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Apple Pies & Desert Skies: A Self-Guided Driving Tour
Apple Pies & Desert Skies: A Self-Guided Driving Tour
Apple Pies & Desert Skies: A Self-Guided Driving Tour
For KrisFlyer members only
Highlights
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.
Itinerary
Queen Califia's Magical Circle
15 minsAdmission Ticket FreeQueen Califia's Magical Circle is an outdoor sculpture garden created by artist Niki de Saint Phalle.Lake Wohlford(Pass by)
Admission Ticket FreeEnjoy a scenic overlook as you drive by Lake Wohlford.Pauma Valley(Pass by)
Admission Ticket FreeTake in the spectacular views of Pauma Valley as we make our way to Palomar Mountain.Palomar Observatory
30 minsAdmission Ticket FreeStop and visit the Palomar and Observatory and Museum, home to the famous 200-inch Hale Telescope.East Grade Road
15 minsAdmission Ticket FreeEnjoy spectacular views of San Diego County from Kica Mik Overlook. Downtown San Diego and the Pacific Ocean are visible on clear days.Henshaw Scenic Vista Observation Site
5 minsAdmission Ticket FreeAnother viewpoint on Palomar's East Grade Road provides breathtaking views of Lake Henshaw and the surrounding meadows.Santa Ysabel Mission
15 minsAdmission Ticket FreeStop and visit out one of southern California's famous mission churches, dating back to 1818.Montezuma Valley Road
5 minsAdmission Ticket FreeEnjoy stunning views of the harsh desert landscape and the Salton Sea from the Montezuma Valley Road Scenic Overlook.Anza-Borrego Desert State Park Visitor Center
15 minsAdmission Ticket FreeStop 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!Borrego Springs Serpent Sculpture
10 minsAdmission Ticket FreeWe'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.Julian
1 hoursAdmission Ticket FreeExplore 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.
What's included
INCLUDED
NOT INCLUDED
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Additional information
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Provider
Drives & Detours
GBP 11.39
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