Sunrise Scenic Byway
Sunrise Scenic Byway is a National Forest Scenic Byway in California. Within California it covers roughly 24 miles. The map below shows its route. Use “Plan a drive” to open it in the Road Sorties route planner — already routing along Sunrise Scenic Byway with scenic roads turned on, ready to add your own stops.
The Sunrise Scenic Byway is a National Forest Scenic Byway east of San Diego, following 24 miles of County Road S-1 through the Laguna Mountains. First established as a scenic byway in 1959, the two-lane paved road runs north from Interstate 8 near Descanso, around the Laguna Mountain Recreation Area, to a junction with Highway 79, climbing through the Cleveland National Forest with sweeping views west over mountain meadows and pine forest and east down more than a mile to the floor of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. The most photographed stop is Desert View, a picnic area where the transition from forested mountain to stark desert basin happens almost at your feet. Spring wildflowers, fall color in the oaks, and summer relief from San Diego's coastal heat all draw drivers to Laguna Mountain, while the Pacific Crest Trail crosses the recreation area for hikers wanting more than a windshield view. It is a compact but dramatic scenic drive, easily done as a half-day trip from San Diego.
- ~24 miles on County Road S-1
- Cleveland National Forest
- Laguna Mountain Recreation Area
- Desert View overlook of Anza-Borrego
- scenic byway since 1959
- Pacific Crest Trail crossing
- half-day trip from San Diego
Plan a drive on Sunrise Scenic Byway →
What is a National Forest Scenic Byway?
National Forest Scenic Byways are routes designated by the U.S. Forest Service that thread through the mountains, canyons and old growth of America's national forests and grasslands.
Where to Stay along Sunrise Scenic Byway
8 campgrounds and RV parks sit within about 5 miles of Sunrise Scenic Byway.
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