The rugged, triangular peak of Viejas Mountain rises just north of Interstate 8 in Alpine. The trail up the western flank of the mountain is a steep and no-nonsense affair through thick chaparral brush with zero shade. This is not a hike for hot summer days, but makes for a fantastic early morning workout or winter excursion. The climb is steep, but the unobstructed views along the trail and 360 degree vantage from the summit makes the effort more than worthwhile.

• Casino Peak Hike Grand Canyon
• Casino Peak Hike Colorado Springs

We found the trailhead across the road from the parking area. A small break in the fence with a worn hiker icon sticker indicated our starting point.

Casino Peak is located in the White Cloud Mountains, just east of Stanley Idaho. It is the westernmost peak in the White Clouds, and is unofficially named after the Casino Lakes that sit at the foot of the peak. Casino Peak isn’t overly striking all on its own, but the views certainly are. Near 11,600' and below the lake, turn left on a thinner trail and hike southeast toward the saddle between 13er Mt. Daly and Capitol Peak - 9. Grind up 900 feet to reach the saddle - 10. This is the end of easy, trail hiking. Miners flocked here during the Pikes Peak Gold Rush in the mid-1800s. Today the area is known for its gambling and casinos but visitors can still get a taste of this national historic district’s. Casino Peak is about 1 hour hike from Osmena Peak, hiring a guide is recommended. But because we’ve already been to Osmena Peak, we decided to travel to Casino Peak by car. For those who want to commute to Casino Peak, the best way and the cheapest way to get there is by motorbike (habal-habal). Sycuan Peak, like nearby McGinty Mountain, is home to the rare plant Dehesa beargrass. It grows in clumps of thin, green, ribbon-like leaves and looks somewhat similar to mojave yucca. To the south we could see the wide crest of Lyon’s Peak. To the west was San Miguel Mountain. To the east was Lawson Valley, and Cuyamaca Peak far in the distance.

The trail began climbing immediately up the mountainside.

Since we were heading almost due east in the early morning, the sun was pretty much right in our faces. But with the lack of shade on this trail, hiking in the cool morning was still preferable.

The grade was fairly steep, and it wasn’t long before we found ourselves pausing to catch our breath and take in our surroundings. The views had been great from the parking area, and they only improved with every step up the mountain.

The trail was rocky but the dirt was relatively hard-packed, so we didn’t have too much trouble with our footing while going uphill. With the steep grade however, I anticipated that the downhill trek might be a little more challenging.

We were surround by a thick carpet of chaparral. While the trail was well worn and easy to follow, it was pretty much impossible to make out except right in front of you. Looking up the mountainside, it was completely obscured by the thick brush.

We climbed steadily up until right around the 1 mile mark. Here, the trail leveled out briefly. Once again, we paused for a brief rest and to admire the views. We had the trail to ourselves at this point, and once we stopped moving, we were surrounded by complete and total silence, interrupted only by the occasional buzzing of insects.

We continued on, and soon found ourselves heading uphill again.

Around 1.3 miles, we found a small overlook with a view of the Viejas Resort and Casino in the east below.

From here, we had one more short climb to the top of a ridge.

From the top, we could see our destination ahead.

The trail followed the ridgeline for another quarter mile or so.

Finally, we came to the peak.

An elaborate rock windbreak had been constructed at the summit.

We found 2 survey benchmarks – one just inside the rock shelter’s entrance, and one just outside the southern tip of the shelter. We were pretty sure there should be a third somewhere, but couldn’t locate it.

From the peak, we had a 360 degree view of eastern San Diego. We spent a good deal of time identifying peaks and other landmarks.

One of the closest peaks was El Cajon Mountain to the west.

To the northeast was the distinctive form of Cuyamaca Peak, and Corte Madera and Los Pinos Mountain rose up beyond Interstate 8 in the southeast.

Looking south, we could see Lyon’s Peak, Otay Mountain, and San Miguel Mountain.

After enjoying the views, we headed back the way we had come.

Directions:
From I-8, take the Tavern Road exit and head north on Tavern Road. Stay right to turn onto Victoria Park Terrace. Follow Victoria Park Terrace for approximately .9 miles, then turn left onto W Victoria Drive. Continue for 1.4 miles, then turn left onto Anderson Road. Follow Anderson Road as it transitions to a dirt road and becomes the Boundary Truck Trail (note: the road’s a little bumpy but fine for low clearance cars). Approximately .8 miles after turning onto Anderson, you will find a small turn out on the left where you can park. The trail head is on the opposite side of the road. map

For more information, visit:
View route or download GPX from CalTopo

Casino Peak Hike Grand Canyon

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