Drives California San Diego
Palomar Mountain: East Grade Road
Canfield Road, East Grade · Highway 76 → Palomar Mountain
The drive
East Grade Road is the longer, gentler of the two ways up Palomar Mountain from Highway 76. It leaves the highway near Lake Henshaw and climbs about 3,100 feet in 12 miles, in switchbacks through chaparral foothills and then oak, fir and cedar forest, to a high point near 5,400 feet on the crest road.
This is a road for a driver who likes to keep working. The curves come one after another for nearly the whole climb, and the elevation gain is steady. San Diego County designates it County Road S7, and Palomar Mountain State Park describes it as the better of the two approaches for heavily loaded vehicles, because the grade is easier than on South Grade Road (S6).
The drive is uphill from Highway 76 and stops on the crest road before the observatory road. South Grade Road, covered as its own drive, comes up the mountain from the west side of Highway 76 and joins the same crest. There is no fuel on the mountain, so top off before you leave the highway.
Along the way
- Highway 76 (East Grade Road)
- Palomar Mountain (East Grade Road)
Good to know
- There are no gas stations on Palomar Mountain; fill up before you start.
- Winter storms bring snow and ice to the mountain, and the Highway Patrol generally requires tire chains when they do.
- Rain can bring fog, fallen rock and slides to the Palomar roads, so check conditions after storms.
- Palomar Mountain State Park limits trailers and motorhomes to 24 feet, and the park charges a day-use fee.
Open all year, weather permitting. Roads close for snow, fire, storms and repairs: before you set off, check San Diego County Public Works: road closures.
Questions about this drive
How long does East Grade Road up Palomar Mountain take?
East Grade Road from Highway 76 to the crest of Palomar Mountain is 12.2 miles and takes about 25 minutes, climbing roughly 3,100 feet.
How twisty is East Grade Road?
East Grade Road is twisty most of the way, with switchbacks through oak and conifer forest. Palomar Mountain State Park says it has a gentler grade than South Grade Road.
Is East Grade Road open in winter?
It is a public county road, but winter storms bring snow and ice to Palomar Mountain, and the Highway Patrol generally requires tire chains then. Check county road status before you go.
Can I take a trailer or RV up East Grade Road?
Palomar Mountain State Park says East Grade Road (S7) has the gentler grade and suits heavily loaded vehicles and trailers better than South Grade Road. The park limits trailers and campers to 24 feet.
Is there gas on Palomar Mountain?
No. Palomar Mountain has no gas stations, so fill up before you start up East Grade Road.
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More drives near here
Distance, time, elevation, curves and intensity are from Carve's route. Checked 2026-10-28.