Notes from the host
Josie's Mountain Cabin #7/8
Cabin #7 has some serious charm and was recently completely remodeled. It's nestled close to the top of Hideout Mountain with some of the best views of Lake Henshaw and the surrounding valley. This spacious cabin has vaulted ceilings, a split-level porch, full kitchen, two full bathrooms, granite countertops, A/C and heat to make your stay as comfortable as possible, a large flat-screen TV and a couch to snuggle up on. This place is similar to all our other stand alone cabins, except this is one of the largest and definitely has the best views. It has one private bedroom (queen bed) with it's own entrance, plus the ability to sleep two additional people on the queen size sofa bed in the living room.
We always knew if we rebuilt it, they would come! This cabin is one of 11 to choose from at the San Diego Mountain Lodge located at Hideout Mountain- a boutique retreat destination on 40 acres of unspoiled nature with an unbelievably cool, one-of-a-kind historic bar and grill called Josie’s Hideout Saloon. Open Friday-Sunday till 5pm, with live music every weekend, weather permitting. Ask us about renting out Josie's Hideout Saloon for your next epic once-a-year(or lifetime?) event! No gathering too small! Your live music stage awaits! Delicious catering options, DJs, fog machine, disco balls, anyone? What are you waiting for?! Sound exciting enough? Keep reading to the end for more festive details!
Now our backcountry locals aren't the only wildlife around here! This place is full of wild animals like deer, fox, raccoons, bats, ground squirrels and chipmunks. Keep a steady eye(and ear!) open for rattlesnakes, badgers and mountain lions, oh my! Make some noice so they know you're coming. Be not afraid though, they're honestly more scared of us than we are of them! And once night falls, keep your other ear peeled for our local pack of coyotes while you star gaze under some of the darkest skies in San Diego County!
We're also very proud to be a birder's paradise with more woodland birds here than you can shake a stick at!
How about a chance to see(and hear!) turkeys, owls, scrub jays, cardinals, wood peckers, hawks, vultures and even the Western Tanager to name a few! Stroll the grounds and let us know what you discover! We love to encourage our guests to unplug and unwind, but in case you want to Netflix and chill, we have all the modern comforts of home covered here too.
Before you turn in for the night, don't forget there is a community fire pit down by Josie's Backyard to enjoy the incredible night sky, while offering the perfect place to meet other interesting guests and enjoy a nightcap after an a fulfilling day of local activities with your friends and loved ones. Firewood may be available for purchase on site, otherwise Lake Henshaw is your closest market for anything you might need. If Lake Henshaw is closed, try Santa Ysabel Roadside, down the 79 going back towards the town of Santa Ysabel. They're a well-stocked convenient store that stays open till 9 on the weekdays and 10 on Fri./Sat.
Hideout Mountain really knows how to put the "wild" back into YOUR life and is thee go-to for the ultimate get away destination for custom-made festivals, weddings, specialized retreats, corporate meetings, team building, course trainings, family reunions, anniversaries or just a romantic weekend with the one you love! Why not invite your friends though and make it more the merrier! Get lost together, and more often!
And with our 11 cabins, 2 retro campers and the historic 5 bedroom Adobe Lake View Retreat House, we have over 26 beds that could potentially accommodate over 21 couples and up to 5 singles for a total of nearly 50 people with a few couch crashers! With our expanding campground and RV spaces, even more people could join in on a unique event here just waiting to be organized! Hit us up with any questions. We want to help make your wildest dreams come true! All options are on the table, just say the word!
Be prepared to unplug and unwind, but in case you want to Netflix and chill, we got you covered too. There is patio furniture on the porch to enjoy the incredible surrounding landscape and offers the perfect place to eat at. Plenty of parking for vehicles of all sizes. A private parking space will accommodate any size vehicle
► 2 minutes to Lake Henshaw
► 10 minutes to Santa Ysabel
► 18 minutes to Downtown Julian
► 20 minutes to Vulcan Mountain Winery
► 12 minutes to Jeremy's on the Hill
► 30 minutes to Lake Cuyamaca
► 30 minutes to Granite Mountain Trailhead
► 41 minutes to Borrego Springs
► 75 minutes to downtown San Diego
You will have access to the entire cabin, and you are encouraged to walk around the property and explore.
The top attractions to visit in Santa Ysabel are:
Santa Ysabel Mission
Santa Ysabel Art Gallery
Himalaya Mine
Lake Henshaw Resort
Fort Cross Old Timey Adventures
Julian Pie Company
Farmhouse 78
Dudley's Bakery
Help us conserve water while staying with us! Use only what you need! Conservation is the key!
Please also find the recycle bin at the exit of both San Diego Mountain Lodge and Josie's Hideout Saloon.
We believe in "Leave No Trace" outdoor ethics. Let's pack out anything we pack in! Please take all your trash with you to the dumpster conveniently located on the right just before the exit. Thank you in advance for helping keep Hideout Mountain as beautiful as it is WILD!
Remember don't miss Josie's Hideout Saloon is only open Fri.-Sun. till around 5 depending on the season.
Our Community Fire Pit by Josie's Backyard and is open to everyone!
**We do allow one pet. The Pet fee is $35. Unfortunately, only humans are allowed on the furniture and beds. Please message us in advanced if you plan to bring your pet. We kindly ask that you pick up after your pet while staying with us...and beyond ;o)
Thanks to Elon, we have Starlink W-Fi hotspots throughout the property!
As always we encourage guests to disconnect and invite them to explore Hideout Mountain and our surrounding area like they never have before! Get Lost Here & Find Yourself in Nature Again!
