Alpine California is not far
from California Beach. The small community of Alpine sits at the base of the Cuyamaca
Mountains near Highway 8. Located 30 miles east of the City of San Diego, Viejas Casino
(pictured above) and Viejas Outlet Center draw thousands of visitors to this
scenic region on American Indian lands. Tourists visiting San Diego can
drive a quick 30 minutes east to enjoy Alpine's rural setting which features warmer, dryer
climate and the popular sport of gambling.
Residents of this beautiful
4,000' elevation mountain community that was chosen for "best weather in America"
love being outdoors and enjoy activities such as boating, fishing, hiking,
horseback riding and the annual Lakeside Rodeo.
Held 11 miles northeast of
Alpine, Lakeside Rodeo is a three day event that includes real cowboys who compete in Calf Roping,
Team Roping, Bareback Bronc, Saddle Bronc, Steer Wrestling, Bull Riding,
Barrel Racing and the Wild Horse Race. For the current rodeo dates and events,
visit www.lakesiderodeo.com
Situated near the Cleveland
National Forest and only a 30 mile drive away
from Lake Morena and Lake Cuyamaca, Alpine features an interesting mix of
ranches, estates and affordable housing. Residents of the region have diverse
interests, incomes and careers. Some work as casino staff, some are ranch
hands, some commute to the city and others share in the wealth through their
American Indian heritage as members of the Viejas Band of Kumeyaay Indians and
owners of Viejas Casino.
The Viejas Band of
Kumeyaay is one of approximately 12 bands of the Kumeyaay Indian Nation and
have over 250 members living on the 1,600-acre reservation in the Viejas
Valley, east of Alpine in San Diego County. The Viejas Band is recognized by
the United States Government as a sovereign government and maintains a
government-to-government relationship.
The Kumeyaay are the
original native inhabitants of San Diego County. The Kumeyaay, Yuman-speaking
people of Hokan stock, have lived in this region for more than 10,000 years.
Historically, the Kumeyaay were horticulturists, gatherers and hunters. When
the Spanish first sailed into San Diego harbor with the Juan
Rodriguez Cabrillo expedition of 1542, the Kumeyaay greeted them. For more information, see the history
page of www.viejas.com
