Rancho Cuyamaca State Park
- Date Sat 10th October 2026
- Time 10:00AM PDT
- Location Julian, California
- Price $20.00
- Races 3 races
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Event summary
Join us for an exhilarating day of orienteering at Rancho Cuyamaca State Park on Saturday, October 10th, 2026, located in the picturesque town of Julian, just one hour east of San Diego. This stunning 24,000-acre park boasts a diverse landscape of oak woodlands, pine forests, and sweeping meadows, making it the perfect backdrop for adventurers of all skill levels. Whether you're a beginner eager to learn the ropes or a seasoned pro seeking a challenge, we have something for everyone with courses ranging from beginner-friendly loops to more demanding intermediate and advanced routes.
Start your day with an introductory clinic at 9:45 AM, where experienced orienteers will guide you through the basics of navigation. The event features two start locations: beginners will start and finish at HQ, while intermediate and advanced participants will begin at the beautiful Stonewall Mine location. With electronic punching for scoring and shuttle services available between locations, it's easy to enjoy a seamless day of exploration. Registration is open now, so secure your spot and get ready for an unforgettable adventure in the heart of nature!
Start your day with an introductory clinic at 9:45 AM, where experienced orienteers will guide you through the basics of navigation. The event features two start locations: beginners will start and finish at HQ, while intermediate and advanced participants will begin at the beautiful Stonewall Mine location. With electronic punching for scoring and shuttle services available between locations, it's easy to enjoy a seamless day of exploration. Registration is open now, so secure your spot and get ready for an unforgettable adventure in the heart of nature!
Organiser's Description
Just one hour east of San Diego lies Cuyamaca Rancho State Park 24,000 acres of oak woodland, pine forest, sweeping meadow, and mountain vista. It's prime territory for a day of orienteering, whatever course you choose. Pick the challenge that fits you: a beginner-friendly loop, or a more demanding Intermediate or Advanced route. New to navigation? We'll walk you through the basics at check-in, and if you don't have a compass, we'll loan you one free.
New this year: two start locations:
* _BEGINNER_ course: start and finish at HQ.
* _INTERMEDIATE_ and _ADVANCED_ courses: start at the remote Stonewall Mine location, finish at HQ.
Have your own e-stick and are doing the Intermediate or Advanced course? Just drive straight to Stonewall Mine to start. Borrowing an e-stick from us? Stop at HQ first to pick it up, then continue on to Stonewall Mine if doing Intermediate or Advanced courses - budget a little extra drive time for that leg. Either way, we'll run a shuttle (15-seat) between the HQ finish and Stonewall Mine so you can get back to your car. Or park at HQ and take the shuttle over to Stonewall Mine.
EVENT TEAM:
* Event Director: Dana Borie
* Course Setter: Ori Auslender
* _Visit the VOLUNTEER PAGE [https://runsignup.com/Race/Volunteer/CA/Julian/RanchoCuyamacaStatePark] to learn how to help with the event._
* _See "Volunteer" at the top right of the page. _
* _Volunteers get up to a $20 credit for a race to cover their registration fee._
* Volunteer roles explained in detail [https://www.sandiegoorienteering.org/roles#day-of-event-roles]
FORMAT: Traditional [https://www.sandiegoorienteering.org/formats]
MAP: scale 1:7500 | 5m contours
COURSES: Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced [https://www.sandiegoorienteering.org/formats]
STARTS: 10am to 11am
TIME LIMIT: Two and half hours. All competitors must return to HQ and download by 1:30pm so we know you are safe. If you don't check in before leaving, volunteers will search the course to ensure you are not lost. Please check in before you leave.
SCORING: Electronic punching [https://www.sandiegoorienteering.org/epunch] will be offered. All participants must bring, rent, or purchase one. Controls will be AIR+ enabled.
E-PUNCHES: Rental electronic punches will be available for $5. Alternatively, you can purchase your own e-punch at our gear store for delivery to the event (use "000000" when registering).
CLINICS: An introductory clinic will be offered at 9:45 am. An experienced orienteer will teach you the basics.
REGISTRATION: All participants must pre-register. All standard SDO registration policies apply.
FEES:
* $20 for adults, $10 for juniors (under 21), free for kids 11 and younger.
* $5 early bird discount through midnight, Saturday, Sep 19th.
CLOSES: Registration will close at 10 am on Friday, Oct 9th, or when we reach our limit.
ENTRY LIMIT: This event is limited to 100 participants. See the "Find a Participant" tab to see the registration list.
HQ LOCATION: 32^057'37.6"N 116^034'47.8"W [https://www.google.com/maps/place/32%C2%B057'37.6%22N+116%C2%B034'47.8%22W/@32.960436,-116.579956,524m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m4!3m3!8m2!3d32.960436!4d-116.579956?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MDgxOS4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D] - use this link for driving directions
STONEWALL MINE PARKING LOCATION: link [https://maps.app.goo.gl/xm6aghGE4r45EBNW9]
PARKING: There is a good amount of parking at the state park. After you pay the $10 entrance fee, veer to the right to enter the parking lot.
SAN DIEGO ORIENTEERING: HOME PAGE [https://www.sandiegoorienteering.org/] | EVENTS [https://www.sandiegoorienteering.org/events]
New this year: two start locations:
* _BEGINNER_ course: start and finish at HQ.
* _INTERMEDIATE_ and _ADVANCED_ courses: start at the remote Stonewall Mine location, finish at HQ.
Have your own e-stick and are doing the Intermediate or Advanced course? Just drive straight to Stonewall Mine to start. Borrowing an e-stick from us? Stop at HQ first to pick it up, then continue on to Stonewall Mine if doing Intermediate or Advanced courses - budget a little extra drive time for that leg. Either way, we'll run a shuttle (15-seat) between the HQ finish and Stonewall Mine so you can get back to your car. Or park at HQ and take the shuttle over to Stonewall Mine.
EVENT TEAM:
* Event Director: Dana Borie
* Course Setter: Ori Auslender
* _Visit the VOLUNTEER PAGE [https://runsignup.com/Race/Volunteer/CA/Julian/RanchoCuyamacaStatePark] to learn how to help with the event._
* _See "Volunteer" at the top right of the page. _
* _Volunteers get up to a $20 credit for a race to cover their registration fee._
* Volunteer roles explained in detail [https://www.sandiegoorienteering.org/roles#day-of-event-roles]
FORMAT: Traditional [https://www.sandiegoorienteering.org/formats]
MAP: scale 1:7500 | 5m contours
COURSES: Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced [https://www.sandiegoorienteering.org/formats]
STARTS: 10am to 11am
TIME LIMIT: Two and half hours. All competitors must return to HQ and download by 1:30pm so we know you are safe. If you don't check in before leaving, volunteers will search the course to ensure you are not lost. Please check in before you leave.
SCORING: Electronic punching [https://www.sandiegoorienteering.org/epunch] will be offered. All participants must bring, rent, or purchase one. Controls will be AIR+ enabled.
E-PUNCHES: Rental electronic punches will be available for $5. Alternatively, you can purchase your own e-punch at our gear store for delivery to the event (use "000000" when registering).
CLINICS: An introductory clinic will be offered at 9:45 am. An experienced orienteer will teach you the basics.
REGISTRATION: All participants must pre-register. All standard SDO registration policies apply.
FEES:
* $20 for adults, $10 for juniors (under 21), free for kids 11 and younger.
* $5 early bird discount through midnight, Saturday, Sep 19th.
CLOSES: Registration will close at 10 am on Friday, Oct 9th, or when we reach our limit.
ENTRY LIMIT: This event is limited to 100 participants. See the "Find a Participant" tab to see the registration list.
HQ LOCATION: 32^057'37.6"N 116^034'47.8"W [https://www.google.com/maps/place/32%C2%B057'37.6%22N+116%C2%B034'47.8%22W/@32.960436,-116.579956,524m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m4!3m3!8m2!3d32.960436!4d-116.579956?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MDgxOS4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D] - use this link for driving directions
STONEWALL MINE PARKING LOCATION: link [https://maps.app.goo.gl/xm6aghGE4r45EBNW9]
PARKING: There is a good amount of parking at the state park. After you pay the $10 entrance fee, veer to the right to enter the parking lot.
SAN DIEGO ORIENTEERING: HOME PAGE [https://www.sandiegoorienteering.org/] | EVENTS [https://www.sandiegoorienteering.org/events]
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12551 CA-79, Julian, 92036, CA, United States
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Rancho Cuyamaca State Park