Overview
Garnet Peak is the best short summit hike in Cleveland National Forest. At 3.4 miles round trip with 700 feet of gain, it is compact enough for a quick morning outing before heading elsewhere, but the summit view from the Laguna Mountain escarpment is as dramatic as anything in the region. The eastern face of Garnet Peak drops nearly 3,000 feet to the Anza-Borrego Desert floor in a vertical relief that makes the view feel vertiginous even though the trail itself is safe and well-maintained.
The trailhead sits on Sunrise Highway at approximately 5,500 feet, and the hike begins in the Laguna Mountain's Jeffrey pine and black oak forest. The Pacific Crest Trail passes through the trailhead area, which means this is one of the rare places in Cleveland National Forest where you might encounter a PCT thru-hiker. The trail to Garnet Peak diverges from the PCT and climbs the ridge toward the east, gaining the summit escarpment quickly.
Spring (March through May) is the most popular season for this hike, when wildflowers bloom across the open granite slabs near the summit and the desert below is a patchwork of spring green and bloom color. The summit also works well in fall and winter when San Diego lowland haze clears and the full desert panorama is visible. For trip planning in this region, review our pre-trip conditions guide.
The Route
Miles 0 to 0.5 (PCT Connection): From the Sunrise Highway pullout, the trail follows the Pacific Crest Trail briefly before diverging south toward Garnet Peak. The terrain is open pine forest on flat ground for this first section.
Miles 0.5 to 1.4 (Ridge Climb): The trail turns east and begins climbing the ridge toward the escarpment. The gradient is steady and moderate. The forest thins as the trail gains elevation, and views begin opening to the west over the Laguna Mountain plateau.
Miles 1.4 to 1.7 (Summit Approach): The final approach involves rocky terrain on the open granite crest. The desert view appears suddenly as the trail crests the ridge. The summit is a broad granite platform with clear sight lines in all directions.
The Summit: The east view is the defining one: the Anza-Borrego Desert stretches to the horizon with the Salton Sea visible as a shining strip on clear days. The west view looks over the Laguna Mountain plateau and Jeffrey pine forest. The Pacific Ocean is visible on the clearest days. Return follows the same route.
When to Visit
October through June, with spring the most popular. Summer is comfortable at this elevation compared to lower-elevation forest trails, but afternoon thunderstorms develop from July through August. Arrive at the summit by mid-morning on summer days to avoid being exposed on the granite during lightning activity.
Check current fire restrictions and trail conditions, particularly after fire events, via our recommended pre-trip resources.
What to Bring
Many hikers carry 1 to 1.5 liters for this short hike. Individual needs vary. No water at the trailhead.
Consider bringing:
- Sunscreen for the exposed summit granite
- Wind layer for the escarpment edge
- Camera for the desert panorama
Practical Details
An Adventure Pass or America the Beautiful pass required for parking (as of 2026). No restroom at the trailhead; the nearest facilities are at Laguna Campground. Dogs welcome on leash.
Veterans and military families should review our veteran benefits for national forests for Adventure Pass equivalents and free pass options.
Getting There
From Interstate 8, take the Sunrise Highway (County Route S1) exit near Pine Valley. Drive north on Sunrise Highway approximately 5 miles. The Garnet Peak trailhead pullout is on the right side of the highway, signed with a small Forest Service marker. The Pacific Crest Trail crosses the highway at this point. Cell service is limited; download offline maps before leaving the interstate.