Volcan Mountain

Volcan Mountain – rising over 5,000 feet on the Pacific Crest – is iconic as the location of both the headwaters of the San Dieguito River and as the highest point in the River Park, with the eastern slopes falling rapidly to the expanse of the Anza-Borrego Desert in the valley floor below. Ironside Spring and other springs on the mountain feed Santa Ysabel Creek, which meets Santa Maria Creek in San Pasqual Valley 25 miles further west to become the San Dieguito River.



Located two miles north of Julian on the east side of Farmer Road, Volcan Mountain is home to mixed conifer, oak and cedar forest, rugged canyons, seasonal ponds. A variety of sensitive habitats exist here as well, supporting 22 sensitive plant species and 39 sensitive animal species. Two trails will take you to the summit at Volcan Mountain Preserve, managed by the County of San Diego.

The Conservancy has been an active partner in the protection of Volcan Mountain for over 13 years. Approximately 9,000 acres of the 11,000-acre Rutherford Ranch on the north end of Volcan Mountain have been purchased by a coalition of public agencies, including the Conservancy. In addition, the Conservancy purchased a key 27-acre parcel in 2002, linking Volcan Mountain Preserve and Santa Ysabel Open Space Preserve East.




How You Can Help
A purchase agreement was recently signed for another 1,500 acres on the west side of Volcan Mountain, in an area slated for residential development. With this latest acquisition, all but 300 acres of Volcan Mountain will be protected in public ownership. The Conservancy is partnering with the Volcan Mountain Preserve Foundation and The Nature Conservancy to raise funds from donors like you to serve as a match for the State grants needed to complete this important purchase. To help, consider a donation earmarked for Volcan Mountain and your contribution will be recognized as “local support” for the State grant funds being sought. Visit our SUPPORT US or Membership pages or CONTACT the Conservancy directly to find out how you can play a role in preserving Volcan Mountain forever.