Perched high above us stands High Point a majestic peak in the Palomar Mountain range. It’s one of San Diego County’s tallest points. High Point boasts an elevation of 6140 feet. Only Cuyamaca Peak and Hot Springs Mountain surpass it in height within the county.
High Point’s history is rich and varied. The Luiseño people called it Wikyo. Later the Spanish named it Palomar meaning “pigeon roost”. The peak was briefly known as Mount Joseph Smith before reverting to Palomar in 1901. During the late 1800s and early 1900s High Point was a popular summer retreat. Three hotels operated there. A tent city even popped up in Doane Valley each summer.
Nathan Harrison an African American homesteader played a significant role in High Point’s early history. He bought land on the mountain’s western slope. He built a road that became a well-known tourist route called Harrison’s Grade. Harrison became a local legend known for his tall tales and jovial nature. His stories of battling grizzlies and mountain lions entertained countless travelers.
Today High Point is best known for its impressive fire lookout tower. Built in 1964 this 70-foot structure is the tallest USFS fire tower in California. It was reactivated in 2009 and is manned by volunteers from the San Diego/Riverside County Chapter of the FFLA. These dedicated individuals keep a watchful eye over the surrounding area. They conduct 360-degree scans every 15 minutes during the fire season.
High Point isn’t easily accessible. The road from the nearby Palomar Observatory is closed. You can reach it via the Palomar Divide Truck Trail or by hiking the Oak Grove Trail. The Oak Grove Trail is the oldest established trail on the Palomar Ranger District. It’s a 13.5-mile roundtrip hike but offers stunning views. The tower itself is not open to the public for climbing. However you can often chat with the volunteers who staff the tower. They are usually happy to share their knowledge and stories.
High Point’s history its stunning views and its unique fire tower make it a truly remarkable destination. It’s a place where history nature and community intertwine. A place where you can feel the spirit of the past while enjoying the beauty of the present. This is High Point a treasure waiting to be discovered.