Fry Creek Trail

Fry Creek Campground, in the Cleveland National Forest on Palomar Mountain, offers the kind of forest camping experience that is becoming increasingly scarce in Southern California. A long-term drought cycle and various recent wildfires have taken their toll on the larger trees growing at higher elevations. Palomar, however, remains relatively lush with oaks and coniferous trees such as pine, firs, and ­cedars.

Any visit to Palomar should involve a walk in the woods, and Fry Creek Trail, which circles the campground, is one such possibility. Conveniently enough, ­it’s right on the way to the famed Palomar Observatory, which is open to the public during the daytime ­hours.

From Highway 76 at the foot of Palomar Mountain, take either South Grade Road or East Grade Road to where the two meet at a crossroads called Crestline, high atop the mountain. From there, follow Canfield Road north toward Palomar Observatory. After 2.7 miles, just beyond Observatory Campground, note the sign for Fry Creek Campground on the left. The campground is seasonal (summer only). For day-use purposes, you must park outside the campground gate, and even then you must post a National Forest Adventure Pass on your parked car. These passes — daily and yearly versions — are available at Crestline and at various outdoor-oriented businesses all over San Diego ­County.

The Fry Creek Trail has a history of intermittent maintenance, and it may be hard to follow in places. It starts at the entrance to Fry Creek Campground and winds somewhat circuitously upward around some ravines north of the camping area below. When you reach a dirt road, ­you’ll swing left toward a grove of planted “Penny Pines” atop a 5240-foot-elevation saddle. ­That’s where ­you’ll find a maintenance road coming up from Fry Creek Campground. You can use it to descend into the campground and return to the starting point. Or, you can try to find and follow a lesser-used section of the trail that loops back to the starting point along the slope south of the campsites. This slope, because of its north-facing aspect, features larger trees and more ­shade.

Yet another option presents itself at the 5240-foot saddle: From there, ­it’s possible to head down a ravine descending west, into Palomar Mountain State Park, using a sketchy path. This “non-official trail” features a few obstacles such as fallen trees and scratchy chaparral. Perhaps 20 minutes of descent takes you to the site of the Palomar School Camp. Nearby lies Doane Valley Campground and Doane ­Pond.

Take along drinking water, watch out for rattlesnakes, and keep kids close by on any ramble through this ­area.

This article contains information about a publicly owned recreation or wilderness area. Trails and pathways are not necessarily marked. Conditions can change rapidly. Hikers should be properly equipped and have safety and navigational skills. The Reader and Jerry Schad assume no responsibility for any adverse ­experience.

FRY CREEK TRAIL
Ramble through the forest outside Fry Creek Campground, near Palomar Observatory.
Distance from downtown San Diego: 60 miles
Hiking length: 1 mile or more
Difficulty: Easy to moderate