Eagle & High Peak Gold Mine and Museum

Location: Julian (62 Miles / 1.25 Hours Northeast of Downtown San Diego)

Open Weekends: 10AM – 5PM (longer during holiday season)

Cost: $10 ($5 for Kids 5-12; $1 for Kids under 5) – Includes Mine Tour and Panning for Gold

Features: Gold Mine Attracted People from across the Country in the 1870s; Learn the History and Pan for Gold.

Gold Mine Museum Highlights: More than $5 million in Gold was mined in Julian during the 1870s. The finds were not as big as many had hoped but it did create a bustling community that still remains a tourist attraction to this day. Take a tour of the gold mine tunnels to learn the history of gold mining in the San Diego mountains, and then pan for gold yourself.

What to Expect

The Mine is located within walking distance of the tourist attractions along Main Street in the historic town of Julian.
Plan to get dirty.
Spend an hour or the whole day searching for gold but you’ll need to leave the gold behind when you leave.

Check the Mountain Weather Forecast. Weather is generally good year-round for outdoor activities but it can get chilly and snow a couple times during the winter and get hot a few times during the summer.

Food – There are dozens of food options in Julian. Note, Julian is famous for its Apple Pies, which is available in most restaurants and at several take-out windows.

Information on Digging for Gold in Julian

Admission: (Costs are Approximate)

Parking is Free during visit to the mine.
$10 ($5 for kids ages 5-12 and $1 for younger than 5.) gets you a tour and equipment to sift for your own gold.
The phone number for the Eagle & High Peak Gold Mine is 1-760-765-0036. There is no web site for the Mine but they do have a new Facebook page. If there is snow or inclement weather, it is best to call ahead to check availability.

Directions from Google Maps to C Street in Julian, CA 92036. (Look for signs to the Gold Mine.)

Traffic – Daytime travel to Julian is relatively easy. After leaving San Diego on highways, the last 30 – 45 minutes of your trip will take place on curvy and hilly two-lane roads. The roads are generally wide enough to make it a comfortable drive for most drivers, despite the winding roads that take you through the Cleveland National Forest and into the mountains. (You will climb to about 4,000 feet above sea level.) Traffic is a little slower during the busier months of September and October but it still moves along quite well. Also, keep an eye out for possible mountain snow in the forecast, when tire chains may be required to get into Julian.

Transit – There is no transit option that gets you into Julian.