Cuyamaca Mountains
| Cuyamaca Mountains | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Highest point | |
| Peak | Cuyamaca Peak |
| Elevation | 1,985 m (6,512 ft) |
| Geography | |
| Country | United States |
| State | California |
| District | San Diego County |
| Range coordinates | 32°56′31″N 116°36′14″W / 32.942°N 116.6039°WCoordinates: 32°56′31″N 116°36′14″W / 32.942°N 116.6039°W |
| Topo map | USGS Cuyamaca Peak |
The Cuyamaca Mountains, locally the Cuyamacas, are a mountain range of the Peninsular Ranges System, in San Diego County, southern California. The mountain range runs roughly northwest to southeast. The Laguna Mountains are to the east.
The range's highest peaks are Cuyamaca Peak at 6,512 feet (1,985 m), and Stonewall Peak at 5,700 feet (1,700 m). The San Diego River and the Sweetwater River both have headwaters in the Cuyamacas. The Cuyamaca Reservoir lies adjacent to the east side of the range.
Mountains are primarily protected within the Cleveland National Forest. Cuyamaca Rancho State Park, with California oak woodlands habitat, is located in the range.
The former mining town of Julian is in the northern section, and the towns of Descanso, Pine Valley and Guatay is in the southern.
Interstate 8 passes through the southern part of the Cuyamaca Mountains. California State Route 79, known as the Cuyamaca Highway, runs north–south along the eastern part of the mountains.
Gold was discovered in the Cuyamacas in 1870 and the mountains were subject to a gold rush. Towns and encampments of Coleman City, Branson City, Eastwood, Julian, and Banner sprang up to support the miners. First a mining camp called Stonewall (1873–1876), then the company town of Stratton (1887–1888), renamed Cuyamaca City (1888–1906), had a peak population of 500 and served the Stonewall Mine. The town was abandoned after mining operations ceased, and few traces of it exist. The site of the town now lies within Cuyamaca Rancho State Park. Other gold mines were supported by the town of Julian, which celebrates its mining history with an annual festival called Gold Rush Days. The Eagle-High Peak Mine, no longer productive, is now a museum and gives daily tours.
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Wikipedia