Mount Laguna

Travel Guide

The core of the Milky Way rises above the dome of the FAA radar dome
The core of the Milky Way rises above the dome of the FAA radar dome
Milky Way and 'streaking' over Sunrise Highway in Mt. Laguna

Last night(July 20, 2019), my friend and I went to Mt. Laguna with the idea of shooting the Milky Way as well as car trails leading up to the Milky Way.

What a beautiful night it was...clear skies, cool temperatures, not much traffic, and of course, the landscape of these beautiful trees!

However, the story here is not all happy. :(

In July 2013, the Chariot Fire reportedly destroyed 108 structures along Sunrise Highway, including the Al Bahr Shrine Camp and one lost at the Sierra Club Guymon Lodge. The blaze scorched over 7,055 acres.

John Stump with the Sierra Club later confirmed that Foster Lodge, the main building at the camp, remained standing. The burned building was known as the Cabin, or “Mandolff’s Hutte” to insiders.

“It was used for hostelling drop-in activities of individuals and family groups,”.  It was also adapted to encourage participation of physically challenged and disabled people.  “The loss of the cabin will severely limit the amount of programming the Sierra Club can provide and it will interfere with the housing for the Sierra Club’s all volunteer conservation caretakers,” he added. 

As we drove through the campground (fortunately, they were not destroyed in the fire!), it was very apparent that the fire had destroyed much. Couple of structures were burnt to the ground. Many of the cabins were still standing and had not been touched.  But they looked abandoned, even though they looked pretty nice.

Hope the Shriners and Sierra Club can restore these and provide service to the physically challenged individuals.  What a peaceful and beautiful area it is! #trovember
Near Hiking & Mtn Biking: Cozy Cabin in Mt Laguna!

Near Hiking & Mtn Biking: Cozy Cabin in Mt Laguna!

3 out of 5
Mount Laguna CA
Stay at this cottage in Mount Laguna. Enjoy free parking, patios and air conditioning. Popular attraction Laguna Mountain Recreation Area is located nearby.
Near Hiking & Mtn Biking: Cozy Cabin in Mt Laguna!
Ayres Lodge Alpine

Ayres Lodge Alpine

3 out of 5
1251 Tavern Rd Alpine CA
The price is RM483 per night from 18 Jan to 19 Jan
RM483
RM523 total
18 Jan - 19 Jan
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Alpine. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,002 reviews)
Room was clean, comfortable bed, great breakfast, and a friendly staff. Eventhough the place is undergoing renovations it was still a pleasure to stay. I will definitely be staying there in future.

Reviewed on 9 Jan 2026

Ayres Lodge Alpine
Viejas Casino & Willows Hotel

Viejas Casino & Willows Hotel

4 out of 5
5000 Willows Road Alpine CA
The price is RM544 per night from 28 Jan to 29 Jan
RM544
RM673 total
28 Jan - 29 Jan
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this spa resort in Alpine. Enjoy free parking, an outdoor pool and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,004 reviews)
Friendly and clean

Reviewed on 10 Jan 2026

Viejas Casino & Willows Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Near Hiking & Mtn Biking: Cozy Cabin in Mt Laguna!

Near Hiking & Mtn Biking: Cozy Cabin in Mt Laguna!

3 out of 5
Mount Laguna CA
Stay at this cottage in Mount Laguna. Enjoy free parking, patios and air conditioning. Popular attraction Laguna Mountain Recreation Area is located nearby.
Near Hiking & Mtn Biking: Cozy Cabin in Mt Laguna!
Stagecoach Trails RV Resort

Stagecoach Trails RV Resort

2 out of 5
7878 Great Southern Overland Julian CA
Stay at this campsite in Julian. Enjoy free parking, an outdoor pool and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attraction Yaqui Well is located nearby.
8.8/10 Excellent! (46 reviews)
Stage coach was great. Just be advised, their store is closed Sunday and Monday and the nearest one is about 30 minutes away.

Reviewed on 24 Oct 2025

Stagecoach Trails RV Resort
Oakzanita Springs RV Campground

Oakzanita Springs RV Campground

2 out of 5
11053 Highway 79 Descanso CA
Stay at this campsite in Descanso. Enjoy free parking, a business centre and a picnic area. Popular attractions Cuyamaca Mountain State Wilderness and Descanso ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (26 reviews)
The area was amazing and the cabin was very cozy. It had everything we needed. We will definitely go back in the summer.

Reviewed on 5 Jan 2026

Oakzanita Springs RV Campground
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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