Facility · California ·
Managed by the USDA Forest Service
Cleveland National Forest (NF) · Open Access
Desert View Picnic Site
Pets Allowed
Yes
Fees
Hike/Ride Time
Full day
Difficulty
Easy
Best Seasons
Fall, Spring, Winter
Location
Located off exit 47 on the I-8, 10.2 miles up Sunrise Highway in the Laguna Mountain area
Ranger District
Descanso Ranger District - (619) 445-6235
Desert View allows for a one of a kind picnic experience with beautiful views of the desert. On clear days, the Salton Sea can be seen in the far distance. Desert View Picnic Area connects to the Pacific Crest Trail and the Desert View Nature Trail. Both trails crest the edge of Mount Laguna and provide beautiful views of the desert while hiking amongst chaparral and alpine forests. Currently, fires are allowed in designated fire pits in the picnic area.
32.86972, -116.41472 · 32°52'11.0"N 116°24'53.0"W
Typically 83°F in Jul, down to 50°F in Feb.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 50 | 50 | 54 | 61 | 68 | 78 | 83 | 82 | 76 | 67 | 57 | 51 |
| Low °F | 33 | 34 | 36 | 40 | 46 | 53 | 60 | 58 | 54 | 45 | 38 | 34 |
| Precip in | 2.7 | 4.8 | 2.6 | 0.9 | 0.4 | 0.1 | 0.8 | 0.5 | 0.5 | 0.7 | 1.4 | 2.3 |
1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 0.3 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.
Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-02-25.
Facility information and photographs from Recreation.gov (RIDB). SpotOpened is not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.
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