Palomar Mountain Range

Geobox|Range
name=Palomar Mountain Range


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country=United States
state=California| state1=
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length_orientation=North-South
highest=Palomar Mountain
highest_elevation_imperial=6140
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highest_long_d=1|highest_long_m=|highest_long_s=|highest_long_EW=
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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).Cite web|title=Subsection M262Bo - Palomar - Cuyamaca Peak|url=http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/projects/ecoregions/m262bo.htm|accessdate=2007-08-16|publisher=USDA, Forest Service] 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. The name (which means pigeonhole in Spanish) was given to it due to these heights. This mountain range has a marked contrast to the surrounding dry lowlands, with birch, California black oak and conifers populating the higher peaks.Cite web|title=Bailey's Palomar Resort|url=http://baileyspalomarresort.com/palomar/palomar.htm|accessdate=2007-08-16] In addition, the range receives considerably more moisture than the coastal lowlands, with 30 - 60 inches (76 - 152 cm) of precipitation falling on the higher elevations.Cite web|title=waynesword.palomar.edu|url=http://waynesword.palomar.edu/plfeb98.htm|accessdate=2007-08-16] The mountain range is high enough to receive snowfall during winter. The high elevation of the range allows for excellent star gazing, leading to the existence of the Palomar Observatory. It also serves as a cool mountain retreat from the hot summers of Southern California, with parks like Palomar Mountain State Park.

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