44 mi · ~1 hr 15 min

Palomar Mountain

Twisty mountain switchbacks up to Palomar Mountain, popular with sports car drivers.

Start

Escondido, CA

33.1192, -117.0864

End

Palomar Mountain State Park, CA

33.3269, -116.8828

Along the way

Coffee

Kettle Coffee & Tea — Escondido

Fuel up before the climb.

🕘 Mon–Sat 6:30 AM – 4:00 PM, Sun 7:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Restroom

Lake Henshaw Resort

Restrooms, fuel, and shade halfway out.

Food

Mother's Kitchen

Classic summit-side stop for drivers and riders.

🕘 Fri–Sun 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Viewpoint

South Grade Road Overlook

Switchback vista over Pauma Valley.

Viewpoint

Palomar Observatory Overlook

Summit views across the backcountry beside the great dome.