Page Type:
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Mountain/Rock |
|---|---|
Lat/Lon:
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32.75216°N / 116.86056°W |
Activities:
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Hiking |
Season:
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Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter |
Elevation:
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2183 ft / 665 m |
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Overview
McGinty Mountain is a chaparral covered mountain in the small town of Jamul east of San Diego. McGinty Mountain is interesting not in the sense that it is very high or vigorous, but that it affords the hiker amazing 360 degree views of San Diego County stretching from Mexico to the south, Cuyamaca Peak and the Lagunas to the east, Pacific Ocean to the west, and Palomar Mountain to the north. The small amount of effort needed for the views from the summit make this peak a worthwhile destination in addition to being on the San Diego County 100 Peaks List. Also of note is the relative obscurity of the peak. You won't see the crowds typical of Cowles Mountain, Iron Mountain, or Mount Woodson.Getting There
From San Diego get yourself onto CA-94 East. When the freeway ends make sure to keep right on CA-94 until you reach Lyons Valley Road. Turn left onto Lyons Valley Road and follow this a short way until you reach Jamul Drive. Turn left onto Jamul Drive, continuing for about 0.3 miles. The sandy parking lot for the trailhead will be on your right.
Route
Fairly straightforward, the hike to the summit is about 2.25 miles and involves about 1,400 feet of gain. The trail switchbacks up the first hill after the trailhead several times, fairly steeply in spots. Stay left when you see a flat sandy area and follow the trail to the top of the first ridge. The trail is a bit overgrown here but opens up at the top of the ridge.
view along the trail west to the Pacific Ocean
Once this ridge is crested the trail undulates for a short while, passing near a few private homes in the process. When the trail forks along this flattish section, stick to the lower, right hand side trail. The left fork is more of a use trail and peters out into the bushes.
Follow the trail and lose a bit of elevation before climbing up to the final saddle where the summit again comes into view again. Two short but steep climbs later head left off the main trail to the summit rocks.
The trail is steep and slippery in places, especially on the upper part of the mountain, so watch your footing!
Mountain Conditions
McGinty Mountain WeatherWhen to Climb
Fall, winter, spring, or summer. Preferably early and on a cool day. Attempting this hike in the summer should be reserved for masochists and the criminally insane. It can easily reach 100 degrees out in east county even when it is comfortable closer to the coast. Bring lots of water.Ecology
Interesting bit about the plant ecology on McGinty Mountain per Trails.com
T. White - Nov 24, 2024 2:35 pm - Voted 10/10
Trail conditionLots of signage and fencing down below re: closed areas, but although the powers that be have placed new bales along the trail to prevent runoff, the actual tread could use a lot of TLC. Would not be fun slogging along much of this route after wet weather.