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1.1 miles one way 5 Challenging Kwaay Paay, (meaning Leader in the Kumeyaay language) at 1194 feet is the fourth highest peak within the park. Many who climb it are in agreement that Kwaay Paay’s 1.1 mile trail and 865 foot vertical climb, is first in difficulty! Access to Kwaay Paay’s two trailheads is off Mission Gorge Road at the base of the hill on the Santee (east) side. At the traffic signal, turn north off Mission Gorge Road onto Father Junipero Serra Trail. (From the Santee side, drive west on Mission Gorge Road to the same traffic signal at the base of the big hill). Proceed .4 miles, passing the park’s Kumeyaay Lake Campground to the main gate which is open from 8am to 5pm during winter months. (See below for more complete driving directions) Shortly after passing the gate is the first of two trailheads, this one beginning with a steep (185 foot vertical) climb. If the gate is closed, hike (or drive if gate is open) .3 miles further on Father Junipero Serra Trail to a second - and more forgiving - trailhead that begins on the left side just across the road from the Old Mission Dam parking lot. If parking at the dam is full, parking along the road is permitted - as designated. Whichever trail you choose, the two merge at .4 and .3 miles respectively. At the merge, stop for a minute and look up. You’ll see a single scrub oak against the southwesterly skyline. It’s a landmark you think you’ll pass quickly. Not always so! As you climb, the numerous glimpses it affords seem to appear unchanged in size and distance. Finally, after some serious climbing ending with a short, steep 212 foot vertical segment*, you happen to glance to your right and there it is, closely beside you. Is it grinning? Beyond “the tree," things begin to level somewhat as you pass through beautiful chaparral with outstanding views. Keep an eye to the right and you’ll notice a very short trail that leads to a giant granite rock*, offering a 190 degree view, beginning with the San Diego area then circling to the north and continuing around to the east to Mt. Cuyamaca and beyond. Back to the main trail, (turn right) and hike approximately 50 paces. Look to the left for a short trail leading you to the first - and official - of Kwaay Paay’s two summits at 1194 feet*. Proceed back (and left) on the main trail approximately 70 paces to the “second summit” at 1192 feet * Chemical toilets are available at the Old Mission Dam. NOTE: There are no switchbacks on this hike. It is highly recommended that you wear trail running shoes or hiking boots with good tread and that you use hiking poles. *GPS Data: “Plateau” prior to 212' climb to tree: 32 49 909 117 02 606 “Tree abeam”: 32 49 758 117 02 740 Viewpoint: 32 49 679 117 02 767 Main summit: 32 49 653 117 02 739 Secondary summit: 32 49 681 117 02 766 instant online payday loans direct lender payday loan same day payday loan
From Route 52 - Take 52 to the Mast Blvd. exit in Santee. Driving east, turn left onto Mast Blvd., go under the freeway to the first traffic signal (West Hills Parkway) and turn right. Driving west, turn right onto Mast Blvd. and right onto West Hills Parkway. Take West Hills Parkway to Mission Gorge Road and turn right. Proceed down Mission Gorge Road 0.2 miles and turn right onto Father Junipero Serra Trail. Parking is available in the dirt lot at Bushy Hill Drive 0.2 miles down the road and along Father Junipero Serra Trail. The trail head is on the south side of Father Junipero Serra Trail, about 0.2 miles west of the entrance to Kumeyaay Lake and Campground. From Route 125 - Take 125 north to Mission Gorge Road and turn left. Proceed down Mission Gorge Road 0.2 miles and turn right onto Father Junipero Serra Trail. Parking is available in the dirt lot at Bushy Hill Drive 0.2 miles down the road and along Father Junipero Serra Trail. The trail head is on the south side of Father Junipero Serra Trail, about 0.2 miles west of the entrance to Kumeyaay Lake and Campground. From Interstate 8 - Take 8 to the Mission Gorge/Fairmount exit. Turn north onto Mission Gorge Road. Proceed down Mission Gorge Road 6.5 miles to the northern (Kumeyaay Lake) entrance to Father Junipero Serra Trail. Turn left onto Father Junipero Serra Trail. Parking is available in the dirt lot at Bushy Hill Drive 0.2 miles down the road and along Father Junipero Serra Trail. The trail head is on the south side of Father Junipero Serra Trail, about 0.2 miles west of the entrance to Kumeyaay Lake and Campground.  
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