A Guide To Hiking Cuyamaca Peak In The Snow

Last year, while I was tackling the San Diego Six Pack of Peaks Challenge, I stumbled upon the enchanting beauty of Cuyamaca Peak — it quickly became my go-to hike in San Diego. You can read all about that first hike in this blog post. But when I spotted the snow-capped peak from Liberty Station, I knew I couldn’t pass up the chance for a thrilling snow day adventure.

Cuyamaca Peak

Cuyamaca Peak is a 7.4-mile hike located in Cuyamaca Rancho State Park, near San Diego, California. According to my GPS tracker, the hike has an elevation gain of 1,887 ft. The trail is rated as moderate on AllTrails, and it truly lives up to that rating in normal conditions. Especially if you take the Azalea Glen Loop Trail to go up and return via the service road, the ascent will be very gradual.

However, in winter, snow can add to the complexity of the hike. When I hiked this in the snow, the snow started from the trailhead, which made it harder to walk, and there were many fallen trees, which I had to crawl under, go over, or figure out a way around.

IMPORTANT: If you choose to take the service road up to Cuyamaca Peak, then the hike will be a lot steeper. But if you do that, and also come back down with the service road, then your favorite furry companion could join you on the hike. Otherwise, leave your dog at home! In addition, given the current snowy conditions on Azalea Glen Loop Trail as of February 10th, 2024, I honestly think it’s far easier to take the service road up at the moment with all the snow.

Trailhead & Parking

The trailhead is located inside the Paso Picacho campground, near the entrance. There is a day-use parking area for a $10.00 fee. The fee is payable at the Rangers station and credit cards are accepted, but there’s also a self-registration station if you come outside of the Rangers’ working hours. You can also install the Yodel app and pay via credit card and license plate number through the app.

Preparation tips for a snow hike

Hiking in the snow takes longer than walking in the dirt, and it’s also more tiring.

1. Check the weather forecast
2. Know the route and trail conditions: Familiarize yourself with the trail you’ll be hiking and any potential hazards or obstacles you may encounter. Consider bringing a map or guidebook and check trail conditions and recent trip reports from other hikers.
3. Tell someone your plans
4. Wear layers: Dressing in layers is crucial for staying warm and dry during a snow hike. Start with a moisture-wicking base layer to keep sweat away from your skin, add an insulating layer for warmth, and top it off with a waterproof and breathable outer layer to protect against snow and wind.
5. Wear appropriate footwear (Amazon | Backcountry | REI): Invest in waterproof and insulated hiking boots with good traction to prevent slips and keep your feet warm and dry in snowy conditions. Consider using gaiters to keep snow out of your boots.
6. Bring the famous ten essentials (don’t forget to adapt them for your hike’s conditions)
7. Use trekking poles: Trekking poles can provide stability and support while hiking in snowy terrain, especially on uneven or slippery surfaces. They can also help reduce the strain on your knees and legs when navigating through deep snow.
8. Practice proper snow hiking techniques: When hiking in snow, take shorter steps and use a wider stance to maintain balance and stability. Avoid stepping directly on rocks or roots as they may be slippery.
9. Leave no trace: Practice Leave No Trace principles by packing out all trash, staying on designated trails (sometimes hard to do in the snow!), and respecting wildlife and natural habitats during your snow hike.

My Gear Recommendation

In addition to the famous ten essentials for hiking, check out these gear recommendations below to hike Cuyamaca Peak in the snow:

The Ascent to Cuyamaca Peak via Azalea Glen Loop Trail

I embarked on this hike because I knew there would be snow, and boy did it deliver an unforgettable adventure!!

The hike proved to be an exhilarating test of my skills and endurance. Navigating through the snowy terrain and overcoming obstacles like fallen trees and stream crossings added an extra thrill to the experience. With each step forward, I felt a sense of accomplishment and resilience.

However, upon entering the wooded section, the hike took a turn for the more arduous. Fallen trees littered the path, forcing me to negotiate various obstacles—climbing over, crawling under, or circumventing them altogether. At one spot, discerning the trail’s route proved tricky, prompting me to consult my GPS for guidance.

Reaching Azalea Spring Fire Road provided a brief moment of respite, allowing me to appreciate the breathtaking scenery around me. And while the ascent along the Conejos Trail presented its own set of challenges, including more fallen trees, drops, and unstable terrain, I remained undeterred, fueled by the thrill of the adventure.

The trail’s overgrown sections proved particularly demanding, the tangled branches loaded with snow and ice. My clothing became saturated as I pushed through. Most trees were also full of stalactites, and snow and ice were also falling from them. Squeezing past frozen overgrown trees was becoming exhausting and I was getting very keen to finally reach the service road. It became more and more clear I wouldn’t be able to hike back down via the way I came in the dark, so I really hoped the service road was going to be manageable to hike back down in the dark.

Because of the snow and trail conditions, the hike me an hour longer than when I hiked it without snow. Upon finally reaching the service road, a sense of relief washed over me, yet the setting sun and my chilled state prompted a decision to forgo the additional half-mile ascent to the summit. Watching the last of the sunset before descending via the service road filled me with a profound sense of peace and accomplishment.

The Descent Via The Service Road

The service road did not feel as steep as it did the last time I hiked this trail. I was expecting it to be slippery due to the heavy snow, but I was wearing my microspikes and I was able to get down the service road very quickly and at normal speed. That was a pleasant surprise as by this time, I was completely frozen and couldn’t wait to get back to my car and turn the heating on full blast. However, when I got back to my car, my car was not recognizing my keyfob nearby. I initially briefly thought I may have lost my keys when I took my gloves out of my pockets, but the battery temporarily stopped working due to being saturated when all my clothes got soaked. With the actual key, I was able to get into my car. Then, of course, the push button was not working to get it started, because it didn’t recognize the fob nearby. If that happens to you, you need to use the keyfob to push the push start button to get the car started!! And just like that, I was able to turn on the heating and feel warm again! What an adventure!

Relive My Snowy Cuyamaca Peak Hike

Below is my Relive video of this Cuyamaca Peak snow hike… For adventure enthusiasts, Relive offers an exceptional platform to capture and share your outdoor experiences like never before. Within the Relive community, you can create custom videos that vividly portray the essence of your journeys, converting your memories into captivating tales ready for sharing. Share the magnificence of your adventures with the world and ignite a passion for nature exploration through Relive‘s immersive storytelling. Join this dynamic community today and transform every escapade into a captivating visual narrative. Embrace the call of adventure and seize the opportunity to immortalize it with Relive!

Final Thoughts

Hiking Cuyamaca Peak via the Azalea Glen Loop Trail in the snow was certainly an adventure I won’t forget anytime soon. It was a lot harder than I anticipated due to all the fallen trees, but I am a stronger hiker for it now, and I would definitely do it again, even in the same conditions. Have you hiked Cuyamaca Peak in the snow? Comment with your experience below!

Post originally published on February 15, 2024, and last updated on April 19, 2024.