Granite Springs Gear Checklist
Granite Springs Environmental Camp is a walk-in camp on the grassy East Mesa of Cuyamaca Rancho State Park, with a few small sites, toilets, corrals and a hand pump. The state park page calls the water non-potable, and writers disagree on whether the creek still runs by summer. People who hiked in carry their own water or a filter, sun protection for the dry climb, a fuel-free or no-fire food plan, and a pad that suits a slope.
What shapes your gear on Granite Springs Environmental Camp
- Routes and distance
- Writers give different lengths because they start at different trailheads. One blog lists 8.8 miles and 1,200 feet of gain. A San Diego Reader walk from Deer Park Road covers 9.3 miles out and back with about 900 feet of gain. Derek Loranger walked an 11-mile loop from Green Valley that included a peak on day two.
From scott turner hikes, San Diego Reader and 100 Peaks
- How many sites
- Richie's Wolfpack counts 3 small sites and 1 group site. Loranger numbered three sites, found ants on number three and no logs to sit on at number two, and picked number one. The San Diego Reader mentions three horse corrals, and asks campers not to disturb horses.
From Richie's Wolfpack, 100 Peaks and San Diego Reader
- Water and toilets
- The state park page says both environmental camps have chemical toilets and non-potable water. Other writers describe a hand pump that needs filtering, vault or pit toilets, and a small creek that dries up in summer. A hiker on horseback told Loranger the spring water was poor quality.
From California State Parks, scott turner hikes, San Diego Reader, Richie's Wolfpack and 100 Peaks
- Heat and season
- The San Diego Reader suggests October through May and warns that summer is warm and buggy. Loranger met 92 degrees at the Green Valley trailhead on September 27, though the town forecast said 81. A January hiker had Santa Ana winds and above normal temperatures at about 5,000 feet.
From San Diego Reader, 100 Peaks and scott turner hikes
- Fee and booking, with conflicts
- The state park page lists both environmental camps as first come, first served. Richie's Wolfpack and Loranger agree, and Loranger suggests phoning the ranger station for the kiosks. Scott Turner lists a $5 overnight fee and says to check in with rangers. A 2017 San Diego Reader piece still says reservations are required through ReserveAmerica, so confirm before you drive out.
From California State Parks, Richie's Wolfpack, 100 Peaks, scott turner hikes and San Diego Reader
What the agency requires on Granite Springs Environmental Camp
Fires only in developed picnic areas and campgrounds
The park page says fire is not allowed anywhere except the developed picnic areas and campgrounds, and campfires use provided rings only. Loranger lists the trail camp as a no-fire site.
From California State Parks and 100 Peaks
Water you treat or carry yourself
The park page lists non-potable water at both Granite Springs and Arroyo Seco.
What hikers carry on Granite Springs Environmental Camp
Your own drinking water, plus a filter for the pump
Loranger carried his own because he was unsure any water was nearby. Turner and the San Diego Reader both say the pump water needs filtering, and Richie's Wolfpack relies on the creek only outside summer.
The pump, the creek and the spring all draw mixed comments, so a full carry is the safe plan.
From 100 Peaks, scott turner hikes, San Diego Reader and Richie's Wolfpack
Sun cover and frequent water breaks
The climb to East Mesa is exposed. Loranger took breaks wherever he found shade and met 92 degrees at the start. Turner plans to bring a wide-brimmed hat and light gloves next time, after a January trip with strong sun.
From 100 Peaks and scott turner hikes
A cold dinner or a stove with fuel in the bag
Loranger says he often camps without a stove, and Turner forgot his fuel and planned a cold dinner next time. Fires are not allowed at the camp.
From 100 Peaks, scott turner hikes and California State Parks
A light pack
Turner cut his load from about 40 pounds to about 21 and said the walk felt easy. Loranger's daughter felt her pack on the steeper stretch and he carried it for the last part.
From scott turner hikes and 100 Peaks
A pad and bag that cope with a slope
Turner pitched on a slope and slept poorly. Loranger toured the sites and chose the one with logs to sit on and no ants. He found a colony of ants at another.
From scott turner hikes and 100 Peaks
Spare socks
Turner missed an extra pair in January and listed them as the first fix for next time.
From scott turner hikes
A plan for horse traffic
The camp has corrals and a hiker met a rider searching for water on the mesa. The San Diego Reader asks visitors not to disturb horses.
From 100 Peaks and San Diego Reader
8 people can go on one permit. Split this list between them so nobody carries two stoves.
Plan a trip hereWhat hikers regret or leave behind on Granite Springs Environmental Camp
A bladder with an open nozzle
Turner spilled 1.5 liters into his tent from an unstopped bladder. On the same trip Loranger's daughter rested her pack on the nozzle of hers and lost her water.
From scott turner hikes and 100 Peaks
Counting on the creek in summer
Richie's Wolfpack warns that the creek dries up in summer and prefers early spring for the trip.
From Richie's Wolfpack
A heavy pack
Turner went from about 40 pounds to about 21 and was glad he did.
From scott turner hikes
Relying on one booking source
The agency page and two blogs call the camp first come, first served, but a 2017 newspaper piece says reservations are needed.
From California State Parks, Richie's Wolfpack and San Diego Reader
Gear questions for Granite Springs Environmental Camp
Is the water at Granite Springs Environmental Camp safe to drink?
The state park page lists non-potable water. Turner and the San Diego Reader describe a hand pump whose water needs filtering, and a hiker on horseback judged the spring water poor. Richie's Wolfpack says the creek dries up in summer.
From California State Parks, scott turner hikes, San Diego Reader, Richie's Wolfpack and 100 Peaks
Do you need a reservation for Granite Springs Environmental Camp?
The state park page says first come, first served, and two blogs agree. A 2017 San Diego Reader piece says to reserve through ReserveAmerica, so ask the Cuyamaca ranger station before you go.
From California State Parks, Richie's Wolfpack, 100 Peaks and San Diego Reader
Can you have a campfire at Granite Springs Environmental Camp?
No. The park page allows fire only in developed picnic areas and campgrounds, and Loranger lists the camp as no fires.
From California State Parks and 100 Peaks
When is the best time to visit Granite Springs Environmental Camp?
The San Diego Reader suggests October through May, since summer is warm and buggy. Richie's Wolfpack prefers early spring because the creek runs then.
From San Diego Reader and Richie's Wolfpack
Sources
- Cuyamaca Rancho State Park · California State Parks · Agency
- Granite Springs Primitive Trail Camp, Cuyamaca moon · 100 Peaks, Derek Loranger · Trip report
- Granite Springs Backcountry Camp · scott turner hikes, Scott Turner · Trip report
- Don't disturb the horses: Granite Springs Trail Camp · San Diego Reader, The Canyoneers · Blog
- Granite Springs · Richie's Wolfpack · Blog