Trail Overview

Nate Harrison Grade is a dirt backroad into Palomar Mountain State Park. This trail leads from typical Southern California scrubland scenery up to lush forests and mountain views. You'll encounter loose rocky areas and several deep ruts throughout the route. The trail is primarily non-technical, with several minor challenges caused by seasonal erosion. Snow and rain can cause noticeable differences in the trail between visits. This route can be taken up or down the mountain; be aware that many narrow stretches of the trail and tight switchbacks can make passing difficult. Full-sized turnouts are infrequent. High clearance will provide an advantage but is not necessary.

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Difficulty

While there are some asphalt/gravel sections of the trail, much of the route is unmaintained and can change drastically between wet seasons. Always come prepared. Most challenging sections can be easily maneuvered around if the right line is taken.

History

s named after Nathaniel Harrison, a freed slave who, according to local legend, was the first African-American to live in San Diego County. He built a cabin along the original dirt road and would offer food, spring water, and a place to rest to travelers headed up the mountain.

Technical Rating

Conner Angus

Oct 12, 2025

Open

Any car could pass through here even with 2WD. Few sections towards the top were a lot bumpier than the more traveled parts on the bottom half. I camped out about halfway up off someone’s property that was available off the HipCamp app.

Erick Morales

Sep 14, 2025

Open

Easy trail, most 2WD should have no issues. You can probably do this on street tires, aggressive tires are a plus. I encountered one person as I was reaching the end and coming down a few more. Over all a fun trail, somewhere you can drive with the family.

Alvaro Molina

Sep 05, 2025

Open

Easy, 2WD, good views !

Julio Flores

Aug 30, 2025

Open

This was a super easy ride. Not technical at all. Great views. We drove down the mountain and it was smooth.

SprayPaint Stewart

Aug 03, 2025

Open

About 1/4 of this trail is on pavement, about 1/4 on dirt/dust covered pavement.. The rest is on dirt.. We never saw anything that needed high-clearance or 4x4.. It's a beautiful drive... Once at the top you should check out the Fire Look Out tower.. You can "yell" up to the on-duty lookout and ask for a tour.. This is the only fire lookout tower that can and will give tours...

matt lavoice

Jul 22, 2025

Open

Easy trail for beginners and well graded. Only a short spot that was a little more rutted. Saw turkeys and deer

Adam Stackhouse

Jul 20, 2025

Open

80% of the trail is well graded. No high clearance or 4wd necessary. A little slower going up because of the blind curves. Approximately 45 minutes up and 30 minutes coming down because much of the trail is visible on the way down and it’s easier to spot on coming traffic.

Tom Tucker

Jul 19, 2025

Open

The road itself was easy, lots of gravel and dirt, but shear drop offs on the way up (and down of course) It was a little sketchy coming down with trucks and jeeps coming up… not much of a trail at the tops.. I’d skip it and find something else…

Jason Smith

Jul 13, 2025

Open

Easy trail up the mountain. Quicker than taking the main road. Wonderful views.

Marco O.

Jun 07, 2025

Open

Hans Warren

May 06, 2025

Open

Low clouds created 20 foot visibility between 3200-4600 elevation. Wet, muddy road, many rutted sections from run off. Clear visibility at both ends of trail. AWD and 4x4 vehicles no problem.

Kyle SR

Apr 18, 2025

Open

Only saw a few others on the way back down. Got high centered on the bonus section with the deep ruts. 2 1/2 in lift on 32's. Careful if trying its rock, not dirt on the knuckle of the obstacle. Was able to self recover. Any sedan could drive up the regular road. Snow is gone, little mud at the top. I'd rate 1/10.

Jerry Bumpus

Mar 15, 2025

Open

Ice Was Fun

jose g

Mar 08, 2025

Open

Bit of slush at the top. Did it in 2wd the whole way. Decent amount of rigs on the trail.

Carter Watts

Feb 08, 2025

Open

Pretty easy going trail. Slightly muddy on the top 1/4 of the trail. There was one obstacle that you can try on the way up but it’s off trail and unnecessary. Had a good time 👍