and navigating the rough terrain.

Tip #7: Wear long pants to avoid scratching your legs on the overgrown Yucca plants found on many portions of the trail.

Driving Directions

From downtown San Diego: Take CA-163 North and merge onto I-8 East. Take I-8 East to Tavern Road in Alpine (exit 30). Take a left onto Tavern Road. Take a light right onto Victoria Park Terrace. In 1 mile, turn left onto W Victoria Drive. In 1.4 miles turn left onto Anderson Road. Drive 0.5 miles and you will see a dirt turnout on your right. Park here and the trailhead will be right over here.