Cleveland National Forest near San Diego

The Cleveland National Forest is situated deep within Southern California, about a 90-minute drive from San Diego. With over 460,000 acres of lush, mountainous landscapes, there's no shortage of incredible experiences to be had throughout this outdoorsy destination. Thanks to its southern location, the forest has a warm and dry Mediterranean climate, ensuring that it's a wonderful place to visit in any season.

Spread across the Santa Ana, Laguna and Cuyamaca mountain ranges, the Cleveland National Forest offers numerous idyllic natural sights that visitors love to soak up. Ranging from tranquil swimming holes and towering waterfalls to bustling snowfields when the weather permits, this diverse region is great for a day trip or weekend getaway. With virtually endless hiking trails, campgrounds, and swimming spots to enjoy, the forest is a great getaway when you need to escape the city.

Cleveland National Forest near San Diego - one of the highlights of 10 Best Road Trips near San Diego (Read all about San Diego here)

What are the highlights of the Cleveland National Forest?

The Cleveland National Forest is almost unbeatable when you're in the mood for an active day in the sun. There's a great selection of well-maintained hiking trails traversing through a myriad of stunning locations. For instance, the Garnet Peak Trail – found in the Descanso District – reaches an elevation of 6,000 ft and features remarkable views stretching down the mountain range. If you'd prefer something with fewer hills, the Wooded Nature Trail is a short loop that blossoms with seasonal wildflowers.

The Cleveland National Forest also offers a top-notch collection of waterfalls. Cedar Creek Falls is definitely the most impressive, reaching a height of 80 ft. If you'd rather head for some locations that aren't quite so popular with other tourists, you won't be disappointed with the scenery at Tenaja Falls or Ortega Falls. Meanwhile, those who love a good road trip will find incredibly scenic routes along the Sunrise Scenic Byway and the twisting South Grade Road.

Where to eat and drink near Cleveland National Forest?

No matter where you decide to explore within the Cleveland National Forest, you're never too far from a city or town where you can stop to grab a delicious bite to eat. For example, you can cruise into Temecula, Escondido, Lake Elsinore, or Oceanside to find a wealth of dining and shopping venues that ensure you have everything you need.

Meanwhile, those who decide to stay deep inside the forest can find tasty places for lunch or dinner. Mother’s Kitchen is a low-key restaurant serving Mexican and Italian dishes in the shadow of Palomar Mountain, while the Pine House Cafe & Tavern near Mount Laguna has a long history of satisfied customers all the way back to 1942. With plenty more options to be found throughout the forest, you won’t have to worry about going hungry.

Good to know about Cleveland National Forest

For those who want to sleep beneath the stars, each campground has its own selection of amenities that might make some more suitable for your needs than others. Laguna Campground offers 53 sites with picnic tables, fire rings, BBQ grills and flushable toilets. Others, like the Upper San Juan Campground, only have vault toilets. Be sure to make your reservation early as spots throughout the forest get booked up fast for spring and summer.

Entering the Cleveland National Forest is free, but you might encounter a fee when visiting certain day-use areas and hiking trails. Meanwhile, the cost of reserving a campsite can fluctuate significantly depending on how well-equipped it is. Keep in mind the weather when deciding to travel to the forest as it can get particularly hot and humid. You should bring insect repellent as the critters can be bad throughout the year.

Adress: Co Hwy S7, Santa Ysabel, CA 92070, USA

Telefonnummer: +1 858-673-6180

Hudson Brown | Skribent

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