Double Peak Park
Double Peak Park
4.5
6:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Monday
6:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Tuesday
6:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Wednesday
6:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Thursday
6:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Friday
6:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Saturday
6:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Sunday
6:00 AM - 8:00 PM
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
4.5
142 reviews
Excellent
107
Very good
29
Average
5
Poor
0
Terrible
1
Chris L
1 contribution
Jun 2024 • Friends
I believe the view would have been 5star based on other’s pictures. We were visiting from out of town, and got up early to drive in to see the sunrise. It was going to be a beautiful sunrise, but park gate was closed. Hours stated on the gate from sunrise to sunset. There were locals also waiting and we asked, and they said they had seen the sunrise multiple times, and the gate was open by this time in the morning. All of the info from the city states the official facilities aren’t open until 8am, but the gate should be open by sunrise according to the sign. Very disappointing. Assuming someone was sick or slept in to open the gate, but wish there was other info online to at least warn us about either gate times or the possibility of it not being open for sunrise. The peak itself I have no doubts would have been beautiful and 5stars, just rating our experience, and also letting others know of the possibility of the gate not being open for sunrise.
Written June 30, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JimmyJackk
San Marcos, CA5,732 contributions
Aug 2019 • Couples
Wonderful hilltop view of all of San Marcos and the surrounding hills and communities. Well maintained area definitely worth a look. Very peaceful.
Written August 18, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sky. S
San Diego, CA6 contributions
Apr 2018
a great place if you live in North county to ride up , have a picnic , take your camera and enjoy the wonderful views of the Entire North county.
warning: it is colder up there so just fyi.
Just make sure you pick a good time to go , the weather is much different from the carlsbad beaches to inland area.. so while the views of inland look bright and beautiful , the beach haze is setting in and you can't see much.
just check the beach weather so you can see all the way to the water clearly and you will see an amazing sunset / sunrise.
warning: it is colder up there so just fyi.
Just make sure you pick a good time to go , the weather is much different from the carlsbad beaches to inland area.. so while the views of inland look bright and beautiful , the beach haze is setting in and you can't see much.
just check the beach weather so you can see all the way to the water clearly and you will see an amazing sunset / sunrise.
Written June 19, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
elfinforesttony
San Diego, CA136 contributions
Mar 2018 • Family
This is a hidden gem in the North County. Free and at the top there is a picnic area, small playground, hiking trails and spectacular 360 degree ocean and mountain views. Closed at dusk. Worth the trip.
Written March 20, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lollie M
3 contributions
May 2019
On a clear day, this peak has an amazing view! Well worth the drive up, just to see the view.It helps if you live here and know what you're looking at, but there is a free telescope and markers to know what you are looking at.
Written October 8, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bryan G
55 contributions
Sep 2018 • Family
On a clear day you can see: Mexico and the Channel Islands not to mention Lake San Marcos and the mountains to the East. Spectacular view. Drive up or hike up. Rest awhile or have a box lunch. Well worth the time.
Written November 6, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SimeyTravels
San Diego, CA3,316 contributions
Jun 2018 • Couples
My husband and I are kind of new to this hiking thing. We discovered a love for hiking while scaling Arthur's Seat in Edinburgh, and decided to explore the trails in our own backyard.
Okay, so San Marcos isn't exactly *in* our backyard; it's almost 40 miles north of us. But the drive is part of the experience!
Note - if you're new to the trail, it might be a good idea to do a bit of research on how exactly to access it. We park at Lake View Park and walk in. Our first attempt at Double Peak was a massive failure on our part because we followed the wrong trail. Instead of turning left to start the hike, we turned right and ended up a the top of a mound. And it certainly wasn't 5 miles!
Our second trip was a success, though. That research, man - it helps! It's a bit dry and warm now, so be sure to lather up on the sunblock and bring lots of water with you. I think if we do this hike again, I'll pack a few snacks, as well. It would have been nice to have something to gnaw on while we took in the views and rested our limbs for a bit.
Once you get on the actual trail (turning left to go through the residential area), the signs are plentiful and easy to follow. Stick to the trail and follow the signs, and you should get to the peak in no time at all. They have a couple of different ascent options; we're new and out of shape, so we took the easier slope at the end. Maybe one day we'll try the crazy slope that had the warning sign posted at the bottom. Maybe.
The views from the top are definitely worth it. They had an emergency responder worker sitting at the top, at one of the tables, when we arrived. It was just after 11 am and already hot, so it's nice to know they have someone on hand should there be a need for assistance.
One thing I want to add - IF you do end up taking a wrong turn at Albuquerque (anybody? anybody?) and find yourself on a trail that passes by people's backyards, you'll see that at least some of those neighbors appreciate the fact that their backyard faces out onto a popular trail. One home, in particular, has a sign posted encouraging people to reach through their gate to pull fresh water for pooches if needed. Little things like that really warm my heart.
Okay, so San Marcos isn't exactly *in* our backyard; it's almost 40 miles north of us. But the drive is part of the experience!
Note - if you're new to the trail, it might be a good idea to do a bit of research on how exactly to access it. We park at Lake View Park and walk in. Our first attempt at Double Peak was a massive failure on our part because we followed the wrong trail. Instead of turning left to start the hike, we turned right and ended up a the top of a mound. And it certainly wasn't 5 miles!
Our second trip was a success, though. That research, man - it helps! It's a bit dry and warm now, so be sure to lather up on the sunblock and bring lots of water with you. I think if we do this hike again, I'll pack a few snacks, as well. It would have been nice to have something to gnaw on while we took in the views and rested our limbs for a bit.
Once you get on the actual trail (turning left to go through the residential area), the signs are plentiful and easy to follow. Stick to the trail and follow the signs, and you should get to the peak in no time at all. They have a couple of different ascent options; we're new and out of shape, so we took the easier slope at the end. Maybe one day we'll try the crazy slope that had the warning sign posted at the bottom. Maybe.
The views from the top are definitely worth it. They had an emergency responder worker sitting at the top, at one of the tables, when we arrived. It was just after 11 am and already hot, so it's nice to know they have someone on hand should there be a need for assistance.
One thing I want to add - IF you do end up taking a wrong turn at Albuquerque (anybody? anybody?) and find yourself on a trail that passes by people's backyards, you'll see that at least some of those neighbors appreciate the fact that their backyard faces out onto a popular trail. One home, in particular, has a sign posted encouraging people to reach through their gate to pull fresh water for pooches if needed. Little things like that really warm my heart.
Written June 14, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Elena I
11 contributions
May 2018
I love hiking on the trails going to Double Peak Park, there are different distances and the views at the park are wonderful. You can see the ocean and at sunset it just looks pretty amazing.
Written May 24, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
GeoLorenzo
Dixon, NM122 contributions
Jan 2018 • Family
Hiking to the top of Double Peak is the best way to experience the park and twin “peaks”. The views are stunning on a clear day! What I sincerely lament is the loss of solitude at the top. Before the Double Peak Road was constructed hiking to Double Peak was priceless and filled with moments of wonder (and maybe a deer). Rarely were other people around, only the remains of an old stone house. Now anyone can get to the top! Depending on your timing you may get to experience the awe, solitude and beauty on top of the world.
Written March 6, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Linda L
39 contributions
Sep 2017 • Family
Great place to go to get a great view to the ocean (depending on marine layer). Playground portion of the park is a bit limited but still fun for kids.
Written October 25, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I would like to know the directions to the easier hike. Thank you
Written December 5, 2019
can you access the top viewing area with a wheel chair? I see there are handicap parking spaces.
Written March 16, 2019
I think so as there is parking for cars and it is a modern park, take Twin Oaks Road to the park. NOT the back trail.
Written May 8, 2019
I believe the park closes at dusk. I would not want to hike after dark there regardless.
Written April 1, 2016
No. There is a gate appx 0.5 mile down from the top of the peak which is closed at dusk by city staff. You can park near the gate and walk up to the park and take in the view though. But get ready for some exercise, it's a steep half mile or so.
Written March 3, 2016
How steep are the trails or can you drive to the top?
Written August 31, 2015
The trails start at Discovery Lake, which is about 600 feet in elevation. The top of Double Peak is 1600 feet so it's about a 1000 feet of elevation over 2 miles. So round trip is about 4 miles. The trails are well maintained and if you go in the late afternoon, it maybe shaded. Double Peak park is an excellent place to watch the sunset and you can drive up there and park in the lot.
Written September 2, 2015
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