The Laguna Mountain Volunteers Association and U.S. Forest Service work together to provide recreation opportunities in the Laguna Mountain Recreation Area of Cleveland National Forest. This includes walking routes accessible to hikers, such as Wooded Hill Trail. This 1.5-mile loop winds through pine and oak trees, and at its highest points offers views of San Diego and the Pacific Ocean. The Kwaaymii Nature Trail has a length of around 0.5 miles. Hikers walking the trail can see evidence of the Kwaaymii Indians that once lived in the area.
The San Diego Mountain Biking Association rates the Noble Canyon Trail as one of the most challenging routes for bikers in the Laguna Mountains. The route takes riders through a variety of landscapes, including desert scrub, chaparral, alpine meadow and forest. Depending on the exact route taken, the trail length can vary from around 10 to 17 miles. As they ride the trail, bikers have to negotiate a variety of terrain, from smooth, flat lengths to steeper, rocky sections.
Routes in the Laguna Mountain Recreation Area that allow horse riding include Indian Creek Trail. Commencing at the Penny Pines Trailhead, this route passes through areas of forest and chaparral, linking into other equestrian routes in the area, such as Pine Mountain Trail and Noble Canyon Trail. Depending on the exact route taken, riders can travel between 10 and 12 miles to return to the Penny Pines Trailhead. Sights to see along the routes include the landscapes of Indian Creek Canyon and Champagne Pass.
Hikers and horse riders visiting Mount Laguna can also access the Pacific Crest Trail. This National Scenic Trail runs for a length of over 2,600 miles along the U.S. West coast, from Mexico to Canada. At its southern end, a 10-mile stretch of the route passes through the Laguna Mountains, running between La Posta Road and Kwyaamii Point.
Visitors should note that the U.S. Forest Service considers some locations in the Cleveland National Forest as High Impact Recreation Areas. In the Laguna Mountains this includes the Laguna Mountain Recreation Area, as well as the Pine Creek drainage area and the Sunrise Highway area. Visitors have to pay a fee to use the amenities in these areas, with details available on the U.S Forest Service website.
