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Warner Springs Ranch encompasses 2,500 acres nestled in the foothills of Palomar Mountain. The Ranch is
within a 2 1/2 hour drive from Los Angeles and 1 1/2 hours from San Diego. Here you'll find no city
skyscrapers, smog or noise, only crystal clear air and wide-open spaces. Should you feel a need to leave
the Ranch during your stay (most don't!), the following local area attractions may catch your eye:
Julian
Julian is an historic gold mining town located approximately an hour east of San Diego.
It is the premier mountain retreat in the county and is unique in that it has four seasons.
Spring brings the blossoming of many flowers including daffodils, summer is perfect for hiking
and star gazing, fall is famous for the apple festivals and fall colors, and winter brings snowfalls and
bright, crisp, "Christmassy" days.
Although famous for apples and their superb apple pie one can enjoy all year round,
Julian has become the center for visitors who wish to stay in the mountains but take day trips to the
nearby casinos, the Anza Borrego Desert State Park and the coast. It has always been the B&B capital
of Southern California, known for it's romantic atmosphere, but is now fast becoming a great
destination for families, hikers, weddings and corporate retreats.
Specialty shops line the streets of Julian. Town attractions are unique, ranging from wineries to
wolves. From the old time melodrama to the Grape Stomp Festa, Julian events are great for couples,
families and groups.
Palomar Mountain & Observatory
The Palomar Observatory, located in north San Diego County California, is owned and operated by the
California Institute of Technology. The observatory is home to the historic Hale 200-inch telescope. Other facilities on the
mountain include the 60-inch, 48-inch, 18-inch and the Snoop telescopes. The 60-inch telescope is
home to the Automated Transient Observing System. The 48-inch telescope is home to the Near-Earth
Asteroid Tracking and Palomar-QUEST surveys.
Anza Borrego State Park
With over 600,000 acres, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is the largest desert state park in the contiguous
United States. 500 miles of dirt roads, two huge wilderness areas (comprising 2/3 of the park) and 110 miles
of riding and hiking trails provide visitors with an unparalleled opportunity to experience the wonders
of the Colorado Desert. The park features washes, wildflowers, palm groves, cacti and sweeping vistas.
Visitors may also have the chance to see roadrunners, golden eagles, kit foxes, mule deer and bighorn
sheep as well as desert iguanas, chuckwallas and four species of rattlesnake.
Santa Ysabel Casino
The Santa Ysabel Casino is a 10 minute drive from Warner Springs Ranch on highway 79 (on the way to Julian) and offers slots, live poker, blackjack, billiards, lounge and restaurant. The casino is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and features stunning views of Lake Henshaw and Palomar Mountain.
Wild Animal Park
One of the most distinctive and successful wildlife preserves in the world. Located on 2,200 acres.
Pacific Crest Trail
The Pacific Crest Trail angles through Warner Springs Ranch and is great for hiking, backpacking and horseback riding.
This trail stretches from the Mexican border to the Canadian borders.
Temecula Wineries
14 different wineries for touring and tasting.
Mesa Grande Scenic Loop
Scenic drive in the back country.
Cuyamaca Lake
Situated at an elevation of 4600 feet in an Oak and Pine forest and surrounded on 3 sides by the 26,000
acre Cuyamaca Rancho State Park of which 52% is classified as wilderness. Stocked with over 44,000 lbs.
of fish, Lake Cuyamaca is the only San Diego lake that is able to stock trout all year long.
Other species of fish include Florida bass, smallmouth bass, channel catfish, crappie, bluegill and sturgeon.
Lake Henshaw
Fish for bass, crappie, catfish, bullhead and bluegill. Also known for hunting and camping.
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Local Attractions
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