Apple Pies & Desert Skies: A Self-Guided Driving Tour

Explore San Diego’s mountains, desert, and backcountry on a self-guided scenic driving tour from Escondido to Julian via Palomar Mountain and Borrego Springs. This 152-mile route takes you along some of the best backroads in Southern California, with GPS-triggered audio guiding you to overlooks, historic sites, and hidden stops along the way. Climb to the summit of Palomar Mountain to visit the famous Palomar Observatory, then descend into the desert landscapes of Anza-Borrego. Along the way, you’ll spot Borrego Springs’ iconic metal sculptures, sweeping valley views, and roadside viewpoints worth stopping for. The route finishes in the historic town of Julian—perfect for a slice of its famous apple pie. This flexible, self-paced tour lets you explore on your own schedule. Allow a full day to take in viewpoints, small towns, and optional short hikes like Borrego Palm Canyon. Bring water, snacks, and sun protection if you plan to stop and explore.

1. 1

   Queen Califia's Magical Circle

   15 min

   Queen Califia's Magical Circle is an outdoor sculpture garden created by artist Niki de Saint Phalle.

2. 2

   Stop 2

   Pass by

   Enjoy a scenic overlook as you drive by Lake Wohlford.

3. 3

   Pauma Valley

   Pass by

   Take in the spectacular views of Pauma Valley as we make our way to Palomar Mountain.

4. 4

   Palomar Observatory

   30 min

   Stop and visit the Palomar and Observatory and Museum, home to the famous 200-inch Hale Telescope.

5. 5

   Stop 5

   15 min

   Enjoy spectacular views of San Diego County from Kica Mik Overlook. Downtown San Diego and the Pacific Ocean are visible on clear days.

6. 6

   Stop 6

   5 min

   Another viewpoint on Palomar's East Grade Road provides breathtaking views of Lake Henshaw and the surrounding meadows.

7. 7

   Santa Ysabel Indian Mission

   15 min

   Stop and visit out one of southern California's famous mission churches, dating back to 1818.

8. 8

   Stop 8

   5 min

   Enjoy stunning views of the harsh desert landscape and the Salton Sea from the Montezuma Valley Road Scenic Overlook.

9. 9

   Stop 9

   15 min

   Stop at the Anza Borrego State Park Visitors Center before deciding if you'll take a short hike into Borrego Palm Canyon to see the fan palm oasis and seasonal creek. Be sure to keep an eye out for bighorn sheep, they blend in surprisingly well with the rocks!

10. 10

    Stop 10

    10 min

    We'll take you to the some of the most iconic metal sculptures in Borrego Springs. With more than 100 scattered across the desert, you could spend a whole day visiting them.

11. 11

    Julian

    1 hour

    Explore the historic mining town of Julian, known today for its apple pies! We'll tell you the best place to go for pie, plus we'll point out several other local attractions worth visiting.

• Service animals allowed
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• Palomar Observatory Closes at 3PM
• Anza Borrego Visitor Center Closes at 5PM
• Mom's Pies in Julian Closes at 5PM
• Eagle Mine in Julian Closes at 4PM

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.