Things to Do in Alpine

A family-owned-and-operated farm nestled in the hills of Jamul, Hidden Haven Farms maintains the camaraderie of the Old West lifestyle through relaxing horseback rides and educational field trips. In its tranquil setting far from metropolitan stressors, the farm's owners lead visitors along serene jaunts atop equestrian counterparts, meandering through the farm’s rolling countryside and ranch layout to take in sites and look out for time-traveling rustlers trying to take livestock back to the 1860s.

Hidden Haven's pastures also provide a space for outdoor education, as the family welcomes visitors for field trips, home-school programs, summer camp, and birthday parties. During these visits, guests can master the process of shearing a sheep, watch bee pollination, and witness the first seconds of new life at a live egg hatching. Horses model student-attached saddles and optional sets of subwoofers before trotting field trippers around the farm. Throughout the experience, guides stress the importance of maintaining a healthy connection and respect for all four-legged comrades.

Since 1923, the staff at P2K Range have helped their clients become more responsible, accurate marksmen. The company’s two ranges include a 100-yard climate-controlled indoor range and an outdoor range where sportsmen can shoot trap and five-stand sporting clays. P2K’s team works with Practical Defense Systems to offer gun training that covers safe handling of shotguns, handguns, and rifles for everyday citizens and law-enforcement officials alike. Classes cover topics such as hunters’ safety, women’s self-defense, and what it means when a gun makes a coughing sound.