Desert View Picnic Site

About Desert View Picnic Site

Desert View Picnic SitePets AllowedYesFeesAdventure Pass RequiredHike/Ride TimeFull dayDifficultyEasyBest SeasonsFall, Spring, WinterLocationLocated off exit 47 on the I-8, 10.2 miles up Sunrise Highway in the Laguna Mountain areaRanger DistrictDescanso Ranger District - (619) 445-6235Desert View allows for a one of a kind picnic experience with beautiful views of the desert. On clear days, the Salton Sea can be seen in the far distance. Desert View Picnic Area connects to the Pacific Crest Trail and the Desert View Nature Trail. Both trails crest the edge of Mount Laguna and provide beautiful views of the desert while hiking amongst chaparral and alpine forests. Currently, fires are allowed in designated fire pits in the picnic area.

Plan Your Visit to Desert View Picnic Site

Heading to Desert View Picnic Site? A few things to know before you go:

• Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
• Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
• Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
• Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
• Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go

References & Official Resources

• Official Recreation.gov page
• View on OpenStreetMap
• Driving directions (Google Maps)