Local Events
What's happening in the backcountry? From Julian Apple Days to the Ramona Rodeo — these are the events that bring our community together.
Julian Beer Festival
Craft beer tasting featuring local San Diego County breweries, food trucks, and live music in the heart of Julian. Benefits the Julian Volunteer Fire Company.
Ramona Country Fair
Live entertainment, livestock shows, carnival rides, and local food vendors. This community fair has been bringing Ramona together for over 50 years.
Julian Grape Stomp Festa
Stomp grapes the old-fashioned way at this annual wine country celebration. Live music, wine tasting, Italian food, and grape-stomping competitions at Menghini Winery.
Julian Apple Days Festival
Celebrate Julian's apple heritage with live music, pie-eating contests, craft vendors, and the famous apple pie baking competition. The whole town comes alive for this fall tradition.
Backcountry Veterans Appreciation BBQ
A community gathering to honor local veterans with a free BBQ, live music, and camaraderie. Hosted by the Santa Ysabel community and Starlene Bennin and Ashlyn Windsor.
Know about an event or a local spot we should list? Reach out on our contact page.
Points of Interest
Local landmarks, eateries, and spots worth the drive when you're exploring the backcountry.
Santa Ysabel Indian Mission:
23013 CA-79, Santa Ysabel, CA 92070
Founded in 1818, this active parish features a museum run by Native American congregants showcasing historical photos and artifacts.
Learn moreInaja Memorial Park
30828 Julian Rd, Santa Ysabel, CA 92070
Located along Highway 78, this scenic Cleveland National Forest site features picnic tables, short interpretive loops, and sweeping views of the San Diego River Gorge.
Learn moreSanta Ysabel Art Gallery
30352 CA-78, Santa Ysabel, CA 92070
Discover works by prominent regional and landscape artists at this intimate backcountry gallery.
Learn moreSanta Ysabel County Preserve East
500 Farmer Road, Julian, CA, 92036
The Santa Ysabel Preserves are surrounded by oak woodlands, native grasslands and fields of wildflowers. Set in a beautiful natural landscape of gently rolling hills, hikers, cyclists, and equestrians will enjoy an outdoor adventure within this combined 4,600-acre sanctuary. Discover more than 15 miles of trails through both the East and West Preserves including two loops that traverse through unique habitats – over the river and through the woods! Picnic tables and a rest area are available.
Learn moreSanta Ysabel County Preserve West
29510 Hwy. 78, Santa Ysabel, CA. 92070
The Santa Ysabel Preserves are surrounded by oak woodlands, native grasslands and fields of wildflowers. Set in a beautiful natural landscape of gently rolling hills, hikers, cyclists, and equestrians will enjoy an outdoor adventure within this combined 4,600-acre sanctuary. Discover more than 15 miles of trails through both the East and West Preserves including two loops that traverse through unique habitats – over the river and through the woods! Picnic tables and a rest area are available.
Learn moreSanta Ysabel Nature Center
22135 Highway 79, Santa Ysabel, CA 92070
The County of San Diego Department of Parks and Recreation owns and operates Santa Ysabel Preserve, a 6,347-acre span of land that includes some 20 miles of trails for recreation, along with opportunities for habitat protection, enhancement and education.
Learn moreVolcan Mountain Wilderness Preserve
1209 Farmer Road at Wynola Road, Julian, CA 92036
Just north, this preserve features the Hubbell Ditch Trail and offers strenuous but rewarding hikes up to stunning summit views.
Learn moreWarner-Carrillo Ranch House
29181 San Felipe Rd, Warner Springs, CA 92086
Situated off Highway 79, this preserved 1857 adobe homestead was a vital stop on the Southern Emigrant Trail and Butterfield Overland Mail route.
Learn moreLake Henshaw
26439 Highway 76 Santa Ysabel, CA 92070
Located about 10 miles south, this scenic reservoir is great for catch-and-release fishing, boating, and bird watching.
Learn moreGalleta Meadows Sculptures
Borrego Springs, CA 92004
Located in nearby Borrego Springs (about 12-15 miles northeast), this sprawling open-air art gallery features over 130 massive, free-standing metal sculptures (such as dinosaurs, a 350-foot serpent, and mammoths) made by artist Ricardo Breceda.
Learn moreAnza-Borrego Desert State Park
200 Palm Canyon Dr, Borrego Springs, CA 92004
The western edges of the largest state park in the contiguous U.S. are just minutes away. The Slot: A naturally narrow, twisting sandstone canyon that is highly popular for easy-to-moderate hiking. Borrego Palm Canyon: A beautiful trail that leads to a natural desert oasis with native California fan palms, located roughly 15 miles north near the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park Visitor Center.
Learn moreCuyamaca Rancho State Park
13652 Highway 79JulianCA92036,US
: Located about 10 miles south of Julian, this expansive park features over 100 miles of trails, including the hike to Cuyamaca Peak.
Learn more