Descanso, California

Descanso, California
The Descanso Junction restaurant
The Descanso Junction restaurant
Location of Descanso in San Diego County, California.
Location of Descanso in San Diego County, California.
Descanso is located in San Diego County, California
Descanso
Descanso
Location within San Diego County
Descanso is located in California
Descanso
Descanso
Location within California
Descanso is located in the United States
Descanso
Descanso
Location within the United States
Coordinates: 32°51′10″N 116°36′57″W / 32.85278°N 116.61583°W / 32.85278; -116.61583
Country United States
State California
County San Diego
Area
 • Total19.16 sq mi (49.61 km2)
 • Land19.16 sq mi (49.61 km2)
 • Water0.00 sq mi (0.00 km2)  0%
Elevation3,573 ft (1,089 m)
Population
 (2020)
 • Total1,499
 • Density78.25/sq mi (30.21/km2)
Time zoneUTC-8 (Pacific (PST))
 • Summer (DST)UTC-7 (PDT)
ZIP codes
91916
Area code619
FIPS code06-18940
GNIS feature ID2582992[3]

Descanso (Spanish for "Rest"; Kumeyaay: Wataay)[4] 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".[5]

The population was 1,423 at the 2010 census. For statistical purposes, the United States Census Bureau categorizes Descanso as a census-designated place. It is in California's 50th congressional district.

Descanso is located east of Alpine and west of Pine Valley. At a 3,450 feet (1,050 m) elevation, it is located at the south entrance to Cuyamaca Rancho State Park and also borders Cleveland National Forest to the west and east.

The area was heavily threatened by the 2003 Cedar Fire. The community consists of many small ranches and newer homes of San Diego commuters. Horseback riding and hiking are frequent pastimes due to the proximity to San Diego's back-country recreation areas. It is approximately a 50-minute commute from downtown San Diego. The majority of residents generally commute to San Diego as the local job market is limited. Community radio station KNSJ operates out of Descanso.

The Descanso Fire Station of the United States Forest Service is home to the Laguna Hotshots. Descanso is home to many firefighters, and many local teenagers join either the Forest Service or the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (which also provides direct fire and EMS protection to the community).

The ZIP Code is 91916 and the community is inside area code 619.

  1. ^ "2020 U.S. Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved October 30, 2021.
  2. ^ U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Descanso, California
  3. ^ U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Descanso, California
  4. ^ Ted Couro and Christina Hutcheson (1973), Dictionary of Mesa Grande Diegueño, Malki Museum Press, Morongo Indian Reservation, Banning, California
  5. ^ Gannett, Henry (1905). The Origin of Certain Place Names in the United States. Govt. Print. Off. p. 104.