Hot Springs Mountain
Hot Springs Mountain is a peak located in the Peninsular Ranges in California. The mountain rises to an elevation of and is the highest point in San Diego County. Some snow falls on the mountain peak during winter. It is located in a remote region of the county, 4 miles from the community of Warner Springs, 12 miles from Borrego Springs, and 50 miles from San Diego. The mountain and its immediate surroundings belong to the Los Coyotes Band of Cahuilla and Cupeno Indians. As of 2011, the mountain can be accessed via a gated dirt road, and prospective hikers are admitted to the reservation subject to a nominal entry fee.
The peak offers views of San Diego, Riverside, San Bernardino, and Imperial counties on a clear day. To the north, Mount San Jacinto and Mount San Gorgonio can be seen, and on a very clear day, Mount Baldy can be seen too. Toro Peak and San Rosa Mountain are visible due northeast. Looking east, the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is visible, along with the Salton Sea. Visible to the south is Cuyamaca Peak, the second highest point in San Diego County. On a very clear day, urban San Diego can be seen across the mountains. Finally, to the west, the extreme vastness of the Pacific Ocean is visible, even Catalina Island. The furthest point visible is the Topatopa Mountains of Ventura County over one hundred and fifty miles away. Palomar Mountain is also a point of interest. Tree species found on the mountain peak include Jeffrey Pine, Ponderosa Pine, White Fir, Incense Cedar, and Sugar Pines with their trademark drooping branches.
From 2010 through 2012, the mountain and the surrounding land were leased by the tribe to a military training business, Eagle Rock Training Center. The business was evicted in early 2012 at the conclusion of an acrimonious court dispute.
