Summary: Hunters Lair is our largest cabin and is dedicated to the spirit of the hunt in our San Diego Backcountry. This rustic cabin is ideal for small family gatherings and can sleep 6. It’s the nearest cabin to our restaurant and closest to Sunrise Highway. The Lair features 2 cozy bedrooms, bathroom/shower, a small kitchenette and living room with fireplace.
The Space: Our rustic mountain cabins take you away from the city hustle and bustle to the quiet solitude of our mountain forest. This is a very remote and rural destination in the Cleveland National Forest at altitudes of 6,000+ ft. Due to the higher altitudes, it gets significantly colder especially in the winter months. Make sure to bring plenty of layers and warm clothes. Depending on snow conditions, you may be required to have a vehicle with 4x4 tractions, as well as chains. Check the weather forecast and advisories before heading up. Please be prepared for your visit.
Guest Access: Our property is located directly off Sunrise HWY 1 and our cabins are located right behind The Outpost restaurant. The private cabin road is accessed on the left side of the restaurant parking lot. We use a smart lock powered by Lynx. You will receive a 4-digit access code for contact-less self check-in.
The Neighborhood: Located just 40 minutes east of downtown San Diego, The Outpost by Valley Farm is southern California's premier backcountry retreat. Our rustic cabins are located on Mt. Laguna in the Cleveland National Forest, where you can enjoy the solitude of a true mountain forest. This destination is located at altitudes of 6,000+ feet in the high mountains of the San Diego backcountry. It’s a popular recreation area due to its remoteness, altitude and concentration of pine, conifer and oak trees. Due to the higher altitudes, it gets significantly colder especially in the winter months. Make sure to bring plenty of layers and warm clothes. Depending on snow conditions, you may be required to have a vehicle with 4x4 tractions, as well as chains. Check the weather forecast and advisories before heading up. Please be prepared before you visit.
There are numerous trails, viewpoints and parks nearby, as well as the Laguna Visitor Center. Our restaurant features amazing food, lively ambiance, as well as a full bar. We are open Wednesday - Sunday from 11-8pm. Our property also features a tree tent complex for kids and adults alike to enjoy (summer months).
The Laguna Mountain Lodge Store is the nearest small shop in the area. They provide ice, snacks, pie, alcohol and a variety of other items (open from 9am to 5pm).
Our massive and interconnected network of trails in Mount Laguna are the most popular attraction. One of the best ways to enjoy this network of trails through the forest is by mountain bike. We can organize mountain bike rentals and can help you get started, if it’s your first time.
If you’re into mountain biking - you should know that Mount Laguna is an MTB haven. We have various beginner and intermediate trails, as well as technical mountain bike trails like Los Gatos Ravine. Noble Canyon is a black diamond trail with a 2,000 feet descent through the most beautiful regions of the Cleveland National Forest.
You can also hike if you’d prefer and there are many beautiful trails to choose from.
The Pacific Crest Trail is a huge attraction for hikers in the area. This popular trail, spanning thousands of miles, starts in Mexico and ends in Canada! Our portion of the trails features some of the most spectacular drop off views of the Anza Borrego State Park and the best sunrise views in the whole county.
Please be advised that if you park your vehicle at one of the trailheads along Sunrise HWY, you must have a National Forest Adventure Pass, which can be purchased at the Laguna Lodge or at the Visitor Center.
Another fun place to visit is Lake Cuyamaca, which is about 20 minutes away. Activities include; fishing, boating and hiking.
Last, but not least is the historic town of Julian, which is just 30 minutes away, which has lots of small shops, bakeries and eateries to explore!
If you have any specific requests of things to do or places of interest, we would be more than happy to help!
Don't hesitate to ask if you have any questions :)
Kindly note that phone and internet service can be pretty unreliable in some parts of Mount Laguna.
Make sure you come prepared for a backcountry mountain adventure!
Cheers,
The Outpost Team
Interaction with Guests: Our reservation manager, Martha Main, is available by phone or email anytime to answer questions and address any needs.
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.
Add dates for prices
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Important information
You need to know
Property Registration Number 2-0701902-22
Property # 3429910
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher
About the neighborhood
Mount Laguna
Located in Mount Laguna, this cabin is in a rural area and in the mountains. Pacific Southwest Railway Museum and Julian Historical Society are cultural highlights, and some of the area's activities can be experienced at Viejas Bowl and Menghini Winery. Laguna Mountain Recreation Area and California Wolf Center are also worth visiting.
Laguna Mountain Recreation Area - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
Lake Cuyamaca - 29 min drive - 32.7 km
Viejas Casino - 36 min drive - 45.5 km
Sycuan Casino - 52 min drive - 65.2 km
Anza Borrego Desert State Park - 55 min drive - 64.3 km
Restaurants
The Outpost by Valley Farm - 1 min walk
Pine House Cafe & Tavern - 5 min walk
Frequently asked questions
Is Hunters Lair Summary: pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much does it cost to stay at Hunters Lair Summary:?
As of May 9, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Hunters Lair Summary: on May 23, 2026 start from $174, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
How much is parking?
Onsite parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Hunters Lair Summary:?
Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Hunters Lair Summary:?
Check-out is at 11:00 AM.
Where is Hunters Lair Summary: located?
Situated in the mountains, this cabin is 0.1 mi (0.2 km) from Laguna Mountain Recreation Area and within 12 mi (20 km) of Cuyamaca Mountain State Wilderness and Pine Valley County Park. Pine Valley Library is 11 mi (17.7 km) away.
Reviews
9.4
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labeled.
The cabin was clean and beds were very comfortable. The porch was great for morning coffee and evening cocktails! Outpost had amazing BBQ as well!
Rebecca M.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024
Verified
8/10 Good
Stephen M.
Nov 1, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, listing accuracy
Disliked: Communication
This was the cleanest Cabin I have ever stayed at. The bathroom, kitchen, and bedroom were spotless. the sheets were washed in lavender scent, I thought I was floating on a cloud, very nice!I would have rated 5/5 if the fireplace had not smoked out the cabin, and there had been a pair of buck antlers over the fireplace instead of a TV that did not work.
A nice place to get away from the city for a few days. We loved that it is right next to the restaurant and store. A side note for anyone who likes to bring their own food like we do, there is a mini fridge and microwave but no stove, pots, or toaster. That’s okay though because the restaurant is literally right next to you. Very peaceful, we loved the fireplace and the patio fire pit. Also Shantel was ver communicative ☺️
Carrie G.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024
About the host
Your host
We have a passion for San Diego and showcasing all the best that our Backcountry has to offer.
Why they chose this property
Mt. Laguna is one of the most remote and bio-diverse areas of San Diego. It's located at over 6,000ft elevation and is one of the highest mountains in San Diego county.
What makes this property unique
Our property is located next to several famous trails such as the Pacific Crest Trail and Noble Canyon. We have miles and miles of trails to explore in this regions.
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests