Crystal Cave

Santee, California

4.0/5

based on 1 reviews

Save

View all 9 photos

All 9 photos

Save Review Directions Add Photo

Details

Distance

0.46 miles

Elevation Gain

59 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Alex Seger

San Diego county is literally scattered with old mines from days past. Many are discovered, and many still lay untouched in the wilderness. Crystal cave and the adjacent mines are slices of history that give you a sense of wonder when visiting.

Starting at 8100 Mesa road, you will see parking along the side of the road in a few places, take advantage where you find it.

Pass over the trail gate that marks the start of the journey. This will be a quick trip, as the total distance is less than a mile out and back. Head a quarter mile or so before you come across a waterfall and small pond on your right hand side. Depending on the time of year you go, you may have to cross over boulders and such, avoiding the water, so be mindful of your footing! Just a short distance up the mountain after you cross the waterfall is crystal cave.

The city has filled in the entrances for safety reasons. Entering an old mine is extremely unsafe and risky. From the risk of collapse ,to the very air you breathe inside, it's best to observe and enjoy from the outside! Take care not to pick up or take any minerals or rocks in the area. The area is protected, and we need to do our best to keep it that way! Enjoy the adventure!

Download the Outbound mobile app

Find adventures and camping on the go, share photos, use GPX tracks, and download maps for offline use.

Get the app

Download GPX File

Features

Hiking

Easy Parking

Waterfall

Crystal Cave Reviews

Bill Pedersen

Crystal Cave

06/15/20

I've hike Cowles Mt. many times, lived off Boulder when I was a kid and i remember going up to it once. But I cannot remember exactly where it is and tried looking on google maps to no avail. could you provide a little more details to get to the location? Thanks!!!

4.0

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Cowles Mountain via Big Rock Trail

Starting somewhat near sea-level, Cowles Mountain via the Big Rock Trail climbs about 1000 ft in elevation. This trail is about 5 miles total, out and back. Arrive at Big Rock park which has good parking. At the park you will walk to the left of the tennis courts past the limits (the fence) of the park and turn right where you will see a wooden figure with papers on it. The trail head sign ...

Cowles Mountain via Big Rock Road

Start by plugging 8125 Arlette St, Santee, CA into your GPS. This takes you to Big Rock Park, a convenient parking spot for the Cowles Hike. From here you want to walk through the park, and around the right side of the tennis court. This will take you to the fenced entrance to the hike. Head south for about a half mile( residential houses will be on your left for this small stretch) then link u...

Kwaay Paay Trail

Park your car in the small gravel parking lot at the southwest corner of Father Junipero Serra Trail and Bushy Hill Drive (this is especially important if you plan to take the sunset hike, so you'll be outside the locked park gate when you descend). There will be other hikers parked there, but I've never had any problem finding a spot. Walk a short distance westward along the road (Junipero Ser...

Pyles Peak

Most people who live in San Diego have heard of, if not hiked, Cowles Mountain. At 1591 ft., Cowles is the highest peak in the city of San Diego. It's a hugely popular destination for day hikers and trail runners looking to get in a little trail time and take in the 360 degree views the summit has to offer. What most people don't know, however, is that there is more to see and more trail ahead...

Oak Canyon in Mission Trails Regional Park

Starting on Father Junipero Serra Trail, drive 0.7 miles west to the Old Mission Dam parking lot on the left. The park closes the gates at 7pm, so make sure to park early, or plan your hike in such a way that you don't get locked in! If you think you'll need longer, you can park out on the main road, and walk in. Starting at the parking lot, walk down past the bathrooms to the entrance for Oak...

Visitor Center Loop Trail

The Visitor Center Loop Trail is a 1.4 mile hike in San Diego that features river views and allows dogs.The Visitor Center Loop Trail is a well maintained, quick hike with shady spots scattered along the path and open year-round. This trail is great for kids and dog owners. There is a great network of connecting trails if you wish to extend the distance! This trail also allows allows for the pr...

Crystal Cave

Details

Description

Download the Outbound mobile app

Features

Crystal Cave Reviews

Leave No Trace

Nearby

Cowles Mountain via Big Rock Trail

Cowles Mountain via Big Rock Road

Kwaay Paay Trail

Pyles Peak

Oak Canyon in Mission Trails Regional Park

Visitor Center Loop Trail

Discover

Community

Company

Follow Us

Mobile Apps