Can you believe Barber Mountain was once part of a jeep road? Now, let’s uncover some intriguing facts about Barber Mountain. This peak, reaching 3,257 feet, offers a rugged escape in San Diego County.
Before major wildfires and the Sunrise Power Link, Barber Mountain Road served as a vital connection. It linked upper Deerhorn Valley to Honey Springs Road. Today, access is limited due to private property restrictions. The official entry lies at a National Forest gate. Find it at the end of Cinnamon Drive. Be warned that Cinnamon Drive is a rough dirt road. Parking is scarce.
Barber Mountain Trail, also known as Forest Route 17S10, sees little foot traffic. SDG&E uses the old truck road for power line access. Border patrol and fire response teams also use it. Low guardrails line the trail. They prevent vehicles from straying off course. Motorized vehicles aren’t legally permitted here.
As you hike, the route winds past power towers. About a mile in, the trail dips into an oak canyon. This canyon provides the only tree shade along the route. An old trail descends into this canyon. It leads to an overlook of Barrett Lake. Poison oak overgrows much of this trail. Horseback riders have likely abandoned it for this reason. Continue along the main road. Hike along a bank of wild lilac before switchbacking up the road. Turn sharply west. At the highest switchback, a steep trail leads to a rise. You can look down at Barrett Lake from here. Remember, the descent will be challenging.
Keep an eye out for rattlesnakes. Southern Pacific, red diamond, and southwestern speckled rattlers inhabit this area. Look for southern mountain misery along the left bank. You might also spot blue hyacinth, monkey flowers, and mariposa lilies. In spring, wildflowers adorn the trail. Expect white, yellow, purple, and red hues. Listen for the elusive wrentit’s song. You will also hear spotted towhees, California towhees, and canyon wrens.
Much of this area burned in 2017. The chaparral has recovered remarkably. California buckwheat, chamise, and laurel sumac thrive. Scrub oak, mountain mahogany, and chaparral beard tongue create a dense shrub forest. Flowering annuals and perennials add to the beauty. California fuchsia, Parry’s phacelia, and wishbone plant dot the landscape. Nightshade, yarrow, and deer weed also grow here.
Coyotes, bobcats, and mountain lions roam this area. Mule deer and other animals rely on Barrett Lake’s water. The trail climbs steadily. It passes at the foot of Barber and Elena mountains. Reaching the summit requires serious bushwhacking. The western views are vast and wild. Expect dense chaparral and oak-filled canyons. Seasonal creeks and poison oak are also present.
Lawson Peak and Gaskill Peak are visible to the north. They sit on the other side of Lyons Valley. Granitic boulders and white slabs break up the dark-green vegetation. There is little shade here. Bring plenty of water for yourself and your dog. Keep your dog on a leash. Snakes and ticks are plentiful. Wildlife may tempt your dog into the scrub. Cell service is limited. Follow the one-third rule. Turn back when you’ve used one-third of your water. The walk back is mostly downhill. The last mile climbs back to the parking area.
Barber Mountain stands at 3,250 feet. Elena Mountain reaches 3,310 feet. These peaks offer a challenging climb for those seeking adventure. Barber Mountain offers unspoiled chaparral and uninhabited vistas. A true escape into San Diego’s wilderness awaits you.