Your Gateway to San Diego's Backcountry

No video file selected

Welcome to San Diego’s backcountry & one of Southern California’s best kept secrets. This beautiful region is nestled in the high mountain forests of San Diego county - sky islands where pristine nature & wildlife thrive. We’re a proud historic community dedicated to small town values, responsible tourism & environmental conservation.

As the stewards of these pristine regions, our community is very passionate about ensuring its preservation for generations to come. San Diego’s backcountry is one of the last places in Southern California where you can find unspoiled nature, rare wildlife, & the solitude of mountain forests. We intend to keep it that way & count on your support to do so. Read More...

Lodging

Food

Libations

Activities

Events

Tours

Backcountry Events

Backcountry Dance & BBQ

Join us on Saturday June 9th for the 11th annual backcountry dance & bbq at Menghini Winery. The Julian Dance and Back Country BBQ is an outdoor event in its 12th year. The brain-child of the Sons of the American Legion in Julian, it began and has grown as an event to raise funds for Veterans, kids, local schools and other charitable organizations in the community. From the beginning, the “Dance” has featured the best in country music and dancing on the huge floor and stage built by the Sons. The wholesome family event is staged each year in a beautiful mountain setting at the Menghini Winery. With separate events for kids in their own area the “Dance” is a throwback to a simpler time with twinkly lights and bonfires back-dropped by dark mountain skies.

June 9th at Menghini Winery

4th of July Parade

This year Julian salutes July Fourth with the Theme, “ Julian’s Star Spangled 4th”. Julian honors our nation’s birthday with a salute to the men and women who made our country great, both domestically and militarily. For more than twenty years, Julian residents, their friends and parade lovers from all over have lined up at on the town’s main street to wave their flags, cheer the marching bands, salute the Marine Color Guard, and carry a giant American Flag down the thoroughfare. Bands include: The Emerald Society Bag Pipe Band, Euphoria Brass Band (a great Dixie Land sound), Gold Drum and Bugle Corps, Mariachi Continental de San Diego Antique cars, vintage tractors, belly dancers, World War 2 Submariners, and several comedy entries will appear to complete a fun well rounded home town parade.

July 4th at Main Street

Julian Grape Stomp Festa

This year we are celebrating our 22nd anniversary of the Julian Grape Stomp Festa. We are excited to be continuing the old-world tradition of kicking off your shoes, rolling up your pant legs and letting tons of blessed grapes squish beneath your feet! Julian’s Grape Stomp Festa is a great way to spend a Saturday and this year’s is shaping up to be one of our best. With ten local wineries offering sips to sample, a wide variety of food and shopping opportunities, great Italian music provided by Roman Holiday, Bocce Ball Court, a “Lucy Look-Alike” contest and undoubtedly, a little extemporaneous dancing here and there, this will be a party to remember!!

Sep 1st at Menghini Winery

Backcountry Map

Download a FREE copy of the San Diego backcountry map. This publication is full of useful information about the region & where to visit. You’ll also learn about our environmental policy & conservation model. Our backcountry community is dedicated to sustainable tourism & sustainable business models.

We love the rural, quiet & natural environment that this region represents. We’re against any activity or business model that disrupts our community character or environment. We want you to enjoy all the beauty & mystery this region has to offer, but please act safely and responsibly & helps us in our efforts towards environmental conservation.

Download a FREE digital copy now or advertise with us Read More...