9S07 - Palomar Divide

4.1/5 (19 reviews)
Temecula, California (SanDiego County)
Last Updated: 05/14/2018

Trail Information

Highlights

9S07 - Palomar Divide is located off Highway 79 in San Diego County, in the Cleveland National Forest near the Riverside County border. The views along this 13 mile trail are spectacular and are ideal for the new 4x4 wheeler to use for a picnic drive or for overnight camping. The waypoints will direct you to a wildlife guzzler, two semi-active gemstone mines, hiking trails, Sourdough Springs, and the Highpoint Lookout. Palomar Observatory is just a short distance beyond the permanently locked gate at trails end, but visitor access is only via Highway 76 to the south.

Trail Difficulty and Assessment

Trail Navigation

Trail Reviews

4.1/5 (19)
Open
Rated 3/5
Visited: 06/03/2023
Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

Palomar Divide is a great option for those days when you want to take in some amazing views and just need dirt. Mostly easy terrain, although rutted in a few spots and some broken asphalt near tge bottom. The offshoot up to High Point Fire Lookout, when the gate is open, is a little more challenging drive. Unfortunately, the gate connecting the portion that passes through the Palomar Observatory means this is up and back. Passing other vehicles may be difficult in spots.
400
Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 05/29/2023
Difficulty Accuracy: Harder

It was a beautiful sunny day and the trail was open. The Rain and water has made parts of it a little more routed and off camber, which made it more fun to test our suspension a little bit, but nothing too difficult. As you get towards the top, 4 wheel drive makes it much easier and you will appreciate a high clearance vehicle.
1000
Open
Rated 4/5
Visited: 04/30/2023
Difficulty Accuracy: Easier

Trail open on 4/30/23. Nothing technical at all on the trail but lots of views and the fire watch tower is fun to check out, though you aren't allowed to go up to tour this one. Parts have been burned about 2/3 the way up the trail between waypoints 7 and 8.
2700
Temporary Closure
Visited: 01/10/2023

closed 1/10/22
Open
Rated 4/5
Visited: 08/27/2022
Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

Ran this trail on Saturday 8/27/22, connected to the High Point Trail. The road between the two trails is probably a bit more difficult than either of them. Good run, beautiful day. Nissan Frontier and a Toyota Tundra

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