Mountains, lakes, grasslands and desert: 44 East County hikes

The Hike of the Week column, which can be found online on Fridays and in print on Saturdays, has reached a milestone: 100 hikes.

To celebrate, a list of 101 hikes has been published online at sandiegouniontribune.com/101hikes. For the next few Saturdays, these hikes will be published in print in four regional groups. Here are her hikes in East County.

Alpine

Viejas Mountain

It’s a tough, fully uphill climb, but just when you think you’ve had enough and want to quit, you reach the 4,189-foot summit. There, hikers are rewarded with 360-degree views, including of the Viejas Casino below to the east and El Cajon Mountain to the northwest. A trail register also awaits hikers at the top, so you can record the climb.

Wright’s Field

The 245-acre area in Alpine includes an open grassland that’s home to a variety of native species. There’s also a small but shady Engelmann oak grove set among boulders and a number of short hills to climb for those seeking a workout. I completed a 2.5-mile loop around the preserve, but there are a variety of crisscrossing trails there.

Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

Ghost Mountain

In the 1930s, the writer and artist Marshal South moved his family into a home they built atop the 3,200-foot Ghost Mountain summit. Today, hikers can see what remains on this roughly 2-mile moderate out-and-back hike. The trail climbs Ghost Mountain, offering expansive views of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park.

Moonlight Canyon Trail 

Moonlight Canyon Trail is a roughly 2-mile loop in Agua Caliente County Park that traverses through a shady flat wash, up rocky hillsides and overlooks the desert and Vallecito Mountains. It’s mostly easy, though there are some sections with rock scrambling.

Palm Canyon Trail

The Palm Canyon Trail in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is a roughly 3-mile, mostly easy loop that leads to California fan palm trees and an accompanying stream, a popular watering spot for peninsular bighorn sheep and a favorite among hikers.

Casa de Oro-Mount Helix

Mount Helix

Mount Helix is marked with a large cross that makes the roughly 1,300-foot peak even more recognizable from a distance. The view from the top is far-reaching, too; on a clear day, visitors can see out to Silver Strand and the Coronado islands beyond, Dictionary Hill and Mount Miguel to the south, El Cajon Mountain to the northeast and Cowles Mountain to the northwest.

Crest

Crestridge Ecological Reserve: The Kid’s Loop

Hikers will find serenity and new knowledge while hiking on this well-marked trail at the Crestridge Ecological Reserve, passing by shady oak trees and a picture-worthy ridgeline. This roughly 1.6-mile easy hike, located in the unincorporated community of Crest just outside El Cajon, follows three trails and features interactive elements on the way.

Descanso

Espinosa Trail

Head to the Cleveland National Forest for this moderately strenuous hike that leads to a sparkling pool of water. The Espinosa Trail is a roughly 3.5-mile out-and-back hike near Descanso in East County. The well-marked path descends through the area’s mountains and — depending on rainfall levels — follows a flowing creek for the majority of the hike.

El Cajon

Hillside Park

Hillside Park, part the Hillside Recreation Center in El Cajon, has a small but sweet network of paved and dirt paths. Visitors will also find a large grass field, a play set for children, picnic benches and restrooms, making it a nice place to bring the family. I meandered for half an hour, completing about 1.3 miles around the upper section of the park.

Escondido

Boulder Loop Trail

Find native California plants and wildlife on this moderately strenuous hike in the historic Escondido hills. Located in Daley Ranch, a preserve spanning over 3,000 acres with more than 25 miles of trails, the 4-mile Boulder Loop Trail follows a wide dirt path surrounded by coast live oak trees, sage and California lilacs, plus offers views of a quaint pond.

Coast to Crest Trail: San Pasqual Valley

My 4-mile easy-to-moderate, out-and-back hike offered sweeping sunset views of the San Dieguito River Park that seemed out of a pastoral 19th century European painting — though the cloud-covered ocean in the distance reminded me of my place on the 21st century West Coast.

Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve: Way Up Trail

Hikers will find expansive views, water and plenty of places to rest on this moderate 3.5-mile hike in Escondido’s Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve. The walk features a steady incline at the beginning, but hikers are rewarded with views of the Olivenhain Reservoir and picnic benches nestled under shady oak trees.

Felicita County Park

Spanning close to 350 acres, the park is situated in a southwest Escondido valley and shaded by giant oak trees. The Felicita Creek runs through the park year round, and there’s a network of 2.5-miles of trails. I wasn’t surprised to learn that the park — which truly feels woodsy and magical — hosts the Escondido Renaissance Faire in the fall.

Jamul

Hollenbeck Canyon

On this nearly 5.5-mile journey through the canyon preserve near Jamul, hikers will travel along a wide dirt trail, traverse over several river crossings and walk past the remains of an old cattle ranch. The moderately challenging loop is beautiful at any time of year, but going during the springtime — especially after winter rains — is a genuine delight.

Julian

Stonewall Peak

Stonewall Peak, at 5,730 feet, is situated south of Lake Cuyamaca. It’s a roughly 4-mile, easy-to-moderate hike along the Stonewall Peak Trail to the summit and back. At the top, after about 1,000 feet of elevation gain, hikers get a 360-degree view of the surrounding and distant wilderness, including the Laguna Mountains to the southeast and San Gorgonio, the tallest peak in Southern California, to the north.

Three Sister Falls

Located in the Cleveland National Forest — west of Cuyamaca Rancho State Park — the roughly 4-mile out-and-back trek to three waterfalls and their surrounding pools is one of the most popular hikes in the area. It’s not difficult to see why; the trail to the water follows a moderately challenging route that offers a great workout, while the waterfalls themselves make for a picturesque destination.

Volcan Mountain Wilderness Preserve: Volcan Mountain Trail

A quick drive from downtown Julian, hikers can experience the Volcan Mountain Wilderness Preserve on a roughly five-mile hike with scenic views and shady oak trees. Located within the nearly 3,000-acre nature preserve, the majority of this moderate hike follows a wide dirt trail with a steady incline.

Lakeside

Historic Flume Trail

Lovers of local history and scenic country landscapes will find both in equal measure on this hike in East County. The Historic Flume Trail is a roughly 5.7-mile moderate route that overlooks the El Monte Valley in Lakeside and offers clear views of El Cajon Mountain to the east. The hike is mostly flat, though there are a few steeper sections throughout.

Louis A. Stelzer Park

Hikers will find balance at the 420-acre Louis A. Stelzer County Park. My 3-mile loop included a mix of easy, moderate and strenuous trails, with a lovely shaded section at the beginning and more exposed parts later on in the hike. A short but tough climb to Stelzer Summit, about halfway through the hike, rewards hikers will 360-degree views of San Diego County.

Oakoasis County Preserve

This hike winds through the woods, over the hills and offers views of the city of San Diego’s largest reservoir. Find this roughly 2.5-mile hike in the Oakoasis County Preserve, a nearly 400-acre reserve in Lakeside that is open to hikers, horseback riders and leashed dogs.

San Diego River Park Trail

Located in Lakeside, this hard-packed dirt trail travels along the San Diego River, featuring shady sycamore, oak and eucalyptus trees that make it feel as if you’re traveling through a magical forest, especially on cloudy days. I completed the hike as a roughly 3-mile, out-and-back walk along the path, but it continues west along the river to connect with the Walker Preserve in Santee.

Summit Trail on El Cajon Mountain

On the roughly 11-mile out-and-back Summit Trail to El Cajon Mountain, with more than 3,000 feet of elevation gain, hikers are rewarded with excellent views, including of the nearby Oakoasis County Preserve and San Vicente Reservoir and more distant places like downtown San Diego. El Cajon Mountain lies within the 2,619-acre El Capitan Open Space Preserve.

La Mesa

Harry Griffen Regional Park

The 53-acre open space in the northeastern corner of La Mesa has the classic public park essentials: a large grassy field, a playground and a dog park. But it’s also home to a network of crisscrossing dirt trails that can make for an ideal evening stroll or run.

Lake Murray

This walk around a reservoir near La Mesa isn’t a strenuous hike, but it’s a great option for getting outdoors when San Diego experiences inclement weather. The Lake Murray Reservoir, located within Mission Trails Regional Park, has a 6-mile paved, mostly flat road for walkers, runners and cyclists that nearly encircles the body of water.

Laguna Mountains

The Big Laguna Trail

This 10-mile hike in the Laguna Mountains is one of the best ways to take in Southern California’s expansive backcountry. Located within the Cleveland National Forest, about an hour drive from central San Diego, the Big Laguna Trail offers views of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park along with distant peaks. Hikers more interested in their immediate surroundings won’t be disappointed, though: the Laguna Mountains feature shady oak and pine forests, open meadows and the sparkling Big Laguna Lake.

Red Tail Roost Trail

A moderate 4.8-mile loop that travels through black oak and conifer forests lies in the Lagunas. The route followed a mix of trails, but I started at the Red Tail Roost Trailhead, located south of the Burnt Rancheria Campground. It only took a couple of hours, though there were plenty of places to stop and admire the view or rest in the shade.

La Presa

Dictionary Hill

From the top of Dictionary Hill, hikers can see the nearby peaks, bays and reservoirs. The roughly 2-mile out-and-back hike lies within the 175-acre Dictionary Hill County Preserve. Along with the birds and plants living in the preserve, hikers should keep an eye out for the Quino checkerspot butterfly, an endangered species that has been known to fly at inland San Diego County locations such as Dictionary Hill.

Palomar Mountain

Palomar Mountain State Park: Boucher Hill

This week’s hike will focus on a roughly 3.5-mile moderate loop that takes hikers to Boucher Hill and through the mountain’s shady forests. Boucher Hill is home to the historic yet fully-functioning Boucher Hill fire lookout tower at an elevation of about 5,400 feet.

Palomar Mountain State Park: Thunder Springs Trail

The second installment in a three-part series about hiking many of the state park’s trails, this roughly 4-mile moderate loop starts at Doane Pond and travels along the Thunder Springs Trail. It gradually climbs above Doane Creek to the east, shaded and surrounded by a range of tall oak, pine and cedar trees.

Palomar Mountain State Park: Doane Valley

Hikers will complete a roughly 4-mile easy loop this week around the Doane Valley, located in the northern part of the state park. The route follows four different trails, which are each lovely — especially during the fall as the vegetation changes color.

Poway

Blue Sky Canyon Trail

Hikers can admire the 700-acre Blue Sky Ecological Reserve and the nearby Lake Poway Recreation Area on this moderate hike. The roughly 5.3-mile loop begins at the reserve’s entrance and loops around Lake Poway, offering pleasant views of the water and the area’s peaks, including Mount Woodson. There’s also a chance to see a variety of wildlife and plants like the blue elderberry, willow and sugar bush.

Iron Mountain

The peak offers views of Mt. Woodson to the north, Cuyamaca mountains to the east and the Pacific Ocean to the west. And aside from the beauty, the roughly 6-mile out-and-back hike is also a moderately tough workout. The trail is often crowded on the weekends, but there were only a few other people when I started on a weekday evening.

Martha’s Grove Trail

Hikers can explore Poway’s former ranchlands on this journey through the Goodan Ranch Sycamore Canyon County Preserve. The 3.6-mile moderate loop follows Martha’s Grove Trail before traveling past the Goodan Ranch Visitor Center and open grasslands. The first 2.25 miles is where this hike shines, with Martha’s Grove Trail featuring diverse views and vegetation as it winds through oak forests and across now-dry creek beds.

Mount Woodson

Located in Poway, Mount Woodson is a roughly 2,900-foot peak that is widely known for its “Potato Chip Rock,” the uniquely shaped rock near the top of the mountain. This hike — a roughly 5.8-mile loop — follows three paths: Mt Woodson Road, a paved service road on the eastern side of the mountain, and Mount Woodson Trail and the Fry-Koegel Trail, dirt trails that wrap around its western and northern slopes.

Poway’s Twin Peaks

The at-times rugged, moderately difficult route is lined with healthy chaparral vegetation while it climbs to a 1,300-foot peak, offering sweeping views of Poway. There is an option to also hike to another shorter peak to the east — in this case, the twin.

Ramona

Ramona Grasslands County Preserve

A hike through the Ramona Grasslands County Preserve is an ideal way to take in some much-needed fresh air. Teeming with life, the preserve lets hikers admire vast meadows and tall oak trees, a pond with water fowl and even cows munching on grass alongside the roughly 3-mile loop trail.

San Diego National Wildlife Refuge

Echo Valley Road/Millar Ranch Road

As a basic out-and-back, I wasn’t all that excited about the prospects of this route. But once on the trail, I realized I was too quick to judge. The easy 3.5-mile hike is beautiful, with expansive views of the open space. There were also other trails off the main path to explore.

Mother Miguel Mountain

The hike to this Chula Vista summit isn’t easy, but hikers will be rewarded with big views of San Diego County. Mother Miguel Mountain is a 1,527-foot peak within the San Diego National Wildlife Refuge. This roughly 4-mile out-and-back trail starts on the refuge’s southwestern side and climbs through the hills and above the Sweetwater Reservoir before reaching the mountaintop, where there is an American flag and one honoring prisoners of war and those missing in action.

Sweetwater Interpretive Loop

The Sweetwater Interpretive Loop is part of the San Diego National Wildlife Refuge located near Jamul. The route I followed was an easy 2.4-mile loop, though there are several paths that intersect with the outer loop trail, so hikers can choose their own adventure. This trail also connects to the county’s Sweetwater River Regional Trail for hikers who want a longer walk.

Par 4 Trail

The San Diego National Wildlife Refuge is teeming with biodiversity and well-maintained hiking trails — all while being located not too far off the beaten path. Hikers can explore the East County nature preserve on the Par 4 Trail, a roughly 1.8-mile easy hike that winds through the hills behind a Jamacha neighborhood, near the Cottonwood Golf Club.

Santee

Rattlesnake Mountain

Santee’s Rattlesnake Mountain serves as a lookout point for the East County community. Fortunately for hikers who are looking for a short trek, the climb to the top of the peak won’t take long, clocking in at 200 yards on a dirt trail. But what it lacks in length, the trail makes up for in varied vegetation and the chance to see classic Southern California wildlife, including — of course — rattlesnakes.

Santee Lakes

The walk around Santee Lakes makes for a pleasant way to get outdoors without venturing off the beaten path. On the roughly 3.4-mile loop, I was happy to come across a range of birds — including the red-winged blackbird, Canada goose and wood duck — and find a sweet dirt trail for a section of the route. For a one-hour evening stroll in a serene setting, it fit the bill.

Walker Preserve

Getting out in nature in San Diego County is easy with open spaces like the Walker Preserve, where wildlife coexists alongside neighborhoods and businesses. Located on the eastern side of Santee, the preserve encompasses 107 acres in and around the San Diego River, which itself is home to about 25 rare and endangered species of plants and animals.

Warner Springs

Eagle Rock

Located in Warner Springs, the roughly 6.5-mile out-and-back hike travels to a formation of granite rocks that resembles — uncannily — an eagle with its wings outstretched. To get there, hikers walk a section of the Pacific Crest Trail that meanders leisurely under oak trees, along a creek and passes grazing cows.