California · Hiking · Near Julian

Barker Valley

Barker ValleyPhoto: semsd, CC BY-SA 3.0 (via Wikimedia Commons)
6.7 mi
round trip
1,022 ft
climb
5,155 ft
high point
Out and back
route
Mar–Nov
best months

Is Barker Valley open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in Cleveland National Forest. It doesn't name Barker Valley, so check the source for the area it covers.

As of · Source: USFS · Cleveland National Forest. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.

Barker Valley is a hard hike in the Palomar Ranger District of Cleveland National Forest in California, about 6.7 miles long with an elevation gain of 1,022 feet. The trail is an out-and-back, starting at a low point of about 4,116 feet and reaching a high of about 5,155 feet. The Forest Service manages the land, and the trail is natural-surfaced, with horses and bikes allowed. Spring and fall are the most comfortable times to go. Typical averages from a nearby weather station at Palomar Mtn Obsy show May and October highs around 69°F, while July and August average about 84°F. That station sits about 400 feet higher than the trail's high point, so temperatures on the route run a little warmer. Oak Grove Campground and the Oak Grove hike are about 3 miles away, and Crestline Group Campground is about 5 miles off. For paddling, the San Luis Rey River is roughly 10 miles away.

Around this trail

Add any of these when you start a trip
  • Sleep close

    Oak Grove Campground

    Campground

    Sites open the weekend of Nov 20 on Recreation.gov
  • Eat after

    Fat Ivor's

    Restaurant

    Open after 6
  • If it rains

    Warner Hot Spring

    Hot spring

    On your way back · 10 mi

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Local outfitters

Not on Roamze yet. Their page has how to reach them.