Location: From San Diego, take Highway 8 east approximately 40 miles to Sunrise Highway exit. Turn north and continue 12 miles to the Penny Pines sign - a rock-walled turnout on the east side of the highway, 1 mile north of Laguna campground immediately after cattleguard. Park here, cross to the west side of the highway, and hike the Noble Canyon Trail approximately 0.25 miles. At the trail junction, take the Big Laguna Trail southwest for 4 miles. Reverse directions to return to the trailhead. A Forest Service Adventure Pass is required for all parked vehicles. Adventure Passes can be purchased at the Forest Service Office in Alpine Monday through Friday, and at local vendors in Pine Valley and Mt. Laguna 7 days/week.
Comments: Take a beautiful walk through open stands of Jeffrey pines and black oaks and enjoy viewing at a 900-acre wet meadow with two seasonal lakes. Enjoy spectacular spring wildflower displays of lupine (Lupinus excubitus var. austromontanus), tidy tips (Layia platyglossa var. campestris), and cream-cups (Platystemon californicus). In the summer, scarlet penstemon (Penstemon centranthifolius) blooms give way to vivid fall colors among the oaks. Wildlife watchers will enjoy seeing ash-throated flycatchers, pygmy nuthatches, acorn woodpeckers, and Steller's jays. The lakes attract migratory shorebirds and waterfowl. Wildflower viewing is best in May and June along the byway and in Laguna Meadow next to the Big Laguna Trail and Laguna Campground. A Forest Service Adventure Pass is required for all parked vehicles. Adventure Passes can be purchased at the Forest Service office in Alpine 7 days a week.
