Apple Pies & Desert Skies: A Self-Guided Driving Tour
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
Meeting Location
3440 Del Lago Boulevard
Escondido, CA 92029, USA
Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.
12450 Highland Valley Road
Escondido, CA 92025, USA
The tour ends one exit south of where it begins, just off Pomerado Rd.
What To Expect
Book Online
Safe & secure • Easy breezy • Hassle-free
Queen Califia's Magical Circle
15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Pauma Valley (pass by)
Palomar Observatory
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
East Grade Road
15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Henshaw Scenic Vista Observation Site
5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Santa Ysabel Indian Mission
15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Montezuma Valley Road
5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Anza-Borrego Desert State Park Visitor Center
15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Borrego Springs Serpent Sculpture
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Julian
1 hour • Admission Ticket Free
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- 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
- Operated by a business
Frequently Asked Questions
(6)Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Apple Pies & Desert Skies: A Self-Guided Driving Tour?
Cancellation Policy
Still have questions?
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Activity code: C-403897P1
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Reviews
Average 4.13 out of 5 stars based on 16 traveler reviews collected by Cool Destinations and partner sites such as Trustpilot, Viator, and TripAdvisor
Additional Info
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