Late Afternoon, Cuyamaca Lake, Cuyamaca State Park (c) Gar Cropser
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Late Afternoon, Cuyamaca Lake, Cuyamaca State Park (c) Gar Cropser
Location
My wife and I have traveled and photographed the West extensively, visiting virtually every national park, monument, and a good share of State Parks. During these travels, we have seen some of most spectacular scenery our country has to offer. Yet, we are drawn back year after year to a little known state park in our own backyard in Southern California-Cuyamaca Rancho State Park, situated only forty miles east of San Diego.
Cuyamaca, translated "the place where it rains," encompasses over 25,000 acres of dense pine and oak forests, lush meadows, seasonal streams, and beautiful Cuyamaca Lake, which borders the park. It boasts over 100 miles of hiking, horse and biking trails and affords an abundance of developed and primitive trail camping. Possessing such natural features and opportunities, Cuyamaca Rancho State Park is truly an inviting destination for outdoor enthusiasts, especially nature photographers.
The Park also gives clues of its former native inhabitants, the Kuyeyaah Indians, whose lineage extends back over 7,000 years in the area. Bedrock mortars mark the sites of ancient summer camps and villages, leaving behind a living history of the area for today’s visitor. A legacy of a more recent history is found in the quaint town of Julian, located just a few miles north of Cuyamaca, where gold was discovered in 1869. Evidence of gold mining activities can be found within the Park. The remnants of the Stonewall Mine, which opened in 1870, gave rise to the boomtown of Cuyamaca City, which had over 500 residents during its peak production period from 1886 to 1892.
Weather
Although much of the region surrounding Cuyamaca receives only a few inches of precipitation annually, the park’s unique location lures moist Pacific Ocean storms, averaging 37 inches of rain annually, validating its name’s meaning. As a result, the park hosts a vast array of conifer and broadleaf trees found nowhere else in Southern California. Some 17 species thrive in this moist environment.
Unlike many parks across the nation that experience temperature extremes, Cuyamaca is a relatively mild environment, where summer highs average 85 degrees, while winter lows hover around 28 degrees. Due to the parks latitude, snow deposits may last only a couple of weeks but offer breathtaking views, nonetheless. The spring and fall welcome the visitor with highs in the 50’s with the added bonuses of spring flowers and fall colors.
Photo Experience
Our favorite season to visit the park is in the fall when the black oak and deciduous trees burst forth hues of bright yellow and orange. Photo opportunities are plentiful during this time. Especially photogenic are the golden grasses and fallen tree branches juxtaposed against the conifers and colorful deciduous trees. The winter also offers wonderful photographic opportunities with stark tree branches contrasting beautifully against the pristine snow. Spring and early summer are the best times to view wildflowers. An abundance of columbine, baby blue eyes, purple lupine, iris, golden stars, splendid mariposa lily, milkmaids, monkey flower and many other species can be found carpeting the meadows and hillsides.
The park also offers excellent wildlife and bird photography. Mammals that frequent the park throughout the year include the elusive mountain lion, bobcat, southern mule deer, grey fox, coyote, raccoon, and the occasional black bear. Additionally, Cuyamaca is a popular location for true birdwatcher enthusiasts. Over 200 species of birds can be seen throughout the park. The most common birds include the acorn woodpecker, Steller’s jay, western bluebird, white-breasted nuthatch, mountain chickadee, American robin, red-tailed hawk and a variety of migrating marine birds.
If you’re interested in visiting a surprisingly unique and historical location with a variety of photographic and outdoor activities, then Cuyamaca Ranch State Park should be on your list of new locations to see in the near future.
Contact Information:
Cuyamaca Rancho State Park
12551 Highway 79
Descanso, CA 92016 (760) 765-0755