Hiking Adventure: Boucher Fire Tower Circuit on Palomar Mountain
Hiking Boucher Trail at Palomar Mountain State Park: A Scenic and Historic Adventure
Take on a rewarding short hike to the picturesque Boucher Fire Lookout Tower, offering breathtaking views stretching from Mexico to Mt San Jacinto. This easy-to-reach trailhead, nestled in Palomar Mountain's heart, provides an exploration of nature, history, and culture.
To find the trailhead, simply head to the Silvercrest Picnic Area, 19952 State Park Rd, Palomar Mountain, CA 92060. Keep in mind there's an entrance fee to enter Palomar Mountain State Park.
Essential Gear for Your Backcountry Hike
Although this hike is tame, it's backcountry and offers limited to zero cell service. Be prepared with a few essentials like insect repellant during summers and appropriate clothing and footwear for winter conditions. Check the weather before embarking, and don't forget to bring plenty of water. You can tackle this hike in fitness clothing or light hiking gear.
Recommended Gear:
Osprey Hikelite 26 - My go-to daypack. Light, tough, and keeps my back dry with the trampoline mesh.
- Osprey Hikelite 26 - A reliable daypack with trampoline mesh for a comfortable, dry hike.
- Norda 001 - Hiking boots suitable for a variety of terrains, offering comfort and durability.
- Garmin inReach Mini 2 - An essential device offering 100% reliable SOS coverage for safety in the backcountry.
- AllTrails Plus - Get access to up-to-date trip reports, offline maps, off-trail alerts, and more. (30% off [link])
You can learn all about my gear choices and what makes them my top picks on my Top Gear Picks page. (Last updated June 2025)
Norda 001 - Like a monster truck and a comfy pillow had a featherweight baby, for your feet.
Learning More: The History of Boucher Trail and Palomar Mountain
As you hike the Nate Harrison Grade, named after an early African-American homesteader, you'll learn about the area's rich history. Originally misspelled "Boucher," the trail was named after the Boughers family. The trail's resting place, the Boucher Fire Lookout Tower, boasts an interesting origin and is staffed by volunteers when it's open for visitors to explore.
Garmin inReach Mini 2 - When I need 100% reliable SOS coverage, this is what I take in the backountry.
Meanwhile, the epicenter of this trail is tied to the Scott family, a collection of early settlers essential to the region's development. Andreas & Elvira Scott, Native Americans historically recorded in the area, might have even had an ancient log cabin nearby. If you uncover anything more about the Scotts, please share your discoveries!
Palomar Mountain is a treasure trove of diverse natural beauty, comprised of mixed evergreen forests with oak, pine, fir, and cedar trees. With a Mediterranean climate featuring wet winters, dry summers, and stunning vistas, it's no wonder that the Boucher Trail is a standout hiking and exploration destination.
AllTrails Plus - (30% off link) Up-to-date trip reports. Plus adds offline maps, off-trail alerts, and Garmin sync.
- For the scenic hike of Boucher Trail at Palomar Mountain State Park, head to the Silvercrest Picnic Area, at 19952 State Park Rd, Palomar Mountain, CA 92060, and prepare with essential gear like the Osprey Hikelite 26 daypack, Norda 001 hiking boots, Garmin inReach Mini 2, and AllTrails Plus.
- The Nate Harrison Grade trail, named after an early African-American homesteader, offers insight into the Boucher Trail's history, originally misspelled "Boucher" and named after the Boughers family.
- The Boucher Fire Lookout Tower, the trail's resting place, boasts an interesting origin and is staffed by volunteers when it's open for visitors to explore, tying back to the history of the Scott family, essential early settlers of the region.
- The Boucher Trail, nestled in Palomar Mountain's heart, provides a unique lifestyle of travel and exploration, showcasing diverse natural beauty and a Mediterranean climate, making it a standout hiking destination.
