A popular 3.5-mile (5.6 km) year round hike to the summit of Cuyamaca leads from the Paso Picacho Campground, starting at about 5,000 feet (1,500 m).

During summer, Bracken Ferns, a variety of wildflowers and native bunchgrasses dominate mountain meadows and the forest floor.

On clear days visibility from the summit of Cuyamaca Peak can range from 60–100 miles (97–161 km) in nearly every direction.

Closer yet is Volcan Mountain slightly to the northeast, the former gold rush town of Julian lying in front.

Directly east is the Anza Borrego Desert and the Laguna Mountains, including Whale Peak.