Overview
This is the mountain with the famous Marshal South homestead near its summit. Although the hike to the homestead is popular few people make the further journey to the top of the mountain. This is one of the Sierra Club's 100 San Diego County (SDC) peaks.
The hike to the ruins is only one mile, and the summit in only about another mile further.
Granite Mountain #2 from the TrailGetting There
From the North
From the Scissors Crossing on Highway 78, head south six miles and look for the Blair Valley sign and enter the dirt road. It’s another 3.2 miles on the dirt road to the trailhead marked by a stone monument to Yaquitepec.
From the South
From I-8, take exit 87 toward Ocotillo. Take S-2 / Sweeny Pass Road for 41.9 miles. Turn east on the dirt road for 3.2 miles to the trailhead
Red Tape
There are no legal restrictions but summer temps make hiking and camping nearly unbearable.
Camping
The great thing about Anza Borrego State Park is that camping is permitted anywhere. Around Ghost Mountain camping spots are plentiful. The winter is the best time to camp, the spring, fall and summer can be hot. Temps throughout the summer are above 100 degrees for months at a time.
External Links
Ghost Mountain Trip Report
San Diego Examiner Article
Ghost Mountain Hike Info
Ghost Mountain Area Info
Desert USA Article
100 Peaks Trip Report