Tiny mountain towns often overlooked by travelers in East County’s back country

By Paul Levikow

Photos by Miriam Raftery and Paul Levikow

April 10, 2026 (Santa Ysabel/Wynola) – Visitors travelling to Julian north from Ramona can oftentimes overlook two equally charming communities along the way. Some might even think Santa Ysabel, population around 600, and Wynola with about 200 residents, are actually part of Julian. They are not. Each town has its own unique and enchanting vibe with distinctive views of the Cleveland National Forest and Cuyamaca Mountains.

Perhaps Santa Ysabel, which is about seven miles from Julian, and Wynola, a mere three miles away along state Routes 78 and 79, could be considered suburbs of Julian and its approximately 1,700 residents. All three communities are about an hour drive from San Diego proper by heading east along Interstate 8, then north on state Route 67. That’s the path that takes travelers through Santa Ysabel and Wynola. There are lots of things to see and do in those communities that might make visitors forget they were on the way to Julian, known for its pies, apple picking, Gold Rush history, shopping, and mountain getaway accommodations.

So, let’s get going.

East County News Service

April 5, 2026 (Ramona) – The Ramona Chamber of Commerce is inviting the public to savor the 2026 Cheers to the Valley Wine Festival, from noon to 4 p.m., Saturday, April 18.

This event features an elevated afternoon celebrating the best of Ramona Valley wine, food and local artistry.

A $50 ticket includes unlimited tastings from local wineries, a commemorative glass, catered small bites, live music by Sam Powell, and an opportunity to shop at local art and craft vendors.

By Philicia Tonangoye

Karen Pearlman contributed to this story.

April 1, 2026 (Santa Ysabel) -- The nonprofit Ilan-Lael Foundation will host an immersive art and nature experience on a 90-minute-long docent-led tour at 10 a.m., Thursday, April 9.

The event will take place in Santa Ysabel and focuses on the art and architecture of founder and artist James Hubbel, set against the beautiful natural scenery of the Santa Ysabel landscape.

Admission fees start at $45 per person, and a prior reservation is required.

Participants should be prepared for the activity level in and around 930 Orchard Lane. Organizers emphasize that everyone must wear closed-toe, sturdy footwear for the tour, which involves natural paths and steps.

East County News Service

March 19, 2026 (Julian) -- In another month, the sun will be coming out for youths in the San Diego County's backcountry mountains.

In April, the newly formed Julian Junior Theater will take to the stage for its inaugural production, bringing the beloved classic Annie (but in the Annie Jr. version) to the local community. Tickets are $10, and there will only be four performances.

As a California nonprofit, Julian Junior Theater was established with a clear mission: to foster self-confidence, self-expression and a lifelong love for the performing arts.

By providing enriching education and dynamic performance opportunities, JJT is a vital creative hub for young residents in the rural Julian region.

Photo courtesy County of San Diego

East County News Service

March 17, 2026 (San Diego County) -- As the marine layer thins and temperatures climb across the region, San Diego’s original residents are beginning to stir.

From the coastal sage scrub of Torrey Pines to the rocky canyons of Mission Trails Regional Park, the Southern Pacific rattlesnake is officially back on the move, the County of San Diego warns.

Rattlesnake season in Southern California typically spans from March through October, but experts warn that the peak "shaking" occurs between April and June.

Station is still streaming online, but restoring broadcast signal requires urgent funding for engineering, equipment, and a possible new site

East County News Service

February 28, 2026 (Descanso) – “The tower where KNSJ rented space since beginning broadcasting on July 4th, 2013, is now a crumpled pile of steel and cabling,” states a press release from KNSJ 89.1 FM radio, which airs the East County Magazine radio show.  “Our volunteers have confirmed that the American Tower Company's tower on Monument Peak at 6,200 ft. elevation collapsed in the February winter storm due to severe ice accumulation and wind.”

By Miriam Raftery

February 18, 2026 (Descanso) -- You could call it sweet success. The American Beekeeping Federation has chosen Delanie Craighead of Descanso as the 2026 American Honey Queen.

The winner was crowned during the American Beekeeping Federation Conference and Tradeshow in Mobile, Alabama at a time when interest in beekeeping is buzzing. 

Photo by Miriam Raftery

By Karen Pearlman

Feb. 4, 2026 (San Diego County) – For the winemakers of East County, the sound of progress has long been a quiet one.

Under current San Diego County laws, the region’s smallest “boutique” wineries -- the family-run operations that make up an important part of the local agriculture scene -- have been silenced when it comes to amplified music.

That silence may soon be broken.