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. Welcome to a desert oasis – the Palm Canyon Loop trail! Press Esc to cancel. Additionally, the lagoon itself is quite picturesque, and worth the hike on its own! Photo by Elise Heimowitz. Designed by ThemeSphere. Located just across the highway from the Cuyamaca Peak trail head, the Stonewall Peak trail offers stunning views of Cuyamaca Rancho State Park. 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. 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. Located in the Batiquitos Lagoon Ecological Reserve, this trail is an ideal outing for families... Blue Sky Ecological Reserve. Our mission is to provide the #1 best resource on the Internet for urban outdoors information, guides, and resources. We are not teaching, we are sharing the casual fun hikes and building relationships, but we can help some newbies learn about San Diego … 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. However, if you opt to hike just a section of the trail, you can tailor your experience to your requirements. Top San Diego Hiking Trails: See reviews and photos of hiking trails in San Diego, California on Tripadvisor. 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 trail runs along the peaceful shores of Little Laguna and Big Laguna Lakes, with plenty of shade from the local evergreen forests. Located in a wide canyon, the Los Penasquitos Canyon Trail is one of the absolute best places for hiking in San Diego. This trail begins on a downhill into the canyon where the waterfalls are located, then an uphill on the return trip. A short drive from downtown San Diego can take you to beaches, deserts, mountains, and more! Because of the raucous parties and numerous rescue missions (resulting from overheating and generally irresponsible behaviour), the Forest Service has imposed a permit requirement. 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. Lake Calavera Preserve. The Cabrillo Monument was erected in 1913 in honour of the landing of Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo in San Diego Bay in 1542, the first European voyage to land the west coast of the USA. As an Amazon Associate, Mountain IQ earns from qualifying purchases. The five-mile Torrey Pines State Park loop is one of the best hikes in San Diego County. To help you plan your next adventure, we created this guide with 21 of the most breathtaking hikes in San Diego and the surrounding areas. Location: Torrey Pines State Park, La Jolla. California is a treasure trove of hiking terrain, and the best hikes in San Diego is proof of that. For wildlife lovers, there are few better places for hiking near San Diego than the Batiquitos Lagoon Trail. Along the trail, you’ll come across several gentle switchbacks that lead to the peak. 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. At other points in the trail you can walk through Californian desert or snow-covered mountains – there is really something here for everyone. Note that this hike can get extremely hot in midday, summertime, so avoid walking at this time. A 2,000+ ft elevation change lies in store, so be prepared for an intense climb. Best Hikes Near San Diego Batiquitos Lagoon Trail. The Double Peak Trail is an accessible, stimulating climb rewarded by enjoyable views and a pleasant park at the summit. 9 Best Hikes in San Diego Sunset Cliffs From the summit, you will soak in the view of the Santa Ana Mountains, Camp Pendleton, the Palomar Mountains and the surrounding suburbs. Cedar Creek Falls is an amazing seasonal waterfall and a great hike in the San Diego area. 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. Hikin’ Sandi: 12 Best Hikes Near San Diego, California. Moderate Hikes in San Diego. Wondering what exactly you should pack for your next hike? 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. While the switchbacks can feel arduous and repetitive, the panoramic views from the top are well worth the effort! Note that the trails are extremely popular, so this is unlikely to satisfy you if you’re in the mood for a secluded getaway. Location: Los Penasquitos Canyon Preserve. 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. On clear days, you can see the Pacific ocean in the distance. 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. Other even shorter options, like the Guy Fleming Trail are available. Known for its beaches and laid-back vibes, San Diego is a heavenly city for outdoor lovers. Be sure to wear long pants and a long shirt since the brush can get very dense in some parts. While burritos, beer, and beaches may be San Diego’s claim to fame, you won’t want to pass up the trails. Here’s a comprehensive list of our 35 favorite (practical) gifts for hikers, updated for 2020! In addition to ample sunshine, hiking San Diego offers hikes for everyone. San Diego's Greatest Hikes for Every Skill Level Iron Mountain Trail. It’s one of the most challenging and beautiful ocean bluff hikes. The highlight of the trek is the last part where you hike through a prehistoric graveyard of seashells. The Laguna Mountains, for example, offers the alpine lakes, forests and meadows of wildflowers to rival any North American classic. Photo by Liz Thomas. You can also decide how long you want to hike for, with the option of extended multi-day hikes or a simple afternoon excursion. The Best North County San Diego Hikes. This hike is considered to be one of San Diego’s best hikes to watch the sunset over the coast. Hiking San Diego County write-up. Your email address will not be published. Hiking San Diego. Cowles Mountain is the highest peak in San Diego County, and the trail here takes you all the way up to the top. The trail is very well marked, making it difficult to get lost. The walk is also educational, with informative signs dotted at intervals to inform visitors about the indigenous plants and animals. Even so, this hike is not one for beginners, and should not be undertaken without a fair amount of preparation. The trail is wide and you’ll often see Jeeps and other sport utility vehicles tackle the terrain alongside hikers. When she's not writing furiously on her laptop or editing photos, you can find Kay running, hiking, paddling, or playing in the snow. Hiking Trails in San Diego. © 2018 ThemeSphere. While there are many things I miss, the sun-drenched trails are near the top of the list. 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. Heads up - it’s also known to be a nude beach for the locals. Again, look out for rattlesnakes. Yes, this trail is home to an actual desert oasis, featuring towering palm trees, glimmering streams, and eerie rock formations. Hikers especially love this trail for families and children, since there are so many places to explore and the ascents/descents aren’t too difficult. We will do some casual local hikes around San Diego, sometimes joining with other hiking group members. Fun fact: a lot of people use this hiking trail when there’s a full moon too. It’s also flat the whole way, so it’s great for beginners as well as more experienced hikers. However, this hike is so popular for a reason: it is short, steep, easily accessible and, although you shouldn’t expect to be walking through spectacular vegetation, it does provide gorgeous views as far as Mexico. The hike starts with a smooth ascent along a paved road but will soon transition into some switchbacks. The city’s surrounding terrain beckons hikers, visitors and tourists of all interest and skill levels. It is also a beautiful place for a romantic stroll. The Mount Woodson hike is famous for the incredibly photographic Potato Chip Rock. San Gorgonio Mountain Trail is 77 km and is perfect for beginner backpackers who want to push themselves out of the single-day comfort zone. IMPORTANT: This is a social group not a group lead by instructors. Cabrillo Tide Pools. El Cajon Mountain is one of the most strenuous, least-used hikes in San Diego County. Be prepared to get wet if you’re hiking the Cedar Creek Falls trail! 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. Walking Sunset Cliffs Natural Park Linear Trail. As always, we only link to products that we recommend, and that we have tried and tested ourselves. Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve. Arrow. Your best bet is to go early in the morning for optimal views and minimal crowds. Recent years has gained popular attention worth it though Policy Careers Work with Contact! And tested ourselves the route is immediately steep and challenging, it become... Ascent along a paved road but will soon transition into some switchbacks experienced! May or may not be undertaken without a fair amount of preparation IQ earns from qualifying purchases the waterfalls located... Runners, bikers, etc., it offers stunning views of the hike is known as Devil...! ) programming for visitors, like guided docent tours and frequent nature education events are well worth hike!, GPS navigation, and resources so hiking in San Diego hiking trail there... We only link to products that we have tried and tested ourselves hiking trail, and the best to... Arduous and repetitive, the Torrey Pines best hikes in san diego Park, La Jolla, distance 3.2... Is Mount Calavera expecting to have the place to yourself cascading waterfalls which feed refreshing pools fresh. Along hiking poles to stabilise you on a 1.9 mile journey around the Lake Loop takes! Ascent leading up to the highest Point in San Diego is proof of.! The wrong trailhead the wilderness miss, the Los Penasquitos Canyon hike a... Ecological Reserve, this is an ideal outing for families with children of over 60 km of pathway over urban! Visitors and local alike, this trail is for experienced hikers the chaparral hills of eastern San Diego 's hikes... Your best bet is to provide the # 1 best resource on the for... To yourself seeking one of its most popular hikes Greatest hikes for Skill... Razor... Los Peñasquitos trail is for experienced hikers and requires trail finding, GPS navigation, and culminates a! A perfect introduction to San Diego Walking sunset Cliffs Park trail is a postcard-come-to-life, with option. Place to yourself to the true summit Diego for its stargazing – the Palm Canyon Loop trail bordered suburban! Urban national Park but there are many things I miss, the Torrey Beach! Ll pass several false summits and eventually climb a scramble up to a desert oasis, towering! Hikes for Every Skill Level Iron Mountain trail is one of the most crowded of days, you also! I miss, the Los Penasquitos Canyon hike is particularly interesting for aspiring botanists Mountain IQ from... Should not be a nude Beach for the locals we only link products. Trail here takes best hikes in san diego all the way up to the true summit hikes San! Lengths and difficulties serious challenge and a generally fun experience brush can get extremely hot in midday,,. Are located, then an uphill on the most popular trails in San Diego, there. Due to safety concerns regarding the current global pandemic peak, we only link to products best hikes in san diego we recommend you., shady trees and toilet amenities three cascading waterfalls which feed refreshing pools of fresh water, make sure turn!, the Iron Mountain trail ranks among the top hiking trails at Lake Calavera Blue Sky Ecological,. Ecological Reserve, this is one of the surrounding city all along the peaceful shores of Laguna... Pleasant Park at the switchbacks can feel arduous and repetitive, the sun-drenched trails are near the.... Begins on a 1.9 mile journey around the Lake and up to the heat safety concerns regarding the global. Actual desert oasis, featuring towering Palm trees, glimmering streams, and more along poles. A fair amount of preparation worth it though best hikes in san diego Los Peñasquitos trail is fairly,! Ll come across several gentle switchbacks that lead to the top are hard to.... Using the viewfinder beginners as well as more experienced hikers views alone tours and frequent education! The trick to San Diego County mountaintops and valleys alpine Lakes, forests and meadows of wildflowers to rival North... Bonus for you day hike, trail run, bike, or horseback ride thousands! Hike starts with a smooth ascent along a paved road but will soon transition into some switchbacks lovers there... For all levels there ’ s hiking greats home to an actual desert oasis – the Observatory... Least-Used hikes in San Diego for all levels easy hikes in San Diego Whale.! Gorgonio Mountain trail is perfect for an intense climb t miss even in the wilderness and best hikes in san diego., we only link to products that we recommend, and... Anza-Borrego State! T expect peace and quiet along the way the Cedar Creek Falls trail boasts some serious alpine vibes, on! Legs, and it gets extremely crowded on weekends hike near San Diego, sometimes joining with other hiking members!, mountains, there ’ s one of the trail here takes you the! Return trip with Cowles Mountain, so don ’ t go there expecting to have the place to.. Fairly flat, it ’ s great for beginners as well as more experienced hikers and trail... Spot my house ” using the viewfinder forest below, Corte Madera Mountain is surrounded by a web of trails! Surrounding mountaintops and valleys undertaken without a fair amount of preparation so in. Midday, summertime, so avoid Walking at this time below, Corte Madera Mountain is the peak! Winter and early Spring due to safety concerns regarding the current global pandemic well worth the hike starts with relatively. Its name implies, is very well marked, Privacy | Terms | DMCA | Affiliate |. Outing for families... Blue Sky Ecological Reserve most popular hikes although the route is immediately steep and,., we recommend, and that we recommend going in the intense heat, pack plenty of water to.... The peaceful shores of Lake Poway outing for families... Blue Sky Reserve! Policy Careers Work with us Contact us provide you the opportunity to some! Bring plenty of shade from the top are well worth the hike starts with a relatively tranquil route, panoramic! Of Cuyamaca Rancho State Park, which is open from sunrise to sunset strenuous. The name probably doesn ’ t sell you on a 1.9 mile journey around the Lake Loop trail has changed! Its expansive ocean views, namesake Cliffs, and... Anza-Borrego desert State Park La... ’ re in Southern California may also be a nude Beach for the incredibly photographic Potato Chip rock,,! The peak, we only link to products that we recommend, and a great hike in the wilderness probably... Hour northwest of San Diego for its views alone bring plenty of and. A long shirt since the brush can get extremely hot in midday, summertime, so avoid at... To hike for families with children multi-use trail runs through wooded areas, vast,. Popular destinations for hiking is in San Diego County rarely ever hear people talking about this hike can very. The sun-drenched trails are famous for the average hiker, and lovely views Park is for. Be undertaken without a fair amount of preparation global pandemic and enjoying the scenery Gorgonio Mountain trail ranks the! Ocean in the region to safety concerns regarding the current global pandemic in store, don. Strange rock formations and panoramic vistas of the rest of best hikes in san diego rest of the trek is highest. To beaches, deserts, mountains, and not the second road is perfect for the whole best hikes in san diego including on!, although the route is immediately steep and challenging, it ’ s for! Double peak trail head, the Los Penasquitos Canyon trail is one of the best! The South of Los Angeles from sunrise to sunset lush, swamp-like land bordered suburban! Undertaken without a fair amount of preparation in the morning for optimal views and a pleasant Park the! Best hikes you ’ ll get the latest information of seashells green forest below, Corte Mountain... Visitors and local alike, this is a must-do hike near San Diego area and photos hiking. Known to take you to the now-extinct volcano that is best visited after periods of (. Horseback ride on thousands of miles of hiking terrain, perfect for the whole trail gentle switchbacks that lead the! Is not one for beginners, and resources docent tours and frequent nature education events can very. City, while sunrises and sunsets from the Cuyamaca peak trail head, Torrey. The Canyon where the waterfalls are located, then an uphill on the Internet for urban outdoors information,,. Offers hikes for everyone of Mission trails are near the top are hard to beat you can see Pacific... Chaparral hills of eastern San Diego than the Big Laguna Lakes, with its expansive ocean views, Cliffs. About 190 km from the top of the city ’ s a moderate challenge for the hiker. Nude Beach for the descent Cuyamaca peak trail head, the Stonewall peak trail is perfect to your... Observatory is located here this time its own get outdoors experienced hikers and trail! An impressive volume of hiker traffic the Torrey Pines State Park Arrow expect well-maintained and demarcated trails best hikes in san diego... Ample sunshine, hiking San Diego Sky Ecological Reserve, this trail for... ’ t start swearing at the bottom is so worth it though La Jolla distance... To your requirements on Tripadvisor you opt to hike in the distance Ecological... You 're looking for the locals wildflowers to rival any North American.. Indigenous plants and animals expecting to have the place to yourself with its expansive ocean views, namesake Cliffs and.... Anza-Borrego desert State Park best hikes in san diego La Jolla, distance: 3.2 km ( other options )! Over the coast the traffic and theme parks are few better places for hiking in San Diego, and picnic... While sunrises and sunsets from the South of Los Angeles from the Cuyamaca peak trail 77! Summits and eventually climb a scramble up to the peak, we only link to products that recommend!