This trail is for experienced hikers and requires trail finding, GPS navigation, and a high clearance vehicle. For wildlife lovers, there are few better places for hiking near San Diego than the Batiquitos Lagoon 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. The Razor Point Trail is one of several options offered by the Torrey Pines State Park, which is open from sunrise to sunset. On clear days, you can see the Pacific ocean in the distance. 20 Absolutely Spectacular Hikes in San Diego for All Levels Easy Hikes in San Diego. Top San Diego Hiking Trails: See reviews and photos of hiking trails in San Diego, California on Tripadvisor. It may also be a good idea to bring along hiking poles to stabilise you on the more precarious sections of the trail. Also, look out for rattlesnakes. Our mission is to provide the #1 best resource on the Internet for urban outdoors information, guides, and resources. While burritos, beer, and beaches may be San Diego’s claim to fame, you won’t want to pass up the trails. Location: Los Penasquitos Canyon Preserve. Other even shorter options, like the Guy Fleming Trail are available. Keep your eyes peeled and you might get lucky and spot one of the resident deer population. 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.. 3,734 reviews. Skiing vs Snowboarding: Which One Should You Choose? We’re a community of outdoor-loving city dwellers who can’t wait to get outdoors! Here are the best hikes you’ll find in North County San Diego! 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. 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. Located in the Batiquitos Lagoon Ecological Reserve, this trail is an ideal outing for families... Blue Sky Ecological Reserve. Local hikers love the Palm Canyon Loop trail because it’s short, easy, and has lots of vibrant and picturesque scenery along the way. The trail boasts some serious alpine vibes, even in the winter when there’s snow on the ground. 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. These trails are famous for being some of the easiest but most rewarding hiking experiences in the region. Many locals can even play “spot my house” using the viewfinder. Beware: navigating apps have been known to take you to the wrong trailhead. Elevations are given when the hike is predominantly uphill, such as for summiting a mountain. Oak Canyon Trail. by Carissa Stanz. Byron Hetrick Roughly an hour northwest of San Diego is one of the best waterfall hikes in the region. 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. About Designed by ThemeSphere. The trail is very well marked, making it difficult to get lost. The bluffs of Sunset Cliffs is by far my number one pick for one of the best San Diego hiking trails that are relatively short and easy with some of the most breath-taking views in the city. Difficulty: 6 Just outside Poway, Iron Mountain can -- fittingly -- feel a lot like a hot iron... Torrey Pines Beach Trail. 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. 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. 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. Heads up - it’s also known to be a nude beach for the locals. Head to the San Diego Parks website to get the latest information. The park is perfect to stretch your city legs, and contains picnic benches, shady trees and toilet amenities. Most of the trail is relatively easy, but there are a few tough uphill sections that may limit the beginner hiker. Bring trekking poles if you think you’ll want extra support for the descent! 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. 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). The trail begins as a straight descent, therefore leaving you to struggle your way back up. The 5-Peak Challenge will provide you the opportunity to discover some of the less-visited areas of Mission Trails. 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. One of the most popular destinations for hiking is in San Diego, California. Beware of wildlife as bobcats have been known to wander through the area! The population is around 1,423,851 based on the survey in July 2019. The Three Sisters Falls is a remote destination, which in recent years has gained popular attention. Sunset Cliffs Park Trail is perfect for the whole family including dogs on leashes. We will do some casual local hikes around San Diego, sometimes joining with other hiking group members. At other points in the trail you can walk through Californian desert or snow-covered mountains – there is really something here for everyone. Walking Sunset Cliffs Natural Park Linear Trail. Razor Point and Beach Trail Loop. Location: Torrey Pines State Park, La Jolla. The Razor Point Trail. With its beautiful, old trees, sweeping valley views, and gentle incline, this is one of the most accessible and worthwhile hikes in San Diego for all levels. If you're looking for the best trails around Border Field State Park, we've got you covered. Visitors love that this trail is longer with easy terrain, perfect for a longer day of hiking and enjoying the scenery. Note that this hike can get extremely hot in midday, summertime, so avoid walking at this time. 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. Additionally, the lagoon itself is quite picturesque, and worth the hike on its own! NOTE: Some of these trails may be closed currently due to safety concerns regarding the current global pandemic. You successfully submitted your question! Looking for the perfect gift for your favorite hiker? Required fields are marked, Privacy | Terms | DMCA | Affiliate Disclosure | Site Map. 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. Hiking Trails in San Diego. We will get back to you soon. 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. Miramar Reservoir. 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 … We are not teaching, we are sharing the casual fun hikes and building relationships, but we can help some newbies learn about San Diego … For visitors and local alike, this is a perfect introduction to San Diego hiking. Hiking San Diego. In addition to ample sunshine, hiking San Diego offers hikes for everyone. 9 Best Hikes in San Diego Sunset Cliffs According to locals, the Iron Mountain trail ranks among the top mountain hikes in San Diego for its views alone. Maybe it’s because it’s tucked into an unassuming location, but I rarely ever hear people talking about this hike. The five-mile Torrey Pines State Park loop is one of the best hikes in San Diego County. Again, look out for rattlesnakes. The hiking trails in San Diego are among the most beautiful in the entire state, offering views of the city’s gorgeous beaches, undulating mountains, and deep canyons. Cowles Mountain is the highest point in San Diego, and as such is also one of its most popular hikes. Mark has trekked extensively in Asia, Europe, South America and Africa. Cowles Mountain is the highest peak in San Diego County, and the trail here takes you all the way up to the top. Please try again. 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. 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. 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. Cowles Mountain features the best views of the city, while sunrises and sunsets from the top are hard to beat. 10 best hikes in San Diego 1 - Torrey Pines State Park. The Best North County San Diego Hikes. This trail begins on a downhill into the canyon where the waterfalls are located, then an uphill on the return trip. It is also a beautiful place for a romantic stroll. 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 site is well known for its stargazing – the Palomar Observatory is located here. Its popularity is also only second to that of Cowles Mountain, so don’t expect peace and quiet along the way. 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. Stroll, hike, trail run, bike, or horseback ride on thousands of miles of hiking trails in and around San Diego. 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 beginning of the trail is fairly steep and has several areas with switchbacks, but after that it’s a very manageable, gradual incline to the top, where you’ll see breathtaking views of the lake and its surrounding hills. 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. It’s one of the most challenging and beautiful ocean bluff hikes. The potato chip makes for great pictures, and you can even get on top of it, if you’re brave enough to take a little jump to it. Mount Woodson. Yes, this trail is home to an actual desert oasis, featuring towering palm trees, glimmering streams, and eerie rock formations. When she's not writing furiously on her laptop or editing photos, you can find Kay running, hiking, paddling, or playing in the snow. Lake Calavera Preserve. Part of the trail will take you through manzanita forests, boulder fields, and desert brush. 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. For a day-long adventure on an incredibly scenic San Diego hiking trail, look no further than the Big Laguna Trail. After you’ve summited the peak, we recommend that you include a walk along the tranquil shores of Lake Poway. Known for its beaches and laid-back vibes, San Diego is a heavenly city for outdoor lovers. As one of the highest peaks in San Diego County, there’s no … 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. Arrow. Located in nearby Poway, this hike features a challenging ascent leading up to a panoramic viewpoint of the surrounding mountaintops and valleys. Because of the variety of trails and things to do, this is an especially nice hike for families with children. Yes, you read that correctly. With a relatively tranquil route, the Los Penasquitos Canyon hike is great for all... 3 - Cowles Mountain. Wondering what exactly you should pack for your next hike? The reserve also offers a variety of programming for visitors, like guided docent tours and frequent nature education events. 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. Offering gorgeous views of the lush green forest below, Corte Madera Mountain is a must-do hike near San Diego. A 2,000+ ft elevation change lies in store, so be prepared for an intense climb. While the switchbacks can feel arduous and repetitive, the panoramic views from the top are well worth the effort! (Let us know if we missed your favorite!). 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. Here’s a comprehensive list of our 35 favorite (practical) gifts for hikers, updated for 2020! 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 ends in a pretty waterfall that is best visited after periods of rain (sometimes the flow trickles in drier weather). 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, 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. 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. From the summit, you will soak in the view of the Santa Ana Mountains, Camp Pendleton, the Palomar Mountains and the surrounding suburbs. 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. The highlight of the trek is the last part where you hike through a prehistoric graveyard of seashells. Be prepared to get wet if you’re hiking the Cedar Creek Falls trail! Visit our Complete Day Hiking Packing List for our full list and our top gear recommendations. The Lake Hodges Overlook is a moderate, accessible hike for all levels that brings you to a panoramic view of Lake Hodges and the Escondido area. California is a treasure trove of hiking terrain, and the best hikes in San Diego is proof of that. You might even forget you’re in Southern California! 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. There are many amazing hiking trails at Lake Calavera! Note that the trails are extremely popular, so this is unlikely to satisfy you if you’re in the mood for a secluded getaway. San Diego is located about 190 km from the South of Los Angeles. Type above and press Enter to search. Be sure to turn onto the first dirt road off of S2 after Scissors Crossing, and not the second road. Although it is only 4 miles long it is very steep on your hike out. While the party-culture of the trail has not changed, you can expect well-maintained and demarcated trails and a generally fun experience. If you do choose to hike in the sun, wear sunscreen, sunglasses, and a wide brimmed hat. Fun fact: a lot of people use this hiking trail when there’s a full moon too. Take a spectacular hike through the desert wilderness up Whale Peak. Known for being one of the more popular hikes in San Diego, Cowles Mountain is located within Mission Trails Regional Park, just 13 miles northeast of San Diego. Your email address will not be published. The Double Peak Trail is an accessible, stimulating climb rewarded by enjoyable views and a pleasant park at the summit. The fairly strenuous 3-mile trail winds through the chaparral hills of eastern San Diego County. It is also a particularly dog-friendly hike, which may or may not be a bonus for you. The Pacific Crest Trail runs from the Mexican border all the way up to the Canadian border, with every kind of scenery and challenge in between. Your best bet is to go early in the morning for optimal views and minimal crowds. Privacy Policy San Diego is the eighth-largest city in the United States that is … This hike is considered to be one of San Diego’s best hikes to watch the sunset over the coast. The trail is one of the most challenging on this list, but the destination is legendary for any San Diego local. San Diego hikes will rival some of the best found anywhere in the U.S. From paved pathways to backcountry tracks, San Diego has it all. Along the trail, you’ll come across several gentle switchbacks that lead to the peak. Located in the middle of the Los Coyotes Indian reservation, the trail to the top of Hot Springs Mountain was previously closed to visitors. Which may or may not be undertaken without a fair amount of.! 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