State Park · California

Cuyamaca Rancho State Park

Location: San Diego County, California
Nearest town: 6.2 miles northeast of Descanso
Type: State Park

About Cuyamaca Rancho State Park

Pine, fir, and oak forests cover roughly 26,000 acres here, sustained by creeks and meadows that persist because of the area's elevation relative to its surroundings. The park sits near the southern edge of the Cleveland National Forest and includes Cuyamaca Peak, which rises to 6,512 feet and ranks as the second-highest point in the county. That summit, along with the Cuyamaca and Laguna Mountains nearby, defines the terrain within the park's boundaries.

Hours, fees, camping, reservations and closures are set by the park and change often. Check the official park site before you go.

Getting there

Cuyamaca Rancho State Park is in San Diego County, California, 6.2 miles northeast of Descanso. The Directions button takes you to the park's mapped location; the entrance may be elsewhere, so check the official site for the address to use.

State parks near Cuyamaca Rancho State Park

Within 60 miles, closest first, straight-line. All 213 in California →

Towns near Cuyamaca Rancho State Park

State parks near Lakeside, State parks near Escondido, State parks near San Diego

Facts from Wikidata, checked September 25, 2026. Distances are straight-line.