Alpine is a census-designated place (CDP) in the Cuyamaca Mountains of San Diego County, California, United States.
The small commercial district along Alpine Boulevard has seen some suburban development in recent decades, and it is surrounded by large stretches of less densely populated rural areas that began in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Horse ranches and small farms are still common, along with open chaparral hillsides and riparian canyons.
In 2003, the Cedar Fire ravaged the Alpine area.
Geography
Alpine sits on both sides of Interstate 8 at the eastern extent of the California coastal region and the western extent of the Peninsular Ranges, about east of downtown San Diego, at an elevation of about .
The location of Alpine is not precisely defined since it is an unincorporated area. According to the United States Geological Survey, it is at (32.8350521, -116.7664109), which is near the intersection of Alpine Boulevard and Tavern Road. That is approximately where most maps place Alpine. Kumeyaay tribes are indigenous to the area, and the Ewiiaapaayp Band and Viejas Band of Kumeyaay Indians both have headquarters in Alpine.
According to the United States Census Bureau, it is at (32.834563, -116.770615), which is approximately west of the USGS location. According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of , 99.99% land and 0.01% water.
Viejas Mountain is the highest peak in the area, at . Wright's Field is a nature reserve located in Alpine.
Climate
According to the Köppen Climate Classification system, Alpine has a warm-summer Mediterranean climate, abbreviated "Csa" on climate maps. Summers are warm and dry, and winters are cool with moderate precipitation. Temperatures are more extreme than coastal San Diego, similar to nearby El Cajon and Ramona, and less extreme than the nearby mountain and desert regions, such as Julian.
Rainfall averages per year, falling mostly from November to March, with numerous microclimates and annual variation. Rainfall amounts can vary greatly from month to month, or from year to year.
Average January temperatures range from the low 60s in the day to the low 40s at night. Average July temperatures range from upper 80s to the low 90s in the day to the low 60s at night. Highs of over in the summer and lows of under in the winter are occasional, particularly in the northern section of Alpine, on the slopes of Viejas Mountain.
Snowfall is very rare within the town of Alpine, with trace amounts falling once out of every two to three winters. However, light snow commonly falls each winter at elevations above .