Volcan Mountain Wilderness Preserve

Mick Calarco

What an amazing place! Today, we hiked the fire road to the summit and took the Five Oaks Trail back on the way down. The hiking is steep, but very doable, just take your time. Hiking on fire roads is very different than hiking on single-track trails with gentle switchbacks. Stunning views of the surrounding mountains, valleys, desert, and Julian. Parking was pretty easy and free. Check out the awesome public art that graces the wilderness preserve entrance. And, if that's not enough, depending on the time of year, you may pick apples from an orchard right across from the trailhead. Lots to enjoy here.

Klausdg adventures

A great hike with amazing scenery and views. Started at 6:30 am. A little cloudy but not too bad. Perfect hiking conditions. About 55 degrees. Started up dirt road and a little ways in cut over to the 5 oaks trail. I recommend going this way. Trail is narrower through here but not bad. You climb through a mostly shaded area. Oaks all around you. Views of San Diego area. As you meet back up with main trail to the top it turns from trees to grass fields. Trail is much easier at this point. Not much climbing from here. Closer to the top you turn to the summit and on the east side is the desert. You can see the Salton sea and much of anza borrego desert. San Jacinto is to the north. At the summit there is a light tower and a picnic table. Behind the picnic table is a short trail to the rock on the summit. There is a marker in top of that rock. Great moderate hike.

Erica Westcott

I went for a hike here in mid February when the manzanita were blooming. The weather was sunny and cool and the bees were mad for the flowers!! Some parts of the trail felt like walking through a bee hive in action. A great hike for families, and you can even bring dogs on leashes. Lovely views of the surrounding mountains from the top, so pack a lunch and stay a while to enjoy the scenery before heading back down! And if you have sharp eyes, there are definitely horned lizards, woodpeckers, and other wildlife to be found.

Krista Millen

The trek up is pretty much entirely uphill & definitely keeps your heart rate up. It's a pretty awesome view from the top though & dog friendly as well. Make sure to take the side trip along Five Oaks Trail since it hooks back up with Volcan Mountain Trail further up. Beautiful scenery along that little detour.