This was my first hike to Volcan Mountain, and I'd say it's one of the most interesting hikes in San Diego County. From the onset, you know this mountain is different, it greets you personally. At the Trailhead you are met by a large wood-carved & ironwork sculpture entrance  created by architect, James Hubbell. Beautifully displayed wood carved slabs portray the mountain's flora & fauna and flank the ironwork pole-gates, topped with organic and arcane symbols. This mountain sets itself apart from all the others.

You start with an upward grade and switchbacks, once past the first meadows, you have to choose between staying on the main trail or taking the Oak Trail,…stay on the main trail, and take the Five Oaks Trail on the return hike. There's a way to experience this mountain, its home to multiple ecosystems, and you don't want to miss any of them.

Volcan Mountain, is home to a small Cedar forest carpeted by low growing fern groves. If you come in the early morning you may be lucky enough to feel the droplets of moisture that fall as the morning wind passes through the branches. When passing under the cedar branches, glace upwards, you'll see dew clinging to the branches, glimmering at the sunrise. Beautiful! You are walking through families of Cedars, from the very young nestled at the roots of the very old.

Passing through the meadow portions, you'll see coyotes, they observe you, quietly, and then follow, then disappear into the Manzanita and underbrush. There's wild flowers dotting and bordering the meadows during the Spring. You'll pass the once speculated site for an Observatory, that lost it's bid to Palomar Mountain. All that remains of the observation outpost is the shell of the fireplace that warmed the cold nights.

Towards the summit there's are Binocular stands, for seeing the incredible valleys below, airway beacon light tower, picnic tables & benches for resting in the shade, and if you're persistent you'll find the Volcan Mountain Bench Mark.

On the return hike, take the Five Oaks Trail, home to families of black oaks, majestic with their rough trunks and low hanging branches. Here the trail is shaded by the oak canopy until it reconnects to the main trail, and your return hike.

Once again, this trail is best in the morning, and it's worth it!