Descanso is a small unincorporated community in the Cuyamaca Mountains, within the Mountain Empire area of southeastern San Diego County, California. The community's name is a Spanish word meaning "rest from labor". It had a population of 1,499 in 2020.
Alpacas & Friends, Descanso is a co-op of two ranches in Descanso, California. It is only open to the public during the Open Ranch events. It sells fiber and produce harvested from the ranches and offer limited workshops and special events. The website offers access to the products year-round.
Oakzanita Peak Trail is a 6.03 mile trail with 1,194 feet of elevation gain and is part of Cuyamaca Rancho State Park located in Descanso, California. With the elevation being gained over the 3 miles to the peak and lots of flowers, it makes it a very enjoyable climb.
Green Valley sits at an elevation of 4,000 feet and has a creek which runs through the middle of the campground. The day use area offers sets of cascades and shallow pools, great for water play on hot days. Green Valley has 81 campsites.
