I started at the Oak Grove TH to the right of the fire station. I don't know if I parked in the correct place but I chose the dirt field to the left of the fire station making sure not to block the dirt road. Oak Grove Trail is well marked to keep you on track. A yellow sign was posted near the TH saying the trail was closed, but I know others posted this week on Social Hiker and All Trails, and Forest Service for Palomar emailed me yesterday afternoon that day hiking is allowed (but camping and backpacking in Cleveland NF are unavailable for the rest of the year).

The first 2 miles is single track and a good leg workout, but the rest of the 4.5 miles up is a long but easy dirt access road. I was the only hiker today but an SUV drove down near the top, kind of spoiling the solitary fun. A friendly lookout ranger was on post. Although we cannot climb the tower, he gave up a little trivia: The tower has 95 stairs. It was also neat seeing Palomar Observatory from the summit. I wonder if there is an inside story to the “fuel stick” pit other than the obvious small kindling wood.