Driving to Palomar Observatory 

The Observatory is located within the Cleveland National Forest on Palomar Mountain in north San Diego County at an elevation of 5,500 feet above sea level.

Street Address :
Palomar Observatory
35899 Canfield Road
Palomar Mountain
CA 92060-0200

To reach Palomar from the LA or San Diego areas, exit Interstate 15 at state highway 76 eastbound. Twenty five miles from the interchange, County Road S-6 (also known as South Grade Road) exits (5 miles past Valley Center Road) in a "Y" to the left and climbs to the Palomar summit. Please note that the sign for this exit was damaged in the fires and is not there. Look for S-6 as the first turn to the left east of Harold's Road. S-6 ends at the Observatory gates.

To reach the observatory from the Palm Springs Area take Route 74 west to 371 south, then Route 79 east & south (toward Indio), then Route 76 west to S7 up to Palomar Mountain and after 11 miles on S7 bear right onto S6 another 4.5 miles to the Observatory parking lot.

We have road maps to help you find your way here:
 

• Southern California
• Northern San Diego County
• Palomar Observatory on Google Maps

Enter the left-hand gate and park in the Visitor's Parking Lot. As you walk up the path to the 200-inch dome, the visitors center and gift shop will be on your right.

Special notes:

• County Road S-6 is a typical mountain road with many curves. Please drive carefully. Watch for fog, fallen rocks on the road, especially during and immediately after rainfall. Because of the recent fires at Palomar travel on Highway 76 & South Grade Road (S-6) may be difficult during and just after rain events. Road closures and rock/mud slides are possible at these times.
• Winter storms usually mean snow and icy conditions on Palomar generally, in these circumstances, tire chains are required by the Highway Patrol. Again, please drive with caution.
  For road conditions :
  • Visit :
    The California Environmental Resources Evaluation System (CERES)
  • Contact Caltrans (California Department of Transportation)
    Phone 800-427-7623.
    For more information please visit their web site http://www.dot.ca.gov
  • CHP Traffic Incident Information Page - Click on San Diego for local incidents
  • San Diego County Department of Public Works Valley Center Road Station
    Phone 760-510-2440
    (This number is only available Monday - Friday from 7 am - 4 pm)

• There are no service stations on Palomar Mountain. Check your fuel before driving to the observatory.
• Approximate driving times (non-rush hour) to the Observatory are:

   

  From the Los Angeles area -	2« to 3 hours
  From downtown San Diego -	2 hours
  From Escondido -	1 hour
  From Temecula -	1« hours