Cleveland National Forest

Sunrise Scenic Byway

The map below shows the route of the Sunrise Scenic Byway.  Please visit our Photo Gallery for images taken along the Byway route.   Addition information is available from any of the Cleveland Forest offices.

This is an image map. Click on one of the numbered points of interest or campground markers to access a brief description.

MAP DIRECTORY

1. PINE VALLEY OVERLOOK- This flat area known as the “Borrow Pit” was used during the construction of the Sunrise Highway in 1937. The area is accented by a huge rock geologists call a scrap. Down the west slope nestled among the chaparral is the picturesque community of Pine Valley.

2. MEADOW INFORMATION STATION- A good place to get orientated. The kiosk displays a map of the Laguna Mountain Recreation Area and provides information on camping and area-use guidelines.

3. PACIFIC CREST TRAIL- A 2,627- mile trail stretching from Mexico to Canada. This trail takes backpackers within sight of the highest and lowest spots in the continental United States. Day hikers can access this trail at Burnt Rancheria Campground, Desert View Picnic Area, Penny Pines Monument and Pioneer Mail Picnic Area.

4. VISITORS INFORMATION OFFICE- This office is staffed weekends and holidays by volunteers from the Laguna Mountain Volunteer Association. Information is provided here on local wildlife, Indians and vegetation, as well as area camping and hiking. Restrooms and drinking water are available.

5. DESERT VIEW PICNIC AREA- A popular spot for lunch. Here you can enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the desert 6,000 feet below. On most days, the Salton Sea is clearly visible to the southeast. Restrooms and potable water are available.

6. EL PRADO CABIN- Located just off the Sunrise National Scenic Byway in Laguna campground, the El Prado cabin is a reminder of our rustic past. Constructed in 1912, this one-room log cabin was the only national forest station in Cleveland National Forest for many years. The Ranger was responsible for all forest activities, including fire lookout, grazing permits and camping.

7. PENNY PINES- Every year children and Organizations collect and donate pennies to plant trees in the National Forest. Here you will find a monument honoring these contributions. Take a short walk behind the monument to see a penny pine plantation. The Noble Canyon National Recreation Trail and the Big Laguna Trail can be accessed at this highway turnout.

8. GARNET INFORMATION STATION- Another good place to get orientated. The kiosk displays a map of the Laguna Mountain Recreation Area and provides information on camping and area-use guidelines.

9. PIONEER MAIL PICNIC AREA- This shady picnic area is open during the spring, summer and autumn. An interpretive sign explains more about the nearby historic route which was used by stagecoaches in the early century. Restrooms are also available.

10. KWAAYMII POINT- No longer traveling on National Forest lands, stop here for a panoramic view of Anza Borrego Desert State Park far below. Look for hang gliders soaring on the wind currents above the desert floor.

USDA Forest Service - Cleveland National Forest
Last Modified: Wednesday, 17 August 2005 at 19:32:30 EDT