Laguna Mountain is in absolutely the middle of nowhere -- and that's the beauty of it.  This Laguna is nowhere near Laguna Beach, for starters. 

The area consists of many pretty plain-vanilla cabins, but with fireplaces.  Across the street is a wonderful bar and restaurant -- but when we were there it was closed due to lack of business.  The property is equipped with an adequate general store, however.

PROPERTY	LAGUNA MOUNTAIN LODGE
ADDRESS	10678 SUNRISE HIGHWAY P.O. BOX 146 -- MT. LAGUNA, CA  91948
TELEPHONE	619.445.2342 OR 619.473.8533
WEB	www.lagunamountain.com

The elevation here is 6,000 feet so the weather can be unpredictable.  The property is within the Cleveland National Forest and is controlled by the U.S. Forest Service, perhaps answering why there is so little development here.  This property was built in the 1930's and the cabins were replaced in the 1950's (too bad).

WHEN TO GO AND HOW TO GET THERE:

• The area is east of Julian and north of Interstate 8 -- and quite a ways east of San Diego.   Use Highway S-1.
• Avoid crowded summers and possibly partially-impassable winter months

MAPQUEST: http://www.mapquest.com/maps/map.adp?city=mt+laguna&state=CA&zip=91948&country=us&level=2

".....tried the Laguna Mountain Lodge and Loved it.  Our next is Nick's Rockaway Beach.  Our Laguna Mountain Lodge was so great!!!  The spring flowers were out, the weather was such that we had our pot belly stove going, and even took a drive to Julian.  Great, great recommendation for sure.  All for 60 bucks a night!"  --Mecca S.

Wood, cooking & eating utensils not furnished.  For serious grocery shopping or to go to dinner (if the place across the road is closed), the choices are:

• Julian, 25 miles northwest
• Pine Valley, 15 miles west 

The Foster Lodge is nearby, run by the Sierra Club.

RESTAURANT RECOMMENDATIONS

PINE VALLEY HOUSE

We last visited this property in March 2001.