Rancho Cuyamaca State Park

  • Date Sat 10th October 2026
  • Time 10:00AM PDT
  • Location Julian, California
  • Price $20.00
  • Races 3 races

Event summary

Get ready for an exhilarating day of adventure at Rancho Cuyamaca State Park in Julian, San Diego, on Saturday, October 10th, 2026! Nestled just an hour east of San Diego, this stunning park spans 24,000 acres of breathtaking oak woodlands, pine forests, and picturesque meadows, making it the perfect backdrop for an orienteering challenge. Participants can choose from three exciting courses: the beginner-friendly 2 km loop, the intermediate/advanced route covering 4 km mostly off-trail, or the advanced/expert course stretching 7.4 km, also primarily off-trail.

Whether you're new to navigation or a seasoned pro, there’s something for everyone! Enjoy a complimentary clinic at 9:45 AM to learn the basics, and don’t worry if you don’t have a compassβ€”we’ve got you covered with free rentals! With two start locations and continuous shuttles running from headquarters to the remote start, the event promises to be smooth and enjoyable for all. Registration is limited to 100 participants, so be sure to secure your spot and join us for an unforgettable day in the great outdoors!

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/Advanced (mostly off-trail) or an Advanced/Expert 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: use a remote start at Stonewall Mine.

A shuttle runs continuously from the HQ to the remote start, and the ride takes about 10 minutes. See COURSE NOTES [https://05633ad9-8f0b-4203-9f70-28fee12ca435.usrfiles.com/ugd/05633a_3adcb1eaea8b4e61bd3aa21cd3524e11.pdf] for more details.

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: see Course Notes [https://05633ad9-8f0b-4203-9f70-28fee12ca435.usrfiles.com/ugd/05633a_3adcb1eaea8b4e61bd3aa21cd3524e11.pdf] | 5m contours

COURSES: Beginner, Intermediate/Advanced, and Advanced/Expert [https://www.sandiegoorienteering.org/formats]

* BEGINNER: 2 KM AS THE CROW FLIES, 30M OF ALTITUDE
* INTERMEDIATE/ADVANCE: 4 KM AS THE CROW FLIES, 110M OF ALTITUDE, MOSTLY OFF-TRAIL
* ADVANCED/EXPERT: 7.4KM AS THE CROW FLIES, 185M OF ALTITUDE, MOSTLY OFF-TRAIL
* SEE COURSE NOTES [https://05633ad9-8f0b-4203-9f70-28fee12ca435.usrfiles.com/ugd/05633a_3adcb1eaea8b4e61bd3aa21cd3524e11.pdf] FOR MORE DETAILS

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 BACKUP 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]

Races

  • Traditional - Beginner

    Sat 10th October 2026 (10:00AM PDT)

    $20.00

    CLOSED
  • Traditional - Intermediate/Advanced

    Sat 10th October 2026 (10:00AM PDT)

    $20.00

    CLOSED
  • Traditional - Advanced/Expert

    Sat 10th October 2026 (10:00AM PDT)

    $20.00

    CLOSED

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Location

12551 CA-79, Julian, 92036, CA, United States

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