Expansive meadow north of Big Laguna Lake offering scenic and peaceful alpine wondering

Expansive Meadows Southern California Style.  Highly recommended for few hours or full day of casual wondering in grand alpine environment, not typically associated with this part of the world.  Access is via Sunrise Highway, linking I-8 with SR 79 to Julian.  Lying at altitude of near 6000 ft area sometimes receives significant snowfall in winter months, but it usually doesn't last long.  Including neighbouring Cuymaca Rancho California State Park, I visited half a dozen of times in January/February and never encountered any difficulties.  Laguna lies in Cleveland National Forest and valid Park Pass is required;  ironically this pass won't be valid in Cuyamaca which is under state management (go figure). 

Drive I-8 east of San Diego and take exit 47 at Laguna Summit onto Sunrise Highway.  Road is paved, but twists and turns; when icy it could be tricky. If visiting first time, I recommend stopping at Visitor Center.  Hiking maps are sold for $2 only  - but same copy exists on Sunset Trailhead (see gallery).  There are also couple of campgrounds near main Laguna Rec center open (and used) year round.  Trails described in this report start from Sunrise Trailhead 4km south of Visitor Center and explore expansive Big Laguna meadow.  There is no dedicated parking lot, but plenty of space on both side of the road exist;  it does fill up on sunny weekends.  These two routes are just some of possible options;  use map and your imagination to design your own itinerary.  Big Laguna Meadow can also be reached from Campground as well as Penny Pines Trailhead by following Noble Canyon Trail.  Whichever direction you chose, do not miss Big Laguna Lake and meadow that lies north of the lake;  it is one of most peaceful and beautiful alpine areas I've visited outside Canada.

1.  Sunset Trail
2.  Big Laguna Trail
3.  Noble Canyon

Google Map

GPS Track

Sunset trail is only 'hiker only' trail in Laguna meadows;  others, including Big Laguna, are shared with equestrians and mountain bike riders.  It also spends more time in the woods, but forest is generally semi open and you are never without views for too long.  About 5 minutes past the cattle guard gate at trailhead there is junction;  Big Laguna trail turns right, while Sunset continues straight.  They will meet again at "Water of the Woods" - about 35-40min from the start.  Sunset trail then climbs forested ridge and trail is occasionally bit rocky.  Cresting up views west across Cuyamaca Rancho State Park open up and this is where Sunset is best enjoyed, and how trail got its name.  Trail then descends to top of Big Laguna Meadow, just a bit over 6km from trailhead.  You can then return via Big Laguna Trail either side of Big Laguna Lake, or continue to Penny Pines trailhead (2 cars needed).

If wanting to experience Sunset from Sunset trail, I suggest hiking to top of Big Laguna Meadow via Big Laguna trail then returning via Sunset, timing your hike to be on top of ridge around Sunset time.  You will hike last half an hour back to the trailhead with headlamp, but terrain is easy and this will not be a problem.

Google Map

GPS Track

Starting from Sunset Trailhead, Big Laguna turns right ~5 min from the trail kiosk, then meandering casually descends to south end of Big Laguna meadow. It is simply spectacular with open views casually meandering on west side of the meadow, past Water of the Woods, and then onto Big Laguna Lake - main highlight.  Little Laguna connector turns right here, and this will be return direction if you opt for clockwise loop as I did.  For photographers of special interest will be scenic north side of the lake where grass / marsh humps have created very photogenic spot.  I visited on two occasions with different light conditions and enjoyed the visual both times - see gallery.  Continuing past the lake do not miss isolated tree smack in the middle of grassland (if still there!).  Past junction with Sunset Trail, Big Laguna reaches junction with Penny Pines connector then loops back on east side of the meadow.  On next junction you can continue straight (shorter);  on my hike I turned left and walked over forested rise to Little Laguna Meadow, then circled back to Big Laguna lake that way.  Some topo maps show Little Laguna Lake here, but on my visit in early February '22 it was just a dried out mud.  Back at Big Laguna trail by the lake return same way you came or via Sunset trail from Water of the Woods.

Google Map

GPS Track

Alternate approach starting from Penny Pines Trailhead on Sunrise Highway.  It is probably the least scenic approach of 3 presented on this page.  After crossing the highway enter the gate and soon watch for junction on left (south) side.  This trail rises gently towards Big Laguna Meadows, eventually joining lake trail on north side;  junction is signed.  I did this as second hike of the day in late Jan '24 as winter sun already left valley in the shadows.  With no soul in sight - except colony of loons - I circled the lake CW then returned the same way (see Google Map).   Very tranquil and beautiful - yet another testimony how special this area is that needs to be experienced in different season and times of day to fully appreciate the beauty.