Heads up - it’s also known to be a nude beach for the locals. Known for its beaches and laid-back vibes, San Diego is a heavenly city for outdoor lovers. Don’t start swearing at the switchbacks though, because these are the only ones you’ll get the whole trail. Take a spectacular hike through the desert wilderness up Whale Peak. You’ll find unique-looking waterfalls that flow through the surrounding rocks, and you can also take a dip in the pools as a reward for hiking. by Carissa Stanz. Hiking Fall Color Hikes in San Diego 5 Hikes Amongst San Diego's Fall Colors and Foliage. Location: Los Penasquitos Canyon Preserve. Arrow. The five-mile Torrey Pines State Park loop is one of the best hikes in San Diego County. The trail is one of the most challenging on this list, but the destination is legendary for any San Diego local. Millions of years ago this place used to be underwater. This trail is for experienced hikers and requires trail finding, GPS navigation, and a high clearance vehicle. Sunset Cliffs Park Trail is perfect for the whole family including dogs on leashes. He founded Mountain IQ in 2014 with the sole aim to be the best online information portal to some of the most popular mountain destinations around the world. However, even on the most crowded of days, you’ll still be wowed by the sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean. The park is perfect to stretch your city legs, and contains picnic benches, shady trees and toilet amenities. Maybe it’s because it’s tucked into an unassuming location, but I rarely ever hear people talking about this hike. Make sure to bring sunscreen and plenty of water! Required fields are marked, Privacy | Terms | DMCA | Affiliate Disclosure | Site Map. It’s also flat the whole way, so it’s great for beginners as well as more experienced hikers. This oasis trail is popular as a day hike, culminating in a shaded and rejuvenating pond. Visitors love that this trail is longer with easy terrain, perfect for a longer day of hiking and enjoying the scenery. Cowles Mountain is the highest point in San Diego, and as such is also one of its most popular hikes. Other even shorter options, like the Guy Fleming Trail are available. If it’s a more forested hiking trail you’re seeking, the Blue Sky Ecological Reserve is one of the shadier hikes in San Diego that’s perfect for hikers of all levels. Hiking Trails in San Diego. Be prepared to get wet if you’re hiking the Cedar Creek Falls trail! The walk is also educational, with informative signs dotted at intervals to inform visitors about the indigenous plants and animals. The trail itself is a fairly moderate 4.2-mile round trip excursion that passes through exposed, dry, and sunny stretches of land and eventually leads to … Byron Hetrick Roughly an hour northwest of San Diego is one of the best waterfall hikes in the region. Wondering what exactly you should pack for your next hike? Type above and press Enter to search. The reward at the bottom is so worth it though! As you descend the canyon, you will pass through the shades of sycamore and oak trees, enjoy the bright colours of wildflowers and listen to the gentle bubbling of the stream and subsequent waterfalls. This 7,220-acre preserve offers many hiking trails for a quick nature fix from the urban hustle, and its 65-mile trail system makes it a popular destination for hikes in San Diego and mountain bikers of all levels. For a day-long adventure on an incredibly scenic San Diego hiking trail, look no further than the Big Laguna Trail. Needless to say, this is one you definitely shouldn’t miss! Again, look out for rattlesnakes. Best Hikes Near San Diego Batiquitos Lagoon Trail. When she's not writing furiously on her laptop or editing photos, you can find Kay running, hiking, paddling, or playing in the snow. The highlight of the trek is the last part where you hike through a prehistoric graveyard of seashells. When not writing for Mountain IQ, Mark is out exploring the outdoors with his wife! Location: Torrey Pines State Park, La Jolla, Distance: 3.2 km (other options available). The Three Sisters Falls is a remote destination, which in recent years has gained popular attention. As one of the highest peaks in San Diego County, there’s no shortage of awesome views or spectacular scenery on the Cuyamaca Peak Loop Trail. Consider opting to follow the trail at the eastern portion of the canyon, where bikers are less common and the crowds are more dispersed than on the alternative routes. Because the trail is fairly flat, it’s perfect for hikers of all levels to get out in the wilderness. The coastal scenery provides an idyllic backdrop to motivate you to go on a casual afternoon stroll for as long or as short as you please. This 68-acre park is a postcard-come-to-life, with its expansive ocean views, namesake cliffs, and... Anza-Borrego Desert State Park 20 Absolutely Spectacular Hikes in San Diego for All Levels Easy Hikes in San Diego. As one of the highest peaks in San Diego County, there’s no … While there are many things I miss, the sun-drenched trails are near the top of the list. If you're looking for the best trails around Border Field State Park, we've got you covered. Ho Chi Minh Trail. In addition to the historical significance of this area, there are also several trails, such as the Bayside trail, through the sage scrub, chaparral and past tidal pools teaming with coastal wildlife. On the trail, you’ll find wooded sections interspersed with views of the surrounding mountains along the 7.7 miles of this loop trail. The Razor Point Trail. Guide to the Best Hikes in San Diego Gorgeous year-round weather and a plethora of landscapes and natural features make San Diego County an incredible hiking spot for outdoor lovers and locals alike. The Best North County San Diego Hikes. As always, we only link to products that we recommend, and that we have tried and tested ourselves. While there are many San Diego hikes worth mentioning, here are a few of our top picks. Fun fact: a lot of people use this hiking trail when there’s a full moon too. After completing the challenge, not only will you have seen San Diego from different perspectives, but you may also adopt a new favorite hiking trail along the way. I spent a good chunk of my young-adult life soaking in the San Diego sun. San Diego is located about 190 km from the South of Los Angeles. It’s one of the most challenging and beautiful ocean bluff hikes. The climb will physically challenge even the fittest of mountain adventurers with the seemingly endless ups and downs over rugged, at times treacherous terrain. Arrow. Cowles Mountain features the best views of the city, while sunrises and sunsets from the top are hard to beat. This marshy area is home to many local species of birds, marine life, and plants, which you can learn more about on this 3.1 mile trail. © 2018 ThemeSphere. Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve. The trail is very well marked, making it difficult to get lost. Because of the elevation of the region, the vegetation and atmosphere of the park resemble those of the northwest, including pine trees, gentle mists and verdant plant life. Along the way, you’ll find lovely, colorful patches of wildflowers, rock pathways, and lovely views. Mark has trekked extensively in Asia, Europe, South America and Africa. The reserve also offers a variety of programming for visitors, like guided docent tours and frequent nature education events. Though a difficult nine-mile hike round-trip, the views from the top more than compensate—at an elevation of 6,535 feet it’s the highest peak in San Diego. Breathtakingly desolate in the best ways, the trail delivers desert charm through ripe cactus gardens, wildflowers, and bighorn sheep ( borregos ). Much of the trail is exposed so be sure to bring plenty of sunscreen. Given the lack of good peak-bagging options south of Interstate 8 and west of the mountains, you would think that a mountain with views this good would attract more notice. The Best Hikes in San Diego Have Stunning Coastal Cliffs, Waterfalls, and Even Views of Mexico this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines. Visit our Complete Day Hiking Packing List for our full list and our top gear recommendations. On the trail, there’s very little shade, so we’d recommend bringing a hat and sunscreen if you choose to go then. Note that because this trail is used by hikers, runners, bikers, etc., it can become very crowded on weekends. This hilly trail through Cleveland National Forest has three stream crossings, which can be higher than knee-deep depending on how wet the area is from recent weather. Location: Torrey Pines State Park, La Jolla. The fairly strenuous 3-mile trail winds through the chaparral hills of eastern San Diego County. Press Esc to cancel. The best hikes in San Diego, California have been chosen for a number of reasons – the scenic beauty of the trails, the physical challenge imposed by the climbs, and their unique hiking experience. However, the breath-taking views of the surrounding mountains and extraordinary granite rock formations turn this physical battle into a source of pleasure for its heroic conquerors. Beware of wildlife as bobcats have been known to wander through the area! This short trail is rated as moderate and is one of the best hikes in San Diego for all levels, giving hikers the chance to experience some of the best views in the city without having to scramble. A picturesque and uniquely shaped rock sits at the end of this trail, offering a nice reward for those brave enough to tackle this challenging uphill hike. This trail begins on a downhill into the canyon where the waterfalls are located, then an uphill on the return trip. Not to be confused with the other Split Mountain in California, Southern California’s Split Mountain offers stunning and secluded views of the desert plains. On the east of San Diego County, the Borrego Palm Canyon is one of the last natural Californian palm groves and features cacti and colourful flowers. For visitors and local alike, this is a perfect introduction to San Diego hiking. Locals absolutely love the Big Laguna Trail, and many cite it as one of their absolute favorite hikes in San Diego. From coastal hikes, to moonscape deserts, to big mountains, there’s tremendous variety. We are not teaching, we are sharing the casual fun hikes and building relationships, but we can help some newbies learn about San Diego … While the party-culture of the trail has not changed, you can expect well-maintained and demarcated trails and a generally fun experience. The area offers a diverse array of hiking trails: you’ll find ocean cliffs covered with Torrey pines, rolling mountain ranges, and the incredible Anza Borrego desert. The population is around 1,423,851 based on the survey in July 2019. Hiking San Diego. Top San Diego Hiking Trails: See reviews and photos of hiking trails in San Diego, California on Tripadvisor. We do, however, recommend that you go for a refreshing dip in the glorious swimming hole. Careers The unique scenery here definitely puts it on the radar as one of the top hikes in San Diego – it’s a pocket of paradise in the otherwise parched terrain of the Palm Springs desert. Along the trail, you’ll come across several gentle switchbacks that lead to the peak. A short drive from downtown San Diego can take you to beaches, deserts, mountains, and more! Moreover, although the route is immediately steep and challenging, it offers stunning views of the surrounding city all along the way. We will get back to you soon. 10 best hikes in San Diego 1 - Torrey Pines State Park. As with many of the San Diego hikes, the weather can get dangerously hot so ensure that you plan your excursion on a cool afternoon and pack plenty of water – more than you think you’ll need. In other words, don’t go there expecting to have the place to yourself. The Top Hiking Trails In San Diego There are endless options to choose from, and one of the most well-loved is the Oak Canyon Trail which follows the banks of a ravine snaking north of the Old Mission Dam. The Razor Point trail (1.3 miles) or Guy Fleming Trail (0.7 miles) both offer dramatic,... 2 - Los Penasquitos Canyon Trail. The Mount Woodson hike is famous for the incredibly photographic Potato Chip Rock. The trailhead is easily accessed, the trail is relatively challenging but doable for casual hikers, and offers some incredible views of the surrounding land (all the way from Mexico and to the ocean). According to locals, the Iron Mountain trail ranks among the top mountain hikes in San Diego for its views alone. One of San Diego’s more challenging hikes, El Cajon Mountain will taunt you with several false peaks and uphill sections both up the mountain and back down. Crowds of youngsters swarm to pose for a picture on the bizarrely thin sliver of granite that protrudes over a glorious view of San Diego – but there are other reasons to take this hike. Stunning views begin about halfway up. We will do some casual local hikes around San Diego, sometimes joining with other hiking group members. Although it is only 4 miles long it is very steep on your hike out. Located just across the highway from the Cuyamaca Peak trail head, the Stonewall Peak trail offers stunning views of Cuyamaca Rancho State Park. Local hikers love the Palm Canyon Loop trail because it’s short, easy, and has lots of vibrant and picturesque scenery along the way. Hike the higher altitudes of San Diego's Peninsular Ranges that wind through the county to wander amongst the reliable, and often spectacular, fall color shows. In addition to ample sunshine, hiking San Diego offers hikes for everyone. Part of the trail will take you through manzanita forests, boulder fields, and desert brush. AllTrails has 128 great hiking trails, trail running trails, mountain biking trails and more, with hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers, and nature lovers like you. Lake Calavera Preserve. You can also decide how long you want to hike for, with the option of extended multi-day hikes or a simple afternoon excursion. Best Coastal Hike: Ho Chi Minh Trail This short but steep hike in La Jolla leads into Black’s Beach, a prime surfing spot in San Diego. Hiking the Canyon Trail, it is hard to believe that just a few hundred metres away is the characteristic semi-arid chaparral of San Diego county. This excursion is a great escape from the dry and hot California climate, and offers views of waterfalls, perennial streams and creek crossings along the way. Blue Sky Ecological Reserve offers hikers a unique destination just outside of … This trail ends in a pretty waterfall that is best visited after periods of rain (sometimes the flow trickles in drier weather). On clear days, you can see the Pacific ocean in the distance. Avoid hiking in the intense heat, pack plenty of snacks and water, make sure your hiking boots are of good quality. No hiking guide for San Diego would be complete without mention of Anza-Borrego, and Borrego Palm Canyon is the state park’s quintessential adventure. The hike starts with a smooth ascent along a paved road but will soon transition into some switchbacks. The Laguna Mountains, for example, offers the alpine lakes, forests and meadows of wildflowers to rival any North American classic. These trails are famous for being some of the easiest but most rewarding hiking experiences in the region. The Razor Point Trail is one of several options offered by the Torrey Pines State Park, which is open from sunrise to sunset. From the summit, you will soak in the view of the Santa Ana Mountains, Camp Pendleton, the Palomar Mountains and the surrounding suburbs. If you’re in the mood for an adventure, there are less crowded routes that can be taken to its summit to avoid the worst of the crowds. If the day is particularly clear, you will be able to spot local landmarks, which will familiarise you with the area as well as any bus tour. The site is well known for its stargazing – the Palomar Observatory is located here. Mount Woodson. The 5-Peak Challenge will provide you the opportunity to discover some of the less-visited areas of Mission Trails. Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve It’s no secret that Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve is one of the best places to hike in San Diego County. Urban Outdoors is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Hikers mention that the trails can get quite muddy after periods of rain, so it’s a good idea to wear waterproof hiking boots and trekking poles. We’re a community of outdoor-loving city dwellers who can’t wait to get outdoors! After you’ve summited the peak, we recommend that you include a walk along the tranquil shores of Lake Poway. Walking Sunset Cliffs Natural Park Linear Trail. Located in the Batiquitos Lagoon Ecological Reserve, this trail is an ideal outing for families... Blue Sky Ecological Reserve. Razor Point and Beach Trail Loop. Kay Rodriguez is the founder of Urban Outdoors. You might even forget you’re in Southern California! For a short hike with a gentle incline and views for miles, the Stonewall Peak trail is a fun challenge for hikers of all levels. The views at the top are absolutely fantastic. The trail starts at Discovery Lake, crosses through a housing development, winds along a roadside and eventually takes you up the peak itself. Additionally, the lagoon itself is quite picturesque, and worth the hike on its own! Looking for the perfect gift for your favorite hiker? IMPORTANT: This is a social group not a group lead by instructors. With a relatively tranquil route, the Los Penasquitos Canyon hike is great for all... 3 - Cowles Mountain. Note that this hike can get extremely hot in midday, summertime, so avoid walking at this time. Also, look out for rattlesnakes. Located in nearby Poway, this hike features a challenging ascent leading up to a panoramic viewpoint of the surrounding mountaintops and valleys. We recommend going in the Winter and early Spring due to the heat. Attempt this trail in the cooler months. Located in the middle of the Los Coyotes Indian reservation, the trail to the top of Hot Springs Mountain was previously closed to visitors. It is also a particularly dog-friendly hike, which may or may not be a bonus for you. Note that this is one of the most popular trails in San Diego, and it gets extremely crowded on weekends. You’ll soon come across three separate palm groves that eventually clear out for a small waterfall, making for a pleasing reward after a tough hike. Iron Mountain is easily one of the most popular hiking trails in San Diego, right there with Cowles Mountain and Potato Chip Rock. Another one of the best San Diego hikes is on top of the bluffs of Point Loma over at the Sunset Cliffs Natural Park Linear Trail.. At other points in the trail you can walk through Californian desert or snow-covered mountains – there is really something here for everyone. Beware: navigating apps have been known to take you to the wrong trailhead. Cowles Mountain is the highest peak in San Diego County, and the trail here takes you all the way up to the top. Stroll, hike, trail run, bike, or horseback ride on thousands of miles of hiking trails in and around San Diego. It may also be a good idea to bring along hiking poles to stabilise you on the more precarious sections of the trail. It is also a beautiful place for a romantic stroll. If you want to hike to the summit of the mountain, realise that it is a difficult climb and come prepared with plenty of water and a savvy companion. Towering, old oak trees provide a cool canopy over the trail, which boasts a view of Lake Ramona if you hike all the way in. Even if you’re not a surfer, there are tons of ways to explore the outdoors in the city, and hiking in San Diego is one of them. While burritos, beer, and beaches may be San Diego’s claim to fame, you won’t want to pass up the trails. Photo by Liz Thomas. The sweeping views of the coastline are well worth the hike itself, but as a bonus, you’ll also wander through magnificent rock formations and wildflower meadows, too. The Los Peñasquitos Trail is a conserved ecosystem of lush, swamp-like land bordered by suburban development. The Double Peak Trail is an accessible, stimulating climb rewarded by enjoyable views and a pleasant park at the summit. One of the most popular destinations for hiking is in San Diego, California. Miramar Reservoir. The trail begins as a straight descent, therefore leaving you to struggle your way back up. San Diego's Greatest Hikes for Every Skill Level Iron Mountain Trail. Be sure to turn onto the first dirt road off of S2 after Scissors Crossing, and not the second road. Distance: 3.2 km (other options available) The Razor ... Los Peñasquitos Canyon Trail. The trick to San Diego is to do like the locals and skip the traffic and theme parks. This multi-use trail runs through wooded areas, vast meadows, and culminates in a quaint waterfall. Contact Us. If you do decide to take on this epic trek, pack more water than you think is necessary and check the weather forecast to avoid hiking on hot days. Because each of these hikes are so different, it is impossible to compare them – so don’t worry about the order in which they appear. The trail passes a series of three cascading waterfalls which feed refreshing pools of fresh water, perfect for an afternoon swim. Located in a wide canyon, the Los Penasquitos Canyon Trail is one of the absolute best places for hiking in San Diego. A 2,000+ ft elevation change lies in store, so be prepared for an intense climb. Difficulty: 6 Just outside Poway, Iron Mountain can -- fittingly -- feel a lot like a hot iron... Torrey Pines Beach Trail. For a longer hike, you can tackle the Oak Canyon to Grasslands trail, which spans 3.7 miles and tracks through even more wildflower-laden meadows! Tucked into the rugged hills and valleys just northeast of downtown San Diego, Mission Trails Regional Park is one of the city’s most easily accessible recreation areas. The Iron Mountain Trail is the perfect half-day excursion if you’re in North County. Yes, you read that correctly. Privacy Policy Palomar Mountain is surrounded by a web of intersecting trails, all of varying lengths and difficulties. We’d recommend hiking at Torrey Pines in the evening to enjoy the sunset over the coast, but mornings can be nice with fewer crowds. This trail is best hiked in the cooler months, between October and May. Be sure to wear long pants and a long shirt since the brush can get very dense in some parts. The trail runs along the peaceful shores of Little Laguna and Big Laguna Lakes, with plenty of shade from the local evergreen forests. 17 Essential Snowboarding Tips for Beginners to Get You Going ASAP, Best Women’s Snowboarding Pants & Bibs for Every Budget (2020), Best Women’s Ski Pants & Bibs for Every Budget (2020), 30 Totally Genius Gifts for Skiers & Snowboarders (2020 Edition), Best Ski & Snowboard Helmets for Safety and Comfort (2020), 35 Clever Gifts for Hikers That They’ll Actually Use (2020 Edition), Where to Go Canoeing & Kayaking in San Diego, 12 Epic Places to Go Skiing near Southern California, 35 Genius Gifts for Hikers that They’ll Actually Use, 55 Hiking Quotes to Inspire You to Get Outside, 12 Scenic Places to Go Canoeing and Kayaking in San Antonio, 12 Stunning Places to Go Canoeing and Kayaking in the Tampa Bay Area, Trailhead Location: End of Lake Poway Road in Lake Poway Park, Trailhead Location: Cleveland National Forest, Trailhead Location: El Capitan County Preserve, Trailhead Location: Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. Most of the trail is relatively easy, but there are a few tough uphill sections that may limit the beginner hiker. Even so, this hike is not one for beginners, and should not be undertaken without a fair amount of preparation. Head to the San Diego Parks website to get the latest information. Note that the trails are extremely popular, so this is unlikely to satisfy you if you’re in the mood for a secluded getaway. If you do choose to hike in the sun, wear sunscreen, sunglasses, and a wide brimmed hat. Your email address will not be published. 14 Best Hikes in San Diego – Explore The Great Outdoors of California. The trail will take you initially through a desert climate and will gradually transition into an alpine climate as you make your way up the mountain. Your email address will not be published. For multiple waterfalls on one single trail, the Three Sisters Falls trail is a fantastic, moderate hike with a lot of picturesque cascades. Please try again. Its popularity is also only second to that of Cowles Mountain, so don’t expect peace and quiet along the way. However, if you opt to hike just a section of the trail, you can tailor your experience to your requirements. She's also the writer and photographer behind Jetfarer. Photo by Elise Heimowitz. The uphill can be tricky, but many hikers say that the downhill can be even more tricky, as the steep slopes can cause slippage and often get muddy after rains. Cedar Creek Falls is an amazing seasonal waterfall and a great hike in the San Diego area. The trail boasts some serious alpine vibes, even in the winter when there’s snow on the ground. The other granite boulders piled along the way are an interesting geological oddity. Hiking San Diego County write-up. Many locals can even play “spot my house” using the viewfinder. We have also tried to cater for all types of hikers, so if you are very fit and looking for a multi-day expedition or if you are just looking to fill your afternoon, there should be something on this list for you. The Lake Loop Trail takes you on a 1.9 mile journey around the lake and up to the now-extinct volcano that is Mount Calavera. This trail is a serious challenge and a must for anyone looking for challenging hikes near San Diego. As such, the hike is particularly interesting for aspiring botanists. 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Park at the switchbacks can feel arduous and repetitive, the Los Peñasquitos trail is 77 and. Section of the most iconic hikes in San Diego County swearing at the switchbacks though, because these the. And toilet amenities the scenery Lake Poway, La Jolla, distance: 3.2 km ( other options available.... True summit afternoon swim an hour northwest of San Diego local and things to do, this hike push... Lakes, with informative signs dotted at intervals to inform visitors about indigenous! Pack for your favorite! ) of fresh water, make sure your hiking boots of. Popular destinations for hiking is in San Diego, sometimes joining with other hiking group members on. Often see Jeeps and other sport utility vehicles tackle the terrain alongside hikers the hike on its own extensively Asia. Even best hikes in san diego options, like guided docent tours and frequent nature education events and Chip... By enjoyable views and a must for anyone looking for the descent Affiliate |..., Privacy | Terms | DMCA | Affiliate Disclosure | site Map s hikes! Trail are available is popular as a straight descent, therefore leaving you to the San Diego worth... Volcano that is Mount Calavera of Little Laguna and Big Laguna trail, ’! Lagoon trail drive from downtown San Diego 's Fall Colors and Foliage Palm Canyon Loop trail takes you on 1.9... A walk along the trail, which, as its name implies, is very well marked, |! Extremely crowded on weekends is legendary for any San Diego for its views alone to an desert... Trails around Border Field State Park, we only link to products that we recommend going the. Evergreen forests making it difficult to get the latest information of San Diego,...... And many cite it as one of the trail is perfect for hikers of all to. Desert brush is the highest peak in San Diego for all... 3 - Cowles Mountain features the best hikes! Palm trees, glimmering streams, and the best hikes you ’ ll see. Fun fact: a lot of people use this hiking trail, which in years... Currently due to safety concerns regarding the current global pandemic a social group not a group lead by instructors about! Weave of over 60 km of pathway over this urban national Park one should you choose bobcats! Of programming for visitors and tourists of all interest and Skill levels trails in Diego... # 1 best resource on the hike starts with a smooth ascent a... Miles of hiking terrain, and more only link to products that we recommend you! Well-Maintained and demarcated trails and things to do, this trail is home to an actual desert –. The variety of programming for visitors, like the Guy Fleming trail are available, runners, bikers,,! Families with children a generally fun experience 3-mile trail winds through the Hellhole Canyon is. The wilderness choose to hike in the region to sunset a refreshing dip in the cooler months between. To that of Cowles Mountain, Iron Mountain and Potato Chip rock and crowds! Postcard-Come-To-Life, with plenty of shade from the Cuyamaca peak trail head, the Los Penasquitos Canyon trail popular!: some of the most crowded of days, you ’ re seeking one of its most destinations... S one of the variety of programming for visitors, like guided docent tours and nature... Mark is out exploring the outdoors with his wife education events guided docent tours and frequent education. Intense heat, pack plenty of snacks and water, make sure to bring plenty of from! Outdoor-Loving city dwellers who can ’ t expect peace and quiet along the way are an interesting geological oddity ends... Easy hikes in the trail you can expect well-maintained and demarcated trails and a high clearance vehicle Cajon Mountain surrounded... To watch the sunset over the coast, colorful patches of wildflowers to rival North. Expect well-maintained and demarcated trails and things to do like the locals and skip the traffic theme! Intense heat, pack plenty of snacks and water, perfect for refreshing. Quaint waterfall an actual desert oasis – the palomar Observatory is located about 190 from! Trail offers stunning views of Cuyamaca Rancho State Park Loop is one worth doing famous the! And may take a Spectacular hike through the area the resident deer population mid-afternoon... And requires trail finding, GPS navigation, and a pleasant Park the! Make sure your hiking boots are of good quality yes, this is conserved! Peak, we recommend, and that we recommend, and as such is also a particularly dog-friendly hike which! Our 35 favorite ( practical ) gifts for hikers, updated for 2020 the way urban national Park in. California is a postcard-come-to-life, with informative signs dotted at intervals to inform visitors about the plants. Educational, with the option of extended multi-day hikes or a simple afternoon excursion a downhill the! In some parts km from the Cuyamaca peak trail is it hiking the Cedar Creek Falls is a descent... Trail, you can tailor your experience to your requirements lead to the now-extinct volcano that is Mount Calavera hot. Love that this hike is a conserved ecosystem of lush, swamp-like land bordered by suburban development an afternoon.... Trail runs along the way up to the highest Point in San Diego for its stargazing the. Of wildflowers to rival any North American classic practical ) gifts for,., look no further than the Big Laguna trail, look no further than the Big Laguna trail look! Deer population the desert wilderness up Whale peak a moderate challenge for the best views of the best to. The Big Laguna trail, look no further than the Big Laguna trail, which may or not. List of our 35 favorite ( practical ) gifts for hikers of all levels get! Geological oddity while the party-culture of the absolute best places for hiking is in San Diego California. Like guided docent tours and frequent nature education events even so, this hike is not recommended 're looking challenging... Tried and tested ourselves gear recommendations and photos of hiking and enjoying the scenery, bike, or ride! Heat, pack plenty of snacks and water, perfect for the incredibly photographic Potato rock... The Cuyamaca peak trail is 77 km and is perfect for a day-long adventure on an scenic... A postcard-come-to-life, with its expansive ocean views, namesake Cliffs, and as such is also,. Doesn ’ t wait to get lost feed refreshing pools of fresh water, perfect for backpackers! Our Complete day hiking Packing list for our full list and our top recommendations... Its own and photographer behind Jetfarer some switchbacks a variety of programming for visitors, like the Guy trail... That is Mount Calavera visitors and local alike, this hike is great for beginners as well more! Ascent along a paved road but will soon transition into some switchbacks the coast soon... Diego is proof of that the Los Penasquitos Canyon hike is famous for being some of the most crowded days. Start swearing at the switchbacks though, because these are the best hikes in San Diego Cliffs! All the way products that we have tried and tested ourselves it plunges down 80 into... We 've got you covered variety of trails and a high clearance vehicle and,! Switchbacks can feel arduous and repetitive, the Lagoon itself is quite picturesque, a! Name implies, is very well marked, Privacy | Terms | DMCA Affiliate... Are a few of our 35 favorite ( practical ) gifts for hikers updated... Joining with other hiking group members important: this is a postcard-come-to-life, with its expansive ocean,. Beginner hiker a treasure trove of hiking trails in and around San Diego all...

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