Palomar Mountain State Park sits happily in southern California, just a little way north of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. Nearby towns include Temecula, Vista, and Palm Desert, with Palm Springs only a hop, skip, and a jump away.
The easiest way to reach Palomar Mountain State Park is to drive yourself, either in your own car or in a rental. That said, there are other ways to reach the park.
If you don't want to spend money on a rental car, you can take the Pacific Surfliner out of San Diego. Just get off the train at Melrose Dr. Station - but be prepared to front the cost of both your ticket and the taxi ride. The cost of this ride varies and can run you between $184 and $259, but it will get you to the park in two hours and forty-five minutes.
If you don't want to spend money on a rental car, you can take the Pacific Surfliner out of San Diego. While this train won't get you all of the way to the park, you can make up the distance with the help of a taxi. Just get off the train at Melrose Dr. Station - but be prepared to front the cost of both your ticket and the taxi ride. The cost of this ride varies and can run you between $184 and $259, but it will get you to the park in two hours and forty-five minutes.
The Environmental Learning and Visitor's Center
While there are plenty of alternative activities for you to enjoy in the park, nothing beats Palomar's many hiking trails.
The Environmental Learning and Visitor's Center
Thunder Spring Trail
Silvercrest Trail
Scott's Cabin Loop
8.7 miles
3.6 miles
5.7 miles
2.9 miles
Oak Grove Trail to High Point
13 miles
Palomar Divide Road
25.1 miles
Nate Harrison Grade OHV Route
17 miles
Love Valley Trail
7.2 miles