San Diego Backcountry

San Diego is best known for its balmy weather and white sand beaches. Yet, just over the hills lies a wild backcountry of palm oases and cactus-studded hills. This loop drive goes from the suburbs to the edge of the high desert—and back—in just a few hours.The route begins just outside El Cajon on La Cresta Road. Heading inland, the route winds through the hills and ranches of inland San Diego to meet Highway 79 near Descanso. Entering the Sunrise Highway, the route turns north and climbs gradually into the Laguna Mountains. Cresting at over 6000 ft. near Mt. Laguna, the route skirts Lake Cuyamaca to arrive in Julian. From here, the route turns west to Santa Ysabel and then branches out along a series of oak-lined scenic backroads. At Ramona, the route cuts south through the rocky hills of the Barona Indian Reservation before descending to San Diego to complete the trip.