Palomar Mountain Range
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The Palomar Mountain Range is a high Peninsular mountain range in northern San Diego County of Southern California. The peaks are about 3,000 to 6,000 feet (915 -1,830 m) above sea level, with Palomar Mountain being the pinnacle of the range at 6,140 feet (1,871 m). Birch Hill (5,710 ft. / 1,740 m) and Boucher Hill (5,436 ft. / 1,657 m) are some of the other high peaks of the range. This mountain range has a marked contrast to the surrounding dry lowlands, with birch, oak and pine populating the higher peaks. In addition, the range receives considerably more moisture than the coastal lowlands. Some snow falls here in winter as well. The high elevation of the range allows for excellent star gazing, leading to the Palomar Observatory being constructed on Palomar Mountain. It also serves as a cool mountain retreat from the hot summers of Southern California, with parks like Palomar Mountain State Park.
