mount helix park

360 degree views of San Diego. I would love to own the property the park sits on!! Its prime property.

I find that many who live in San Diego don't know about this hidden gem. About 15 miles east of downtown, Mt. Helix is one of the most intriguing view spots and hiking areas in the city. At the top of Mt. Helix is a lovely amphitheater and 360-degree views to Mexico, downtown, mountains, and La Jolla. The houses on Mt. Helix are unusually for the area distinctive and idiosyncratic including the famous circular house you'll see near the top of Mt. Helix that rotates. Note that this park is listed as being in La Mesa; you'll need that for GPS but Mt. Helix is actually an unincorporated community that has nothing to do with La Mesa. If you want to hike up to the top you can park across the street from the fire house that is near the top and from there walk up the rather steep street that goes to the top of the mountain. On 4th of July you can also see almost all the fireworks around the city by rotating your location. Park closes after dark so go during day. There are occasional musicals, religious ceremonies, and art events in the amphitheater.

We were in town for the weekend and had absolutely glorious weather so we decided to take advantage of the blue skies and headed up to Mt. Helix. For any who have never been there you can see ALL of San Diego county from up there. Actually, you can see beyond because you can see all the way out to the Coronado Islands and they have to at least 70 miles away. It is well worth anyone's time. Mt. Helix is located about 15-20 minutes east of downtown San Diego.

We where in La Messa and very easy to access about a 10 minute drive. It was very pleasurable to enjoy the stillness and watch the busy ants working and travelling beneath us. It is always interesting to watch the world go by while admiring the complexities of life in stillness while taking in beautiful panoramic views on a balmy November day. Very easy access with portaloo facilities.The sea, approaching aircraft and the vast dessert as well as an interesting Natural theatre are there to see. Would recommend.

Nice for families. Clean and safe. A good place for children to have space to fun and play with friends.

Nice drive around and up to the mountain top! Views in all directions. Bring your camera/camera phone for sunset photos! They are beautiful!! Of course, there is parking... but the lot is small and can get crowded. The park has posted signage asking visitors to move or leave after a reasonable time.. 30-45 mins so others arriving may park and enjoy their visit also. Be sure to check MHP out when in the area.. worth a visit :)

Mexico views and islands are visibleNice clean well kept parkEasy drive and loved views Definitely a must sight if tourist in East County

Mt. Helix is a beautiful scenic mountaintop in San Diego county. It is located approximately 20 - 25 minutes drive east of San Diego and a couple of miles south of El Cajon. It is in the unincorporated town of Mt. Helix; part of San Diego. Follow the winding road up to the summit. Signs direct you. There is limited parking just below the summit and a walkway up to the top. A large cross and memorial are at the summit, and beautiful 360 degree views for miles around of the surrounding area are to be had. You can see up and down the coastline all the way to Mexico, and east into the mountains. My teenaged son and his friend, and I enjoyed this place during our sightseeing trip to San Diego. We got some nice pictures, and also hiked the short family hiking trail which encircles the mountaintop just below the summit. The views here are comparable to Mt. Soledad out on the coast, only more inland. There is an amphitheater adjacent to the parking area where community plays are performed. I feel this is a must see place for visitors and residents alike.PS: I'm apparently the first person to review this attraction so I want to let readers know that the zip code listed is entirely incorrect. It's just that I don't know how to change it. Don't go to the zip (It's in a different state). Go to the El Cajon area. People there can direct you.

The views are amazing. Worth the small drive up. There are stairs throughout, so it is not handicapped accessible . Climb up to the top, and look for Mexico!

There's Mount Soledad in La Jolla with it's great views of water and the city, but there is also this wonderful and very different view from this mountain top in the La Mesa area west of San Diego. We went to see it on a sunny day and it was phenomenal. The photos here do not do it justice. True, there isn't much to do here once you walk to the top, but how about just enjoying the beauty and the relaxing view? There is a staging area for plays, concerts and special events. It boldly displays a cross, but you aren't hit over the head with a lot of religious rhetoric. It's also true that there isn't a trove of parking spaces. So, plan accordingly, but do put it on a list of things to see. Not far off of the expressway (8) and worth your time. No concessions, but there are bathrooms.

Love the newish 1/4 mile Yawkey Trail and overlook with benches and signage along the western slope of the mount. This is THE place to take out-of-state visitors for the view. If they can handle a fairly easy trail take them on the Yawkey Trail. The trailhead starts on the ramp leading up to the memorial cross.

This scenic location gives an awesome view of San Diego county. Looking east In the winter snow can often be seen coating the peaks of the Cuyamaca mountains and a sparkling view of the ocean can be enjoyed looking to the west. It is mostly a nature experience, however, if you are in the area there are events that are occasionally scheduled so check a calendar. Something INTERESTING may be happening there.

A side trip up the mountain whenever you are close to La Mesa is more than worth it. You have an incredible view. On a clear day you can see the Coronado Islands, Coronado, downtown, Laguna mountain and much more. There isn't much parking at the top, but parking at the bottom and walking up is another great way to enjoy the park.

I grew up in La Mesa and have always loved to go to the top of Mount Helix and sit on the rock wall and look out to the Pacific Ocean. It's so quiet and peaceful up on top. As you circle the cross you can actually have a 360 degree view of San Diego County. Then stroll behind the stage to see the cells and the history of Mount Helix.

Off the beaten path outside of San Diego is this small mountain. It is a great place to relax and view a sunset. Get there a little early as there are only about 7 parking spaces at the top, but there is additional parking at the lower down at the fields at Mt Helix Dr. and Vivera . The park closes right after sunset, and we were there it was promptly after sunset which is unfortunate because the sky was still colorful. I was not there during daytime hours but the view would be just as good, minus the sunset.