Features: Panoramic views, rocky ascent to summit.

Length: 2.4 miles round trip.

Elevation gain/loss: +500'/-500'.

Hiking time: 2 hours.

Users: Hikers, equestrians. No bikes.

Difficulty: Moderate.

Best time of year: Any time except during storms.

Potable water: None.

Access points: Sunrise Highway 0.1 miles south of Mile Marker 28, near Deer Lake Park Road.

Description: From the trail sign for Garnet Peak, follow the trail 0.5 mi North through the skeletal remains of trees devestated by wildfire. Cross the Pacific Crest Trail and continue northeast on the unmarked rocky path leading upward toward the peak. The exposed summit harbors metasedimentary rock characteristic of the Laguna's eastern ridge, and sharply falls away yielding an unobstructed 360º view of the jewels of Southern California. To the east is Storm Canyon and the desert badlands below. Along the eastern horizon lies the Salton Sea some 60 miles away. Looking northwest, the dome of Palomar Observatory may be visible, while a more westerly gaze will reward you with peaks of Mts. San Jacinto and San Gorgonio. West and south are the Laguna and Cuyamaca mountain ranges. You are likely to feel the notorious desert winds from this vantage point, so prepare accordingly.