2 min
Overview
San Diego’s legendary biodiversity stems from its countless microclimates created by combinations of slope-aspect, shade, water sources, elevation spreads, and relationship to incoming Pacific storms. When all of these factors converge in particular ways, the landscape supports unexpected plant life that you wouldn’t expect to find in a semi-arid land. For instance, the Palomar Mountains harbor a rare species of banana slug. Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve contains the legendary Torrey pine, one of the rarest pine species on the planet. And perhaps less unique but still remarkable, a handful of San Diego mountain regions contain plant species more common in the Sierra Nevada. One such species is the Western azalea, a beautiful, fragrant, and showy blossom that blooms in the late spring. The presence of the azalea lends the name to this moderate route through one of the lovelier corners of Cuyamaca Rancho State Park. Azaleas bloom here along Azalea Creek in the aptly named Azalea Glen, but these ephemeral flowers are not the only highlights you can expect to find. In addition to the azalea, you’ll encounter a forest of cedars, oaks, and pines recovering from the 2003 Cedar Fire. The abundant moisture from the creek allowed the area’s conifers to recover faster and sustain less damage than neighboring areas you’ll explore between the creek and Azalea Spring. Azalea Spring is a fine place to stop and soak in impressive views east and northeast across Lake Cuyamaca and beyond to the high peaks of Anza-Borrego Desert. Azalea Glen, an open meadow that once housed a Kumeyaay village contains sprawling bedrock mortars used to grind acorns and seeds into meal. And finally, the creek supports several deciduous species, creating fall color during October and November. From the day use parking area in Paso Picacho Campground, find the wide path leading away to the northwest signed for Azalea Glen. This path immediately leaves the surviving trees around the campground and enters an area that the State Parks selected for
Trail Stats
6.7 km
213 m
1631 m
1459 m
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