Volcan Mountain Trail

Volcan Mountain Trail is a 5 mile round trip hike up Volcan Mountain in Julian. The trail is beautiful in all seasons, with flowers in the spring and leaves changing in the fall. It can get very hot in the summer and occasionally get snow in the winter, so make sure to check the weather before you head out. The trail is mostly exposed to the sun and there is little shade. The trail is fairly steep, so I’d recommend a carrier unless your child is a very strong hiker. Though the fire road goes to the top, it is steep and I personally don’t think it is stroller friendly. There are porta potties available at the base of the trail.

After turning on Farmer Rd. from Wynola Rd, the first fire road you see on your right is the trailhead. Park along the side of the road. Walk along the fire road about 0.2 miles until you reach a sign for Volcan Mountain, and then you will see the wooden and metal sculptures. To the right is two porta potties. Continue through the gate and up the fire road. At roughly half a mile up you will see a trail to your right called Five Oaks Trail. You can take either the fire road or trail to the top, they eventually meet back up together. The trail is a little longer, it will add about a mile if you take it both up and down, but I personally like the trail a lot better than the fire road. It is less steep, the views are prettier, and usually there is less foot traffic. Continue on whichever path you chose until they meet back together again, then follow the signs to continue up the mountain. Near the top you will pass an overlook on your right side, then on your left. At the top there is a small loop path, benches, and a table. Once you are ready to head home, go back the way you came, or try the other path so you can see which you like best.