Apple Pies & Desert Skies: A Self-Guided Driving Tour

4.1 (17 reviews) San Diego, USA
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Duration4h - 6h
Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before
Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away
TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesEnglish, Spanish
Private tourOnly your group will participate

Overview

Explore San Diego’s mountains, desert, and backcountry on a self-guided scenic driving tour from Escondido to Julian via Palomar Mountain and Borrego Springs. This 152-mile route takes you along some of the best backroads in Southern California, with GPS-triggered audio guiding you to overlooks, historic sites, and hidden stops along the way.

Climb to the summit of Palomar Mountain to visit the famous Palomar Observatory, then descend into the desert landscapes of Anza-Borrego. Along the way, you’ll spot Borrego Springs’ iconic metal sculptures, sweeping valley views, and roadside viewpoints worth stopping for. The route finishes in the historic town of Julian—perfect for a slice of its famous apple pie.

This flexible, self-paced tour lets you explore on your own schedule. Allow a full day to take in viewpoints, small towns, and optional short hikes like Borrego Palm Canyon.

Bring water, snacks, and sun protection if you plan to stop and explore.

What's included

  • App & Tour Download
  • Flexible Usage (unlimited access within 30-days)
  • Downloadable Content (pre-download tour to save data)
  • A Smartphone
  • Admission to Attractions
  • Transportation

What to expect

  1. Queen Califia's Magical Circle
    15m
    Queen Califia's Magical Circle is an outdoor sculpture garden created by artist Niki de Saint Phalle.
  2. Pass by
    Enjoy a scenic overlook as you drive by Lake Wohlford.
  3. Pauma Valley
    Pass by
    Take in the spectacular views of Pauma Valley as we make our way to Palomar Mountain.
  4. Palomar Observatory
    30m
    Stop and visit the Palomar and Observatory and Museum, home to the famous 200-inch Hale Telescope.
  5. 15m
    Enjoy spectacular views of San Diego County from Kica Mik Overlook. Downtown San Diego and the Pacific Ocean are visible on clear days.
  6. 5m
    Another viewpoint on Palomar's East Grade Road provides breathtaking views of Lake Henshaw and the surrounding meadows.
  7. Santa Ysabel Indian Mission
    15m
    Stop and visit out one of southern California's famous mission churches, dating back to 1818.
  8. 5m
    Enjoy stunning views of the harsh desert landscape and the Salton Sea from the Montezuma Valley Road Scenic Overlook.
  9. 15m
    Stop at the Anza Borrego State Park Visitors Center before deciding if you'll take a short hike into Borrego Palm Canyon to see the fan palm oasis and seasonal creek. Be sure to keep an eye out for bighorn sheep, they blend in surprisingly well with the rocks!
  10. 10m
    We'll take you to the some of the most iconic metal sculptures in Borrego Springs. With more than 100 scattered across the desert, you could spend a whole day visiting them.
  11. Julian
    1h
    Explore the historic mining town of Julian, known today for its apple pies! We'll tell you the best place to go for pie, plus we'll point out several other local attractions worth visiting.

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

Use your favorite navigation app to make your way to the parking lot at the Plaza Del Lago shopping center, located at 3440 Del Lago Blvd, Escondido, CA 92029. Once you're there, open the Drives & Detours app and tap "Start Tour".

End point

The tour ends one exit south of where it begins, just off Pomerado Rd.

Additional information

  • Service animals allowed
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Palomar Observatory Closes at 3PM
  • Anza Borrego Visitor Center Closes at 5PM
  • Mom's Pies in Julian Closes at 5PM
  • Eagle Mine in Julian Closes at 4PM
  • Queen Califia's Has Extremely Limited Hours

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Reviews

4.1 (17)
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