Mt. Helix Park is open to the public 365 days a year, but it follows seasonal daylight-based hours (gates are locked at night).
🕒 Park Hours
- Summer (Daylight Saving Time): ~5:30 AM – 7:00 PM mt-helix-park
- Winter: ~5:30 AM – 5:30 PM mt-helix-park
- Always subject to change for special events, rentals, or closures.
Rising more than 1,300 feet above sea level, Mount Helix Park offers one of the most expansive viewpoints in East County San Diego. Located at the border of La Mesa and Spring Valley, the hilltop park provides panoramic views stretching from downtown San Diego to the Pacific Ocean and east toward the region’s rugged inland terrain.
Mount Helix itself got its name from the helix aspersa snail once found on the hill, a local naturalist curiosity at the time. At the summit sits a stone amphitheater that has served as a community gathering place for decades. The site is best known for its annual Easter sunrise service, along with concerts and civic events held throughout the year. A large cross, visible from miles away, stands near the amphitheater and remains a prominent—if sometimes controversial—feature of the park.
Mount Helix Park is easily accessible by car, with a short paved walkway leading from the parking area to the top. While the park does not offer extensive hiking trails, its accessibility and unobstructed views make it a popular destination for photographers, sightseers, and locals seeking a quiet overlook.
Clear days offer visibility across much of San Diego County, while sunset brings changing colors and city lights that make the park especially popular in the evening hours. Despite its modest size, Mount Helix Park continues to be one of East County’s most recognizable and frequently visited viewpoints.
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