Mt. Helix Park
Dedicated to a mother, Mary Yawkey, Mt. Helix Park has been a staple in San Diego since it was built in 1925. The 35 ft cross sits at an elevation of 1365 ft or 416.05 m. The Park is a perfect place for a picnic, a quiet walk or for photography. We are open 365 days a year with the hours depending on when the park is rented or the season.
Mt. Helix Park Foundation
The Mt. Helix Park Foundation is a 501(c)3 California non-profit public benefit corporation which receives no government funding. The Foundation is responsible for preserving and enhancing the Park, amphitheater and cross memorial on top of Mt. Helix. In addition, the Foundation has purchased land next to the original Park trust property with the purpose of developing it to supplement Park needs.
The Foundation was formed in 1999 to maintain and preserve Mt. Helix Park, a registered California Point of Historical interest. The Park, including a 1600 capacity outdoor amphitheater was built in 1925 and gifted to the County of San Diego in 1929 by the founding Yawkey family. Since the Foundation has taken over governorship from the County, the Park has seen many improvements including electronic entrance and exit gates, security cameras, a picnic area, a Park walking trail with interpretive signage, and a Park office to house staff.
Mt. Helix Park
At roughly 1300 feet above sea level , Mt. Helix Park is recognized as one of San Diego County's most magnificent landmarks, where people come for spectacular views, for a walk to the top, hike along the Yawkey Trail, or simply to relax and take in the tranquility of its beautiful rock formations and native landscape.
The Park was created in 1925 by a brother and sister in honor of their mother, Mary Carpenter Yawkey. The memorial cross towers at a staggering 35 feet visible from all around San Diego. The natural bowl shape of the area was used to create the amphitheater that sits there today. The name "Helix" comes from the snail Helix Aspera, that is very common to this area.
Known as the “Crown Jewel of East County” it is one of San Diego’s premier wedding venues, features an annual Easter sunrise service, Christmas caroling event and is home to the Mt. Helix Park Food and Wine Festival.
Mt. Helix Park is open from 5:30 AM - 5:30 PM in the winter and 5:30 AM to 7:00 PM in the summer.
Donations to the Park are tax deductible to the full extent of the law.
Helix Aspera Snail
Mary Yawkey's Children
Cyprus Yawkey
Mary Yawkey White
