Mt. Helix Park — Attraction in El Cajon

Perched atop a 1,370-foot peak, Mt. Helix Park in La Mesa, California, offers an unparalleled experience that transports visitors to the ancient theaters of Greece. The park's 1,600-seat amphitheater, nestled into the hillside beneath a magnificent 35-foot cross, was established in 1925 as a memorial to Mary Carpenter Yawkey. Designed by renowned architect Richard Requa and landscape architect Emerson Knight, the amphitheater's natural bowl shape and stone construction evoke a sense of timelessness and history.

The panoramic 360-degree views from the summit are nothing short of breathtaking, encompassing the sprawling cityscape of San Diego, the Pacific Ocean, and the distant mountains. Informational placards about local wildlife and beautifully landscaped gardens enhance the visitor experience, providing both education and aesthetic pleasure. Mt. Helix Park offers a unique and enriching experience that feels worlds away from the hustle and bustle of...

I have started a part time position providing Security services at the Park it is a pleasant place to be on post.

There is no playground, and the only restrooms I saw were Port A Pottys brought in for the Mt Helix Food and Wine Festival which was August 17, 2024. No containers allowed, no vaping/smoking no skateboarding (too dangerous on the steep trails and narrow rock cut steps) Dogs must be leashed and controlled at all times and picked up after (you WILL be cited if caught)

Gates are normally open 10 am to sunset, currently 8 pm but after the time change winter hours gates close 6 pm.

Parking is EXTREMELY LIMITED and there is NO STREET PARKING - You Will be cited and possibly towed!

For events they schedule shuttle service and set aside parking down the hill and there are a few spots cordoned off for vendors and deliveries for the event. The shuttles are very efficient and they keep running until all event attendees have...

I really love going to this park but after moving away for about three years and then coming back when I tried to visit Mount helix to view the sunset, I was unable to because of the parks New restrictions. I understand that there are private homes in the area and they probably don’t want people coming up there at all hours of the night. I just remembered back 10 years ago. You could park on the side and walk up if you wanted to, but now if you can’t park on the side anywhere, there are gates closing the surrounding area so the only option is to park very far at the bottom and possibly walk up, but you can’t get up to the top where the cross is so you can’t really see the sunset from up there. I really used to love this place. It is so beautiful during the day if you can get up there Before they close the...