Volcan Mountain Foundation

Secondary Menu

San Diego County, California

Sunset/Blue Moon Hike on Volcan Mountain, Friday, July 31, 2015, Leaving the trailhead at 6:45 (See Meetup page link for weather updates)

Friday, July 31st experience the Volcan Mountain Wilderness Preserve (VMWP) under a summer Blue Moon with a sunset/night hike up to the VMWP summit guided by, San Diego County Parks staff. A second full moon in a calendar month is called a blue moon (by modern definition) and they happen rarely—hence the phrase ‘once in a blue moon’. The last blue moon occurred in 2012, and the next after this year will be in 2018.

Take in panoramic views while hiking the VMWP’s Five Oaks trail, and 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.  Park Attendant Bill Augustus will share information on the history and geography of the area.  From the summit you can enjoy an incredible view of San Felipe Valley and the Anza-Borrego Desert. 

The group will be leaving the Hubbell gateway trailhead on Farmer Road at 6:45pm, arriving at the summit just before sunset to enjoy the coastal view as the sun sets, and hiking back down to the trailhead under the light of the full moon, returning by approximately 9:30 or so.

The hike includes an elevation gain of approximately 1000 ft in 2 miles.  Please dress in layers as the temperature can change dramatically as we reach the summit.  Wear sturdy hiking shoes and bring a fully-charged flashlight, water and a snack for the summit. Park along Farmer Rd and meet at the Hubbell gateway by 6:45 PM.  The Hubbell gateway is located approximately 300 feet up the gravel road from the VMWP parking area along Farmer Road (1209 Farmer Road, Julian, CA 92036)—this is just north of the Wynola Road intersection with Farmer Road.

Inclement weather will cancel this event. Please contact the Heise Park Ranger office for updates or more information, 760-765-4098. You can also reply to Explore San Diego’s Backcountry Meetup page to receive any updates: 7/31/15 Sunset/Blue Moon Volcan Mountain Wilderness Preserve Guided Night Hike Meetup Event Link

Visit the Volcan Mountain Foundation's website at www.VolcanMt.org for ongoing updates of events and activities on and around the Volcan Mountain Range.