Palomar Artesian Spring, Palomar Mountain, California, 92059

## Overview Palomar Artesian Spring is a roadside public drinking spring located along State Park Road on Palomar Mountain in San Diego County, California. Nestled within the forested highlands between San Diego and Los Angeles, this spring offers a refreshing stop for travelers and water enthusiasts alike. The water emerges cold and soothing — a welcome reprieve from the warm Southern California climate. Palomar Mountain itself rises to over 6,100 feet and is perhaps best known as the home of the Palomar Observatory, operated by Caltech. The mountain's higher elevation supports mixed conifer and oak forests, creating a surprisingly lush environment compared to the arid lowlands below. The spring sits near Palomar Mountain State Park, which encompasses over 1,800 acres of woodland and meadow. The spring features a well-built stone masonry structure — a testament to careful craftsmanship — that provides a convenient ledge and alcove for placing and filling large water containers. Visitors have reported the water to be notably cold and clean-tasting, and the spring has historically been used as a drinking water source by locals and passersby. The setup is simple and convenient: park nearby and fill your containers directly from the spout. ## Directions **From Los Angeles:** 1. Head east on CA-90. 2. Merge onto I-405 South. 3. Take CA-105 East. 4. Merge onto I-605 South. 5. Take CA-91 East. 6. Merge onto I-15 South and continue toward San Diego County. 7. Exit onto CA-76 East (Pala Road) and follow it for approximately 20 miles. 8. Turn left onto South Grade Road (County Route S6). 9. Follow South Grade Road as it climbs to the top of Palomar Mountain. 10. Look for the spring structure near mile marker 46 along State Park Road. The stone masonry structure is visible from the road and difficult to miss. **GPS Coordinates:** 33.316299, -116.87261 ## What to Expect The Palomar Artesian Spring is an easy, drive-up water source — no hiking required. The stone structure is right along the road, making it accessible for anyone who can park nearby. The masonry design includes a flat surface and recessed area that make it easy to position jugs and large containers under the flow. The water has been reported to run cold year-round, though no official temperature measurements are available. Visitors describe it as refreshing and clean-tasting. As with any natural spring, water quality can vary with seasonal conditions, and no official testing data is currently published for this source. The surrounding area is beautifully forested, with tall conifers and oaks providing shade and a peaceful atmosphere. Palomar Mountain State Park is just up the road and offers camping, picnicking, hiking trails, and panoramic views — making the spring a natural first or last stop on a day trip or weekend visit to the mountain. The drive up South Grade Road is scenic in its own right, with sweeping switchbacks and views of the valleys below.