Anchor ads are not supported on this page.

4S Ranch Allied Gardens Alpine Baja Balboa Park Bankers Hill Barrio Logan Bay Ho Bay Park Black Mountain Ranch Blossom Valley Bonita Bonsall Borrego Springs Boulevard Campo Cardiff-by-the-Sea Carlsbad Carmel Mountain Carmel Valley Chollas View Chula Vista City College City Heights Clairemont College Area Coronado CSU San Marcos Cuyamaca College Del Cerro Del Mar Descanso Downtown San Diego Eastlake East Village El Cajon Emerald Hills Encanto Encinitas Escondido Fallbrook Fletcher Hills Golden Hill Grant Hill Grantville Grossmont College Guatay Harbor Island Hillcrest Imperial Beach Imperial Valley Jacumba Jamacha-Lomita Jamul Julian Kearny Mesa Kensington La Jolla Lakeside La Mesa Lemon Grove Leucadia Liberty Station Lincoln Acres Lincoln Park Linda Vista Little Italy Logan Heights Mesa College Midway District MiraCosta College Miramar Miramar College Mira Mesa Mission Beach Mission Hills Mission Valley Mountain View Mount Hope Mount Laguna National City Nestor Normal Heights North Park Oak Park Ocean Beach Oceanside Old Town Otay Mesa Pacific Beach Pala Palomar College Palomar Mountain Paradise Hills Pauma Valley Pine Valley Point Loma Point Loma Nazarene Potrero Poway Rainbow Ramona Rancho Bernardo Rancho Penasquitos Rancho San Diego Rancho Santa Fe Rolando San Carlos San Marcos San Onofre Santa Ysabel Santee San Ysidro Scripps Ranch SDSU Serra Mesa Shelltown Shelter Island Sherman Heights Skyline Solana Beach Sorrento Valley Southcrest South Park Southwestern College Spring Valley Stockton Talmadge Temecula Tierrasanta Tijuana UCSD University City University Heights USD Valencia Park Valley Center Vista Warner Springs

The dangers and beauty of Otay Mountain Pio Pico approach

On a clear day, you can expect to see hundreds of miles along the San Ysidro Mountain Range

Laurel sumac is a typical plant found on the mountain
Laurel sumac is a typical plant found on the mountain

This trail features impressive summit views of surrounding mountains, the US/Mexico border, and unique plant life. It is used by hikers/walkers, trail runners, mountain bikers, and off-roading vehicles. It should be noted that this is listed as a “truck trail,” so there is a fair amount of vehicle traffic on this narrow road. The trail is steep, long, and rocky. Quite a bit of hiking needs to be done before reaching any shade. Much of the trail is winding and just wide enough for an SUV to pass. Hikers and bikers should navigate with caution. For these reasons, hiking to the summit with young children is not recommended.

This section of Otay Mountain (Pio Pico approach) is flanked, for much of the trail, by protected private land and Otay Ranch Preserve land. Indeed, much of the land directly bordering the trail is a protected sensitive habitat. So individuals using the trail must use the trail only. The sensitive habitat border is marked by signs in most areas and prohibits the following activities: off-road vehicles, biking, hiking, horseback riding, shooting, hunting, plant collecting, camping/campfires.

The route is a beautiful and challenging trail offering incredible views and rare plant species, but it can be dangerous to both hikers and vehicles. Hiking Otay Mountain alone or past sunset is not recommended. Additionally, the trail conditions vary greatly by season. During the rainy season or on a rainy day, the trail can be quite slick and rocky. Large chunks of the road can be missing. An off-road vehicle was once viewed flipped upside-down at the bottom of the mountain—a morbid symbol of caution for current and future travelers.

Sponsored
Sponsored
The red tubular-shaped flower of paintbrush attracks hummingbirds

The hike begins from the parking area at Pio Pico Campground. Begin the hike by looking for two roads with gates just past the Pio Pico Country Store. Take the steeper uphill one with a bigger (open) gate. This is the Minnewawa Truck Road that slopes uphill just west of the neighborhood store. Minnewawa is paved for about 100 yards before turning into roughly graded dirt. Follow this road, avoiding any smaller spur roads. Near the summit is Doghouse Junction. From there, a major road does go left, but the summit is obvious to the right. In a short distance is the final quarter-mile paved spur road up to the summit. The gate may or may not be locked on this portion of the trail.

Hikers and nature enthusiasts alike are rewarded during this challenging hike to the summit of Otay Mountain, the highest summit of the San Ysidro Mountains. On a clear day, they can expect to see hundreds of miles along the San Ysidro Mountain Range, neighboring peaks, surrounding neighborhoods, San Diego’s city skyline, and Tijuana. And Otay Mountain, a remnant of an ancient chain of volancoes, supports a variety of habitats including chaparral and coastal sagebrush. White sage and chamise cover the mountainside from the start. Beautiful wildflowers fill the area in springtime. In early March, there are bursts of Indian paintbrush, California lilac, and shooting stars. Elevation gain brings about manzanita, oaks, and a unique site — Tecate cypress.

Tecate cypress, found only in southern California and Mexico, survives in a wondrous grove just past the Doghouse Junction area of the hike. This rare tree relies on fire to reproduce; however, the frequency and intensity of southern California’s present-day fires paired with habitat loss have threatened this species, making its conservation status endangered. The Quino checkerspot butterfly, a sensitive wildlife species, relies on the Tecate cypress. It lays its eggs on the flaky bark, which provides sustenance for larvae once they hatch. Other wildlife species calling Otay Mountain home include mule deer, California gnatcatchers, orange-throated whiptails, coast horned lizards, and arroyo toads.

With so many amazing things to see and appreciate, Otay Mountain is certainly worth the trek. Because it is accessible by vehicle, it is possible to shorten the walk a bit. Many hikers who wish to experience the view without a 12-mile strenuous hike may choose to drive a few miles up and park at a pull off (there aren’t many of these.) If you do choose this option, be mindful that a 4x4 is essential.

Springtime, while temperatures remain cool and wildflowers are sprinkled along the hillsides, is best for an Otay Mountain hike. Be sure to pack plenty of water and bring a camera to capture the spectacular views.

Otay Mt Pio Pico Approach map

OTAY MOUNTAIN – PIO PICO APPROACH

Enjoy rarely seen expansive views on this hike

Driving directions: From Eastlake/Chula Vista, take Otay Lakes Road towards Jamul, past Lower Otay Lake, to Pio Pico RV Resort and Campground. Turn right into the campground for a small parking area (8-10 cars) and public facilities. From CA-94 east, drive past Jamul and turn right on Otay Lakes Road. Follow this road until you see the Thousand Trails Campground on the left. Also on the left will be the Pio Pico County Store. Park in the campground. (If using GPS, plug in Pio Pico Campground). Hiking length: 12.4 mile out-and-back unless you drive part of the way, but 4WD is needed on this road. Difficulty: Strenuous. Elevation change 2,893 ft. Allow 10-12 hours. No facilities. NOTE: Hiking Otay Mountain alone or past sunset is not recommended. The trail is heavily monitored by the Border Patrol as this is a popular route for illegal US/Mexico border crossing. Despite this, it is still a popular recreation route.

Here's something you might be interested in.
Submit a free classified
or view all
Previous article

Nation’s sexy soldiers stage protest at Pendleton in wake of change in Marine uniform policy

Semper WHY?
Next Article

Angry Pete’s goes from pop-up to drive-thru

Detroit Pizza sidles into the husk of a shuttered Taco Bell
Laurel sumac is a typical plant found on the mountain
Laurel sumac is a typical plant found on the mountain

This trail features impressive summit views of surrounding mountains, the US/Mexico border, and unique plant life. It is used by hikers/walkers, trail runners, mountain bikers, and off-roading vehicles. It should be noted that this is listed as a “truck trail,” so there is a fair amount of vehicle traffic on this narrow road. The trail is steep, long, and rocky. Quite a bit of hiking needs to be done before reaching any shade. Much of the trail is winding and just wide enough for an SUV to pass. Hikers and bikers should navigate with caution. For these reasons, hiking to the summit with young children is not recommended.

This section of Otay Mountain (Pio Pico approach) is flanked, for much of the trail, by protected private land and Otay Ranch Preserve land. Indeed, much of the land directly bordering the trail is a protected sensitive habitat. So individuals using the trail must use the trail only. The sensitive habitat border is marked by signs in most areas and prohibits the following activities: off-road vehicles, biking, hiking, horseback riding, shooting, hunting, plant collecting, camping/campfires.

The route is a beautiful and challenging trail offering incredible views and rare plant species, but it can be dangerous to both hikers and vehicles. Hiking Otay Mountain alone or past sunset is not recommended. Additionally, the trail conditions vary greatly by season. During the rainy season or on a rainy day, the trail can be quite slick and rocky. Large chunks of the road can be missing. An off-road vehicle was once viewed flipped upside-down at the bottom of the mountain—a morbid symbol of caution for current and future travelers.

Sponsored
Sponsored
The red tubular-shaped flower of paintbrush attracks hummingbirds

The hike begins from the parking area at Pio Pico Campground. Begin the hike by looking for two roads with gates just past the Pio Pico Country Store. Take the steeper uphill one with a bigger (open) gate. This is the Minnewawa Truck Road that slopes uphill just west of the neighborhood store. Minnewawa is paved for about 100 yards before turning into roughly graded dirt. Follow this road, avoiding any smaller spur roads. Near the summit is Doghouse Junction. From there, a major road does go left, but the summit is obvious to the right. In a short distance is the final quarter-mile paved spur road up to the summit. The gate may or may not be locked on this portion of the trail.

Hikers and nature enthusiasts alike are rewarded during this challenging hike to the summit of Otay Mountain, the highest summit of the San Ysidro Mountains. On a clear day, they can expect to see hundreds of miles along the San Ysidro Mountain Range, neighboring peaks, surrounding neighborhoods, San Diego’s city skyline, and Tijuana. And Otay Mountain, a remnant of an ancient chain of volancoes, supports a variety of habitats including chaparral and coastal sagebrush. White sage and chamise cover the mountainside from the start. Beautiful wildflowers fill the area in springtime. In early March, there are bursts of Indian paintbrush, California lilac, and shooting stars. Elevation gain brings about manzanita, oaks, and a unique site — Tecate cypress.

Tecate cypress, found only in southern California and Mexico, survives in a wondrous grove just past the Doghouse Junction area of the hike. This rare tree relies on fire to reproduce; however, the frequency and intensity of southern California’s present-day fires paired with habitat loss have threatened this species, making its conservation status endangered. The Quino checkerspot butterfly, a sensitive wildlife species, relies on the Tecate cypress. It lays its eggs on the flaky bark, which provides sustenance for larvae once they hatch. Other wildlife species calling Otay Mountain home include mule deer, California gnatcatchers, orange-throated whiptails, coast horned lizards, and arroyo toads.

With so many amazing things to see and appreciate, Otay Mountain is certainly worth the trek. Because it is accessible by vehicle, it is possible to shorten the walk a bit. Many hikers who wish to experience the view without a 12-mile strenuous hike may choose to drive a few miles up and park at a pull off (there aren’t many of these.) If you do choose this option, be mindful that a 4x4 is essential.

Springtime, while temperatures remain cool and wildflowers are sprinkled along the hillsides, is best for an Otay Mountain hike. Be sure to pack plenty of water and bring a camera to capture the spectacular views.

Otay Mt Pio Pico Approach map

OTAY MOUNTAIN – PIO PICO APPROACH

Enjoy rarely seen expansive views on this hike

Driving directions: From Eastlake/Chula Vista, take Otay Lakes Road towards Jamul, past Lower Otay Lake, to Pio Pico RV Resort and Campground. Turn right into the campground for a small parking area (8-10 cars) and public facilities. From CA-94 east, drive past Jamul and turn right on Otay Lakes Road. Follow this road until you see the Thousand Trails Campground on the left. Also on the left will be the Pio Pico County Store. Park in the campground. (If using GPS, plug in Pio Pico Campground). Hiking length: 12.4 mile out-and-back unless you drive part of the way, but 4WD is needed on this road. Difficulty: Strenuous. Elevation change 2,893 ft. Allow 10-12 hours. No facilities. NOTE: Hiking Otay Mountain alone or past sunset is not recommended. The trail is heavily monitored by the Border Patrol as this is a popular route for illegal US/Mexico border crossing. Despite this, it is still a popular recreation route.

Comments
Sponsored
Here's something you might be interested in.
Submit a free classified
or view all
Previous article

Angry Pete’s goes from pop-up to drive-thru

Detroit Pizza sidles into the husk of a shuttered Taco Bell
Next Article

Reader Music Issue short takes

Obervatory's mosh pit, frenetic Rafael Payare, Lemonhead chaos, bleedforthescene, Coronado Tasting Room
Comments
Ask a Hipster — Advice you didn't know you needed Big Screen — Movie commentary Blurt — Music's inside track Booze News — San Diego spirits Classical Music — Immortal beauty Classifieds — Free and easy Cover Stories — Front-page features Drinks All Around — Bartenders' drink recipes Excerpts — Literary and spiritual excerpts Feast! — Food & drink reviews Feature Stories — Local news & stories Fishing Report — What’s getting hooked from ship and shore From the Archives — Spotlight on the past Golden Dreams — Talk of the town The Gonzo Report — Making the musical scene, or at least reporting from it Letters — Our inbox Movies@Home — Local movie buffs share favorites Movie Reviews — Our critics' picks and pans Musician Interviews — Up close with local artists Neighborhood News from Stringers — Hyperlocal news News Ticker — News & politics Obermeyer — San Diego politics illustrated Outdoors — Weekly changes in flora and fauna Overheard in San Diego — Eavesdropping illustrated Poetry — The old and the new Reader Travel — Travel section built by travelers Reading — The hunt for intellectuals Roam-O-Rama — SoCal's best hiking/biking trails San Diego Beer — Inside San Diego suds SD on the QT — Almost factual news Sheep and Goats — Places of worship Special Issues — The best of Street Style — San Diego streets have style Surf Diego — Real stories from those braving the waves Theater — On stage in San Diego this week Tin Fork — Silver spoon alternative Under the Radar — Matt Potter's undercover work Unforgettable — Long-ago San Diego Unreal Estate — San Diego's priciest pads Your Week — Daily event picks
4S Ranch Allied Gardens Alpine Baja Balboa Park Bankers Hill Barrio Logan Bay Ho Bay Park Black Mountain Ranch Blossom Valley Bonita Bonsall Borrego Springs Boulevard Campo Cardiff-by-the-Sea Carlsbad Carmel Mountain Carmel Valley Chollas View Chula Vista City College City Heights Clairemont College Area Coronado CSU San Marcos Cuyamaca College Del Cerro Del Mar Descanso Downtown San Diego Eastlake East Village El Cajon Emerald Hills Encanto Encinitas Escondido Fallbrook Fletcher Hills Golden Hill Grant Hill Grantville Grossmont College Guatay Harbor Island Hillcrest Imperial Beach Imperial Valley Jacumba Jamacha-Lomita Jamul Julian Kearny Mesa Kensington La Jolla Lakeside La Mesa Lemon Grove Leucadia Liberty Station Lincoln Acres Lincoln Park Linda Vista Little Italy Logan Heights Mesa College Midway District MiraCosta College Miramar Miramar College Mira Mesa Mission Beach Mission Hills Mission Valley Mountain View Mount Hope Mount Laguna National City Nestor Normal Heights North Park Oak Park Ocean Beach Oceanside Old Town Otay Mesa Pacific Beach Pala Palomar College Palomar Mountain Paradise Hills Pauma Valley Pine Valley Point Loma Point Loma Nazarene Potrero Poway Rainbow Ramona Rancho Bernardo Rancho Penasquitos Rancho San Diego Rancho Santa Fe Rolando San Carlos San Marcos San Onofre Santa Ysabel Santee San Ysidro Scripps Ranch SDSU Serra Mesa Shelltown Shelter Island Sherman Heights Skyline Solana Beach Sorrento Valley Southcrest South Park Southwestern College Spring Valley Stockton Talmadge Temecula Tierrasanta Tijuana UCSD University City University Heights USD Valencia Park Valley Center Vista Warner Springs
Close

Anchor ads are not supported on this page.