Palo Verde Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Palo Verde Ranch located?
The Palo Verde Ranch is located two miles from Alpine, California. Alpine is a town of 13,143 (U.S. Census: 2000) and is located off of Interstate 8, thirty one miles from the Pacific Ocean, in the foothills of the Cleveland National Forest, with elevations from 1,800 to 2,200 feet.
When was the Palo Verde Ranch developed?
The “Ranch” was developed in the early 1960s.
How many homesites are in the Palo Verde Ranch and how large are the lots?
There are 233 homesites in the Ranch, ranging from 2.0 to 7.0 acres.
How far is the Palo Verde Ranch from downtown San Diego?
Downtown San Diego is only 28.9 miles from the Palo Verde Ranch.
What is the weather like in Alpine and the Palo Verde Ranch?
Alpine is noted for the huge number of days (340) with sunshine. The highest average daytime temperature in Alpine is in August (88 F) while the lowest average daytime temperature is in December (63 F). During the summer, Alpine typically cools off in the evenings with the coastal winds coming up through the canyons. Alpine gets most of its precipitation in November, December, January and February with the maximum average precipitation being in February (3.74 inches). Given its elevation at 1800-2200 feet, Alpine gets an occasional dusting of snow.
What is the terrain like in Alpine and the Palo Verde Ranch?
Alpine is located in the foothills of the Cleveland National Forest and the Palo Verde Ranch abuts the Cleveland National Forest. Most of the Alpine community and the Palo Verde Ranch is situated on hilly terrain with canyons. Wrights Field is adjacent to the “Ranch” and is mostly flat terrain, ideal for hiking and horseback riding. Since Alpine is at 1,800 to 2,200 feet elevation, the normal flora is sagebrush, etc.
What amenities are associated with the Palo Verde Ranch?
The Ranch is an equestrian development with fifteen miles of riding trails, with many of these trails connecting to the Cleveland National Forest. The Ranch has a riding ring, tennis court and two lakes with pavilions and a clubhouse at the larger of the two lakes.
Can homeowners keep their horses on their properties?
Most definitely! About 20% of the residents of the Palo Verde Ranch house their horses on their homesites.
What amenities are associated with the “Little Lake”?
The “Little Lake” is a private venue located close to the entrance to the Ranch and has a riding ring, basket ball, tennis court, a covered pavilion with picnic tables, BBQs and restrooms, playground equipment, and the Lake itself.
What are the characteristics of the Viejas Lake, or “Big Lake”?
The private venue sixty five acre “Big Lake” is located on the east end of the Palo Verde Ranch and was formed by damning the Sweetwater river. It is one and a quarter miles in length, averages a quarter mile in width, and has an average depth of forty feet.
What amenities are associated with the “Big Lake”?
The “Big Lake” includes the lake itself, a pavilion, various recreational items, and a clubhouse.
What are the characteristics of the pavilion?
The pavilion is adjacent to a grassy area by the beach, is covered, and has numerous picnic tables, a refrigerator/freezer, sink, BBQs, and restrooms.
What recreational venues are located near the Big Lake?
Horseshoes, sand volleyball, a jungle gym and swings.
What amenities are included in the clubhouse?
The clubhouse has a huge meeting room with a fireplace, wet bar, full kitchen, saunas, pool table, weight/exercise room, and covered patio overlooking the Big Lake.
What can one do in the Big Lake?
Palo Verde Ranch residents swim in the lake, use the two diving platforms, and enjoy their kayaks, sailboats and electric powered boats on the lake. Also, there are boat slips on the docks adjacent to the clubhouse.
Is there fishing in the Big Lake?
Most definitely! Palo Verde residents catch bass, bluegill, and catfish. In fact, a bass tournament is held annually on the Big Lake.
Is the Palo Verde Ranch “kid friendly”?
You bet! The “Ranch” is the perfect place to raise children with the lakes, gym equipment, etc.
Is the Palo Verde Ranch near the Pacific Coast Trail?
About as close as you can get! The hiking/riding trails on the “Ranch” connect to the Pacific Coast Trail.
What forms of wild life exist on the “Ranch”?
Wild turkeys, coyotes, bobcats, Redtail Hawks, Bald Eagles, Golden Eagles, and an occasional mountain lion.
What schools does Alpine have?
The Alpine Union School Districts consists of two kindergarten schools (Creekside Early Learning Center and the Mountain View Learning Center); three elementary schools (Boulder Oaks Elementary; Alpine Elementary; and Shadow Hills Elementary) and one middle school (Joan MacQueen Middle School).
How do these schools rank?
Very well!! The “GreatSchools” rating system rates all California public schools, utilizing standardized testing data. On a scale from 0 to 10 with 10 being the highest, the Alpine Union School District scored 8.
Does Alpine have a high school?
No, not now.
What public high schools do Alpine residents utilize?
Steel Canyon High School (in between El Cajon and Jamul); Valhalla High School (El Cajon); Granite Hills High School (El Cajon); El Capitan High School (Lakeside) and West Hills High School (Santee).
Will Alpine ever get a high school?
We hope so!! Land has already been purchased for the Alpine High School and there presently is a movement (Alpine High School Citizens’ Committee) to build a high school within the Alpine School District.
Is there school bus service?
Yes.
Is there shopping near the Palo Verde Ranch?
Very much so! There is an outlet center associated with the Viejas Casino, just 2.9 miles from the ranch. Also, there is an Albertson’s grocery store 1.3 miles from the Ranch and two drug store/pharmacies (Rite Aid and CVS) 2.8 miles from the Ranch.
Are there any restaurants in Alpine?
There are numerous places to eat in Alpine: Mediterraneo Bistro Bar & Grill; Donato’s Italian Restaurant; Ahi Sushi: Japanese & Chinese Cuisine; Pandi Machi: Sushi Bar & Chinese Cuisine; Greek Village Grill; Janet’s Montana Café; Jimmy’s Restaurant; Alpine Beer Company Restaurant; Alpine Tavern & Grill; La Carreta Mexican Food; Salsa Mexican Food; Al Pancho’s Mexican Restaurant & Seafood; Alpine Taco Shop; Manana’s Mexican Food; Tapitio’s Mexican Grill & Seafood; and numerous fast food restaurants.
What kinds of recreational opportunities are near Alpine?
Alpine is very much in the center of San Diego County and, as such, is within easy driving distance from the beach and Pacific Ocean (31 miles), the Cuyamaca Mountains (8.9 miles) and the quaint mining town of Julian (30 miles), the Laguna Mountains (14.5 miles), the Anza Borrego Dessert (25 miles), the Colorado River (138 miles) and downtown San Diego shopping (28.9 miles).
