Granite Springs: Permit, Route
Granite Springs permits are walk-up only in Cuyamaca Rancho State Park. The route covers 4.5 miles.
A hike-in or ride-in environmental camp 4.5 miles from Green Valley, with chemical toilets, non-potable water and horse corrals, and no reservation system.
This guide covers the Granite Springs Environmental Camp permit.
1-7 nights
Duration
4.5 miles
Distance
moderate
Difficulty
About Granite Springs
Granite Springs is one of Cuyamaca Rancho State Park's two environmental camps for backpackers and equestrians. Both Granite Springs and Arroyo Seco are open on first come, first serve, and both have chemical toilets, non-potable water, corrals and tent sites. Primitive horse trail camps are located at Granite Springs and Arroyo Seco, with family campsites for up to eight people and one group site holding up to 16. The approach depends on where you start: 4.5 miles from Green Valley, 7.5 miles from Paso Picacho, 5.8 miles from the Sweetwater Turnout, or 7.2 miles by equestrian trail from Los Vaqueros. To use the trail camp, register at park headquarters, the Paso Picacho contact station, or the Green Valley campground. The park's warning is worth heeding: primitive sites are in an unlighted, remote area, so check in early to set up camp well before dark. Horse corrals are available, but equestrians should pack in feed because grazing is not allowed. Fire is not allowed anywhere except in the developed picnic areas and campgrounds, which excludes the environmental camps. For current fire restrictions, call the park.
Cuyamaca's two environmental camps are first-come, first-serve with no reservation system, and they provide corrals for horses. They sit in a landscape still visibly rebuilding after the 2003 Cedar Fire burned 90% of the park.
The Granite Springs route
- Distance
- 4.5 miles
- Route type
- out-and-back
- Low point
- 4,000 ft
- Trip length
- 1-7 nights
- Difficulty
- moderate
Entry points: Green Valley campground, Paso Picacho
Peninsular Ranges. Nearest town: Julian
Points along the route
- Green Valley campgroundMile 0, 4,000 ft
- Granite Springs Trail CampMile 4.5
- Cuyamaca Peak6,512 ft
- Stonewall Peak5,700 ft
- California Riding and Hiking Trail
Granite Springs permit detailsandAll Cuyamaca Rancho State Park permits
The Experience
Oak and pine in San Diego's mountains, with standing dead timber from the fire still marking the ridgelines and young conifers coming up beneath.
Granite Springs and Arroyo Seco environmental camps are open on first come, first serve. Both have chemical toilets, non-potable water, corrals and tent sites, with family campsites for up to eight people and one group site holding up to 16.
The park's own trail table gives the distances. To Granite Springs it is 4.5 miles from Green Valley and 7.5 miles from Paso Picacho, or 5.8 miles from the Sweetwater Turnout. By the equestrian trails it is 7.2 miles from Los Vaqueros. The agency attaches its own caveat that portions of trails may occasionally be closed or restricted.
To use the trail camp, register at park headquarters, the Paso Picacho contact station, or the Green Valley campground. The park notes that primitive sites are in an unlighted, remote area, so check in early to set up camp well before dark. Horse corrals are available, but equestrians should pack in feed because grazing is not allowed.
What to Expect
First come, first serve, with no reservation system at all
Chemical toilets, non-potable water, corrals and tent sites
Family sites for up to eight people, plus one group site for up to 16
4.5 miles from Green Valley or 7.5 from Paso Picacho
A landscape still rebuilding from the 2003 Cedar Fire
Registration required at headquarters, Paso Picacho or Green Valley before you go
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Permit Requirements
Granite Springs and Arroyo Seco Environmental camps are open on first come, first serve.
Register at park headquarters, the Paso Picacho contact station, or the Green Valley campground before using the trail camp.
Campsites are limited to 8 people maximum; one group site holds up to 16.
Fire is not allowed anywhere except in the developed picnic areas and campgrounds. Wood gathering is prohibited in the park.
Quiet hours are from 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM; visitors are not allowed between 10:00 PM and 6:00 AM.
Check-in time is 2:00 PM and check-out time is 12:00 PM.
Dogs must be attended and leashed at all times, and are restricted to the campgrounds, picnic areas, paved roads and the Cuyamaca Peak Fire Road.
Equestrians should pack in feed because grazing is not allowed.
Plan to arrive at your campsite before dark.
Gear & Preparation
Required Gear
- •Water purification, or all your drinking water: the camp's water is non-potable
- •Camp stove; fires are not allowed outside developed picnic areas and campgrounds
- •Headlamp for an unlighted, remote camp
- •Feed for any horses, since grazing is not allowed
- •Warm layers for nights above 4,500 feet
Recommended Gear
- •A call for current fire restrictions before you leave
- •Long sleeves and long pants for brush and ticks
- •Sun protection for a burn scar with reduced canopy
- •Extra water capacity in a dry range
- •An early start, so you reach camp well before dark
Hazards & Safety
Non-potable water at the camp: treat everything.
Fire is not allowed anywhere except in the developed picnic areas and campgrounds.
Rattlesnakes are present in the park, along with mountain lions, bobcats and gray foxes.
Standing fire-killed timber from the 2003 Cedar Fire, which burned 90% of the park.
A remote, unlighted camp several miles from the nearest road.
Summer heat and thin shade where the canopy burned.
Best Time to Visit
Spring and autumn. Spring brings green regrowth and running water in the drainages; autumn gives stable weather and cool nights. Summer carries the highest fire danger and the least shade, and winter here can be cold.
100+ wilderness permits, extensive backcountry experience
This guide is based on personal experience obtaining wilderness permits and is regularly updated to reflect current policies and strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for Granite Springs?
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Yes, a permit is required. Walk-up permits are available at the trailhead or visitor center, but arrive early as they may be limited.
When is the best time to visit Granite Springs?
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Spring and autumn. Spring brings green regrowth and running water in the drainages; autumn gives stable weather and cool nights. Summer carries the highest fire danger and the least shade, and winter here can be cold.
How long is the Granite Springs route?
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The route is 4.5 miles, as an out-and-back. Plan on 1-7 nights.
How difficult is the Granite Springs route?
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Backpackers and equestrians who want San Diego's mountains without a booking system, and horse parties who need corrals at the end of a ride.
Where does the Granite Springs route start?
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The permit covers 2 entry points: Green Valley campground, Paso Picacho.
What gear do I need for the Granite Springs route?
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Essential gear includes: Water purification, or all your drinking water: the camp's water is non-potable, Camp stove; fires are not allowed outside developed picnic areas and campgrounds, Headlamp for an unlighted, remote camp, Feed for any horses, since grazing is not allowed, Warm layers for nights above 4,500 feet.
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