Recreation Region: Descanso Ranger District - including the Laguna Mountains

Sunset Trail

Truly a Gem of the Laguna Mountain and the Cleveland National Forest, the Sunset trail takes hikers traversing through dense forest, vast meadows, grazing cattle, gorgeous viewpoints and during a wet year, a pond and several large lakes. On a clear day, this trail offers impressive panoramic views of mountain ranges, the Pacific Ocean and downtown San Diego. Listed as easy, this trail can range in distance from a 3.25 mile loop or a 9.2 mile round trip out-and-back journey (connecting with the Big Laguna Trail). Located off of Sunrise Highway (SR-1) at mile marker 19.1, parking is located on the shoulder on either side. This trail is for hikers only (though connecting trails can be used for bikers and equestrian) and is great for families, kids, couples, or even solo!

Specific Trail Information

Trail Number

5E07

Trail Type

Standard/Terra Trail — A trail that has a surface consisting predominantly of the ground and that is designed and managed to accommodate use on that surface.

General Information

Elevation Gain

500

Distance

4.6 miles one way

Pets Allowed

Yes

Fees

Adventure pass required per vehicle

Hike Time

3 to 6 hours

Difficulty

Easy

Best Seasons

Year Round

Location

Mile marker 19.1 on Sunrise Highway

Adventure Pass Required: To purchase a pass for this location visit a Cleveland National Forest office, find a local Adventure Pass vendor or purchase online at https://www.recreation.gov/.

Hiking only

Image of the front facing building of the Descanso Ranger District office, on the Cleveland National Forest. (US Forest Service photo by Erica Miller)

Address: 3348 Alpine Blvd. Alpine, CA 91901
Phone: 619-445-6235
Hours: Monday - Friday 8:30 am to 3:30 pm (closed 11:30 am-12:30 pm)
Office Email: SM.FS.DescansoRD@usda.gov

Getting There

Trailhead/Starting Points

Mile marker 19.1 on Sunrise Highway

Directions

I-8 east from San Diego to Sunrise Highway to Meadow Information Kiosk after first cattle guard. Vehicles should parking available along both sides of the highway.