Volcan Mountain Trailhead

Kristopher Ebbert

Well-defined trail with a beautiful trail head. Gains over 1,300' in 2.6 miles so it's slightly challenging. Great views from the summit. You can see the Salton Sea on a clear day.

Inez Quijas

The entrace to the trailhead is not very visible. As soon as you turn right onto the street there is a property and then the entrace with one small sign. It says it open s at 8am, but when we arrived at 7:30 there was 2 people starting. Weather was perfect. A bit cold at first, with some strong winds as we when up in elevation. A light sweater was perfect for me. The sky was clear and you could see views for mile. Once you start a little bit ahead in the path you will see a split one for the summit and the other for five oaks trail, it's clearly marked. We took the path to the summit and not five oaks trail on the way up, and five oaks on the way down. The summit trail is mostly inclined and allows bycicles, horses, and people. Five oaks is just for people. The views are beautiful throughout the trail. The wind blowing through the trees felt really nice. I think it's a good hike for children and dogs with breaks in between. It only took us about 1.5 hrs to get to the top. The summit has a very small marker at the top. We each brought 2lt of water and still had some at the end. There is porta pottys at the trailhead. Great hike all around..

Ravi Dhungel

One of the best hike in Julian. Lovely trail, beautiful trees, observatory, 360 degree views from the top - good for hiking and possibly difficult mountain biking trail. parking is super easy in the road.

Michael Lyons

Nice hike but make sure you are ready with eyes open. This is a 5 mile out and back with a bit over 1200 vertical feet. Some shade, but a lot of exposure also. Water, sunscreen and good footwear are an absolute must. I think the first 1/2 is the most strenuous but opinions may differ. A great option is to take the main train up and return using the Five Oaks trail which diverges from the main trail and connects again (you can't get lost). Great views from the top from Catalina Island to the Salton Sea.