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Big Laguna Trail

Part of Hiking Trails, our guide to hiking trails across San Diego County, from city peaks to desert canyons.

Big Laguna Trail is a 10-mile loop through oak and pine woodlands, meadows and, in some seasons, a lake. The Forest Service lists 1,000 feet of gain, about 5 hours, and a moderate to difficult rating. Pets are allowed. This page lists $5 per vehicle per day, which conflicts with other pages.Checked October 23, 2026.

10 miloop
1,000 ftgain
5 hrshike time
$5per vehicle per day (page says)
TrailTrail 5E06
Access13 miles north of I-8 on Sunrise Highway
SeasonYear round
Fee“$5/vehicle/day” per this page (conflicts with the Garnet Peak page, which says Penny Pines parking is free)
DifficultyModerate to difficult
Who it suitsAdults and older kids who can hike 10 miles
DogsPets allowed: yes
Official pageCleveland National Forest page

Loop Details

The Forest Service says the 10 mile loop “traverses oak and pine woodlands, vast meadows, and during certain seasons, a clear blue lake.” Fire danger on the Forest Service page banner read “High” on 2026-10-23.

What We Could Not Verify

  • Fee conflict: this page says $5 per vehicle per day; the Garnet Peak page says Penny Pines parking is free. Cleveland National Forest can confirm.
  • The trailhead name used on the page is not confirmed. Coordinates are not confirmed.

More in Hiking Trails

FAQ

Are dogs allowed on Big Laguna?

The Forest Service page says pets are allowed.

Sources

  1. Cleveland National Forest: Big Laguna Trail

Checked October 23, 2026 by It’s San Diego. Cite this page: It’s San Diego (itssandiego.com), checked October 23, 2026. Free to quote with a link to this page; tables are licensed CC BY 4.0.