Wildcat Canyon Road

San Diego backcountry, California · Lakeside → Ramona

Sweeping12 mi20 min1,800 ft climbHigh point ≈ 1,700 ftOne way

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The drive

Wildcat Canyon Road is the short back way from Lakeside to Ramona. It leaves Lakeside heading north and winds up through the hills past Barona Resort and Casino, on the Barona reservation, then climbs through the canyon to San Vicente Road outside Ramona.

It's driven north from Lakeside, the way most drivers come from the San Diego side. It's short and mostly gentle, with one twistier stretch near the top; the drive ends just short of San Vicente Road.

Along the way

Lakeside
Ramona (San Vicente Road)

Elevation

1,800 ft of climbing · high point ≈ 1,700 ft

LakesideRamona

Curves

Mostly gentle, with one twisty stretch

mi 9–12

LakesideRamona

GentleHairpins

Good to know

Barona Resort and Casino is on the road, so expect cars turning in and out around it.
It's a county road: check San Diego County's closure list before you go.

Open all year, weather permitting. Roads close for snow, fire, storms and repairs: before you set off, check San Diego County: scheduled road closures.

Questions about this drive

How long is Wildcat Canyon Road from Lakeside to Ramona?

Wildcat Canyon Road from Lakeside to San Vicente Road near Ramona is 12 miles and takes about 20 minutes.

Is Barona Casino on Wildcat Canyon Road?

Yes. Barona Resort and Casino is at 1932 Wildcat Canyon Road, between Lakeside and Ramona.

Is Wildcat Canyon Road twisty?

Wildcat Canyon Road is mostly gentle curves, with one twistier stretch in the canyon near the Ramona end.

What you get in the app

Turn by turn, on this roadSpoken directions along the exact route. Carve never reroutes you onto a faster one.

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Distance, time, elevation, curves and intensity are from Carve's route. Checked 2026-10-28.

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