Volcan Mountain Foundation

Fall is an incredible time to visit Julian, take a hike and get up close and personal with the changing fall colors of the local oaks and sycamores.  The Volcan Mountain Foundation and San Diego County Parks & Rec are offering several opportunities to get out, explore, discover and learn in October and November.  Happy Trails!

Saturday, October 12th at 9am:  'Back in the Day' of the Santa Ysabel Rancho

County Park Docent and Julian Historical Society President Ed Huffman will discuss the history of the Santa Ysabel Rancho in its early days as a Native American village, Spanish Land Grant with its ties to the Santa Ysabel Mission and 200 year history of cattle ranching. This area was vital to the growth of early San Diego and the whole of California. Come and learn!

Meet at the Santa Ysabel Preserve Staging area on Farmer Road.  The interpretive program is open to all ages and is free to the public.  Inclement weather will cancel the event.  For more information on this San Diego County Parks & Rec event, please contact the local staff office at 760-765-4098.

Sunday, October 13th at 10am:  Volcan Mountain Founders' Day Celebration Hike with Sally Snipes

Everyone is invited to kick off the Volcan Mountain Foundation's 25th Anniversary Founders' Day Celebration with a morning hike on Sunday, October 13th on Volcan Mountain led by long-time docent, Sally Snipes.  Meet at 10am at the Volcan Mountain Wilderness Preserve-Hubbell Gateway trail head on Farmer Road.  Bring water, wear sturdy shoes, and be prepared for a good uphill hike.

Sunday, October 13th at 10am:  Explore Volcan Mountain Nature Center with Sharyl Massey

All ages are welcome to join Volcan Mountain Foundation naturalist and board member, Sharyl Massey, at 10am this Sunday, October 13th for a family/kid-friendly exploration of the Volcan Mountain Nature Center as part of VMF's 25th Anniversary Founders' Day Celebration.

You must contact the VMF office no later than Friday, October 11th via phone (760-765-2300) or e-mail to RSVP and confirm space availability.

Sunday, October 27th at 10am:  Volcan Mountain Wilderness Preserve Hike to the Summit

Join County Park & Rec Staff for a fall hike on scenic Volcan Mountain. Take in the panoramic views while hiking the Five Oaks Trail of the Volcan Mountain Wilderness Preserve. Enjoy a bird’s eye view of Julian, where on a clear day you can see the buildings in downtown San Diego and islands off the coast of Mexico and Southern California. From the summit, you can enjoy an incredible view of San Felipe Valley and the desert. This hike will include an elevation gain of approximately 1000 feet in two miles, with a total distance of about 5 1/2 miles.

Please dress in layers as the temperature can change dramatically at the summit. Wear sturdy hiking shoes and carry plenty of water. Bring a snack or lunch for the summit. Inclement weather will cancel the event. Meet at 10am at the Volcan Mountain Wilderness Preserve-Hubbell Gateway trail head on Farmer Road.  The interpretive program is open to all ages and is free to the public.  For more information on this San Diego County Parks & Rec event, please contact the local staff office at 760-765-4098.

Sunday, November 10th at 1pm:  Volcan Mountain-Closing Summit Hike

Join San Diego County Parks & Rec staff for a hike to the summit of the Volcan Mountain Wilderness Preserve (VMWP).  Although the VMWP is open 365 days a year (weather permitting) up to the mid-summit gate, the final leg of the trail to the summit is only accessible on weekends and holidays from April through October.  Experience the beauty of Volcan Mountain in the fall, and help close the summit season in style!

Enjoy a bird’s eye view of Julian, where on a clear day you can see the buildings in downtown San Diego and islands off the coast of Mexico and Southern California. From the summit, you can enjoy an incredible view of San Felipe Valley and the desert. This hike will include an elevation gain of approximately 1000 feet in two miles, with a total distance of about 5 1/2 miles.

Please dress in layers as the temperature can change dramatically at the summit. Wear sturdy hiking shoes and carry plenty of water. Bring a snack or lunch for the summit. Inclement weather will cancel the event. Meet at 1pm at the Volcan Mountain Wilderness Preserve-Hubbell Gateway trail head on Farmer Road.  The interpretive program is open to all ages and is free to the public.  For more information on this San Diego County Parks & Rec event, please contact the local staff office at 760-765-4098.

Saturday, November 16th at 10am:  Santa Ysabel East-Taking Back the Trails Hike

Join San Diego County Parks Attendant, Bill Augustus, and go behind the the scenes to 'take back the trails' at Santa Ysabel Preserve East.  Bill will discuss plants and history of the preserve while exploring areas of the preserve that most people don't get to see.  This should be a special treat to discover new areas not typically accessed by the public.

Meet at the Santa Ysabel Preserve Staging area on Farmer Road.  The interpretive program is open to all ages and is free to the public.  Bring water, snacks, and a light jacket.  Inclement weather will cancel the event.  For more information on this San Diego County Parks & Rec event, please contact the local staff office at 760-765-4098