Descanso, California
Descanso (Spanish for "Rest"; Kumeyaay: Wataay) 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".
Descanso, California | |
|---|---|
Unincorporated community Census designated place | |
The Descanso Junction restaurant | |
Location of Descanso in San Diego County, California. | |
Descanso Location within San Diego County Descanso Location within California Descanso Location within the United States | |
| Coordinates: 32°51′10″N 116°36′57″W | |
| Country | United States |
| State | California |
| County | San Diego |
| Area | |
| • Total | 19.16 sq mi (49.61 km2) |
| • Land | 19.16 sq mi (49.61 km2) |
| • Water | 0.00 sq mi (0.00 km2) 0% |
| Elevation | 3,573 ft (1,089 m) |
| Population (2020) | |
| • Total | 1,499 |
| • Density | 78.25/sq mi (30.21/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-8 (Pacific (PST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-7 (PDT) |
| ZIP codes | 91916 |
| Area code | 619 |
| FIPS code | 06-18940 |
| GNIS feature ID | 2582992 |
The population was 1,423 at the 2010 census. For statistical purposes, the United States Census Bureau as designated 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.