Mt Helix Park

The kids asked what shall we do on a Saturday. Mt. Helix for a nice view and hot cocoa.

We had such a special evening atop Mt. Helix to see CYT’s production of Mary Poppins. I took all my kids and their people (ages 16 — 22) and it was quite lovely. We live on the mountain, so we took an über to the top… then we walked home. It’s only about a ½ mile. The show was terrific, great sound, sets, and effects… including a «flying» Mary Poppins. Classic. Thanks, CYT!

Stunning 360 degree views all the way to the ocean, and all around. Really unique. Beautiful during the day, sunset, or even in the dark w/​the stars, moon and twinkling city lights. Very cool amphitheater w/​great Christian Community Theater (CCT) musical performances, and various other events, including morning yoga, throughout the year. It is a beautiful place for a picnic, in that the view is amazing, but unfortunately no grass, so you’re basically sitting in the asphalt.
Virtually no parking up top, but you can park at the fire station lot and walk up — it’s a steep climb, but great views. And for shows, they generally have free shuttles from firehouse lot, Russell lot and Grossmont lot. Overall, a really beautiful and unique view of San Diego!

Look~! It’s Downtown San Diego~! Look~! It’s El Cajon~!! Look~! It’s Tijuana~!! Look~! It’s everywhere listed on a map of the southern portion of San Diego County. While somewhat difficult to find if you haven’t been to the area before (the peak, not the mountain) the trek is worth the confusion. With limited parking at the top you find yourself coming around the corner to a large stone amphitheater facing East County. A steep walk up the paved trail or stairs finds you shadowed by a large cross seen from all over the south and east county. With views in every direction, and most likely one of the best places to watch a San Diego sunset from high, many couples, families, and sole soul seekers gather here. The hometown tour guide pointing out sights and towns below can be found in nearly every group. Children often play hide and seek (or nerf as my kids did) and build forts in the surrounding shrubbery. A trail snakes around the peak with new signage in place pointing out the sights and natures gifts that are easily found in the area. Overlooking beautiful and unique homes you can follow the freeways to any part of the South and East County to find where you lay your head. While taking a small picnic and enjoying it anywhere on the land is a great idea, a lone picnic table sits hidden just east of the parking lot that is rarely, if ever, used. Crowds gather mostly at sunset (not visible from the table) to take in the romantic view, so the park is a great place to hang out and enjoy another’s company during the day. Driving off of the mountain is a much easier task than driving up. Just hang a left at the t-​intersection and you will find yourself back at the 8 with an option of east or west within moments.
Nothing beats free in San Diego with perfect, unobstructed views which lands Mt. Helix on one of my most visited places in San Diego and you should too list.

Very peaceful place in El Cajon. I go there to have some quiet time or to enjoy lunch with a nice view. Clean and well maintained. One of my favorite spots in San Diego. Very few parking spots.

Nice scenic view. Only problem I had was that all the high school kids drink alcohol and smoke weed up there because police don’t go up there.

This is a nice secluded place to get some fresh air. It’s an easy drive to the top (and even has a small parking lot!) There’s a great view all the way to the ocean and you can only imagine how great the sunsets are here. But with that, it get a bit busier about 30 min before sunset and you may find yourself parking on the narrow street on the way up the mountain if you show up late.
Once you get up there, the cross is a nice landmark to have up at the top. There are also a few short dirt trails going around the summit and you can find your own personal boulder to sit on to give you the idea that you have the whole summit to yourself.
There’s an amphitheater up there as well where you can watch theatrical productions in the summer. All in all this is still a pretty hidden gem out in East County and should not be missed if you feel like you need to escape the big city without really leaving.

I got stoned on walking way up to Mt Helix on Saturday March 7, 2015, somebody was on top of Mt Helix throwing down stones, and I was a target, have very bad bruises, this place need security

This is a beautiful park to watch the sunset. I hear it’s good to watch the sun rise but I don’t as a rule get up early enough to come for that. Beautiful views of San Diego. If you’ve never been here you owe it to yourself to come.

Its a beautiful place for a sunrise, just get there on time or the sun will already be up.

Absolutely beautiful place to come watch the sunset. Love it!
It’s secluded and at the top of Mt. Helix. This is a gorgeous spot built and dedicated in 1925. Includes an outdoor auditorium!
Love it here!

Beautiful view, amazing to watch the sunrise/​sunset. Can get a little crowded but overall a wonderful spot to sightsee!

So I don’t know why I thought this was the right place for a hike (hence the name) but it’s actually a private park in memory of Miles Stepich who passed away in 2009. Before his death he was a great supporter of this park and allowed the public to enter for free in able to see the great views at the top of Mt. Helix. Many have seen the famous rotating house at the top in which Mr. Stepich had built. Shortly after his death donations were made to have a small dirt path circling the park just like Mr. Steprich wanted for people to enjoy a scenic 360degree view. It’s a nice peaceful place to relax, take pictures or have a picnic. I see a lot of couples come here acting all lovey dovey in secluded places. Parking is very limited of about 6 spaces. If you can’t find parking at the top you may have to find parking at the bottom of the hill somewhere in residential.

Love it here. Such a pretty view. Night time or day time. I love to go here in the night an relax an look at all the pretty lights an stars :)

very pretty! You get a full panorama of San Diego.
There’s a little theater there with steps, a stage, and plastic chairs. Reminds me of the good ol girl scount camp days.
There’s a mini trail that loops around the landmark but it’s not very long. Kind of an adventure. The pups loved it, and there were drinking fountains. Very clutch on a hot day.

One of the best parks in San Diego County.
The views are incredible, the walking paths are adventurous & the events on the stage are always impressive.
The only detractor, and it’s a big one, is the limited parking. And I mean VERY limited. Probably six MAYBE seven parking spots.
Make sure to check out the sunset!
–Jay & Chels

For those of us that live up here… We appreciate the view, the cross and all this hidden gem has to offer. Thank God it’s a privately owned park or else we would have Unilocal reviewers like some listed below actually giving their 2 cents in regards to a place they may have visited once in their lifetime.
If the cross on mount helix offends you for any reason, please, do us residents all a favor and GTFO. I’m sure we will get by just fine without all the PDA, alcohol, parking issues that occur here on the regular.
Now, for those of you that actually can appreciate the area and in a respectful manner, then welcome! People bring life to this area, but negativity need not be present.

It’s a really beautiful place to have a picnic along with a panoramic view of San Diego. It’s nice that you can drive right up to the top, with minimal walking required. Not that I’m lazy, but it’s just amazingly convenient to be able to just park and walk up a few steps to a scenic view. Pretty solid place to take a casual hike around the area.

Did you know that in the year 2013, this year, Mt. Helix Park earned a gold star award for Best of East County? No really it did, look: (
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It is not a surprise, given its inspiring panoramic views, its natural landscaped amphitheater, and its historical intrigue. The park has a small but very pleasant and eye pleasing trail named after Mary Carpenter Yawkey, which was originally built as her memorial. (
) Scattered around the park, are strategically placed picnic tables for families or individuals to enjoy under the sun or shade. (
) I like to go and do the stairs. You start at the bottom and go up and back down, and back up and down until you get to the other side. (
) Talk about some serious cardio, and if you forget your bottled water, they have a drinking fountain waiting for you half way down the opposite end. (
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I’ve been coming to this park since I was a child, not to many years ago I may say. My fond memories are coming with friends and girl friends to watch the sunset, hang out and shoot the breeze, and sometimes just come to clear the mind. It is that inspirational.

I went here a few weeks ago on a random day with my dude and found that this place was much better than I had expected! The view is absolutely beautiful. There are many areas/​large boulders for sitting, relaxing, and just enjoying the view all around. Parking is very limited so come on a random day when it isn’t so busy.