Peaks, valleys, canyons and woods: 101 San Diego County hikes

by Maura Fox

It’s hard to go far in San Diego County without stumbling upon a place to hike.

I should know; through the San Diego Union-Tribune’s Hike of the Week column, I have explored 101 hikes in this region over the last two years.

To commemorate the milestone, my editor and I have pulled together all of those hikes here so you can easily find your next adventure. But I’m not done yet. Do you have suggestions for where I should go next? Send to me at maura.fox@sduniontribune.com. I hope to see you on the trail.

Jump to: San Diego | East County | North County | South County

San Diego

Balboa Park

Five Balboa Park gardens

This roughly 1.4-mile paved loop through the park takes walkers past five gardens: the Botanical Building and lily pond, the Alcazar Garden, Zoro Garden, Inez Grant Parker Memorial Rose Garden and Desert Garden. Visitors may have stopped at these green spaces individually, but it’s a special experience to see them all in one go and admire them for their differences and similarities.

Morley Field Trail

Located among the many hiking and walking paths in and around Balboa Park, the Morley Field Trail is a win for hikers and mountain bikers alike. The moderately-challenging loop, at about 1.5 miles, travels along a packed-dirt trail with views of the San Diego-Coronado Bridge, Balboa Park and, in the spring, blooms of crown daisies.

Presidio Park

A walk through Presidio Park takes visitors on a journey through the past and offers a look at some of San Diego’s native flora. This roughly 2-mile, easy hike follows a mix of dirt trails and sidewalks and includes moments for hikers to stroll through the park’s green grass. Visitors should feel encouraged to choose their own adventure on this walk; there are several paths to explore in the area.

City Heights

City Heights canyons

City Heights is home to four of these canyons: Manzanita, Swan, Hollywood and Olivia. I set out to explore two of them, Manzanita and Hollywood, for a roughly 2.5-mile loop. Along the way, I got to know City Heights, as the route passed by markers such as community art pieces, gathering spaces and a water conservation garden.

Clairemont

Marian Bear Trail

Located in San Clemente Canyon in north Clairemont, the 467-acre park stretches west to east between Interstate 5 and Interstate 805. The 1.6-mile out-and-back hike explores the section between Regents Road and Genesee Avenue, but there are more than three miles of trails throughout the whole park. This trail is mostly flat and easy with substantial shade, but there are some exposed sections, so it’s best for an early morning or evening walk.

Tecolote Canyon

With about 6.5 miles of trails, Tecolote Canyon is located between the communities of Bay Park, Linda Vista and Clairemont. The canyon’s proximity to neighborhoods and busy roads may be a downside to this hiking area for some, but it is accessible, especially for a weekday hike. The nearly 3-mile easy loop travels through a section near the northern end of the canyon, starting at a trailhead behind Mount Etna Park.

Del Cerro

Navajo Canyon Open Space

The hike through the Navajo Canyon Open Space isn’t lengthy, but it is rewarding, offering hikers stream crossings and solitude despite the busy nearby neighborhoods. The roughly 2.3-mile easy out-and-back trail that travels through the canyon is lined with healthy vegetation and it’s quite peaceful.

La Jolla

La Jolla Heights Open Space

This roughly 1.3-mile out-and-back hike, located in the La Jolla Heights Open Space, is a quick and moderately challenging climb that offers sweeping views of the ocean, La Jolla Village and the mountains to the east. The preserve is located within a tranquil neighborhood just south of Torrey Pines Road and Prospect Place, so even the walk to the trailhead — passing by beautiful homes — adds to the quality of the experience.

Mission Bay

Bayside Walk

The easy 4-mile paved Bayside Walk is a tranquil stroll around the bay with several benches to pause for a rest or to take in the view of the boats floating on the water. On a weekday afternoon, it likely won’t be too crowded, even as it passes by a playground and across the typically busy West Mission Bay Drive.

Old Sea World Drive Bay Trail

Bring binoculars to spot a variety of birds on this easy coastal stroll that passes the San Diego River and heads toward the Pacific Ocean. The Old Sea World Drive Bay Trail, at roughly 4.5 miles, is a paved out-and-back path that is shared by walkers, runners, cyclists and other wheeled visitors, such as those on rollerblades or pushing strollers. The trail is sandwiched between the San Diego River and a few busy roads, but walkers can find serenity by admiring the lush vegetation lining the path and views of the river and distant ocean.

Mission Hills

Mission Hills Open Space

This is a moderately difficult, half-mile trail through the Mission Hills Open Space, located across from Pioneer Park. This trail keeps to itself — it’s only marked with a sign advising visitors about the city’s open space regulations. Depending on the map you use, it’s called both the Robyn’s Egg Trail and the Monastery Trail.

Mission Trails Regional Park

Big Rock Trail

This is a roughly 2.7-mile moderate loop that follows the Big Rock Trail and the Mesa Trail, located on the eastern side of the park in Santee. The Big Rock Trail gradually climbs a hillside and features rocky terrain — perhaps how it got its name. Both trails were lined with some of my favorite native vegetation, including mountain lilac, laurel sumac and sage.

Cowles Mountain: Barker Way Trail loop

Aim to avoid the crowds on Cowles Mountain by hiking up the peak’s eastern side, which offers a tough workout and views of Santee and East County beyond. The roughly 3.5-mile moderate loop follows a mix of the Cowles Service Road, Barker Way Trail and the Cowles Mountain Trail. This route is a welcomed change from the more well-known out-and-back route up the peak that starts on Golfcrest Drive.

Cowles Mountain and Pyles Peak

This is a roughly 6-mile out-and-back hike in Mission Trails, which stops first at Cowles Mountain, the tallest peak in San Diego at 1,593-feet and certainly one of its most popular. From Cowles Mountain, I hiked north to the 1,379-foot Pyles Peak, named after a San Diego County cartographer in the 1970s.

Kwaay Paay Peak

This hike on the eastern side of Mission Trails Regional Park is an easy-to-access, effective workout with rewarding views from the top. At 1,194 feet, Kwaay Paay Peak is the fourth-tallest summit — out of five — in the park. On the roughly 2.5-mile hike, visitors will hike a well-maintained trail, with some sections featuring wooden stairs, as well as encounter a few plateaus to catch their breath on the upward trek.

Mission Trails Regional Park loop

Mission Trails Regional Park is home to quintessential chaparral vegetation, the San Diego River and a popular rock climbing crag — all of which can be explored on this moderately challenging hike. The roughly 2-mile loop takes hikers along four of the park’s trails. Each trail features different terrain and offers new sights, though the standout moment was the view from the Climbers Loop, which overlooks the western side of the park and the rushing San Diego River below.

Water rushes through the Old Mission Dam. Hikers should stop to enjoy the view and sound of the river. (Maura Fox / The San Diego Union-Tribune)

North Fortuna Perimeter Trail, Oak Canyon Trail and the Grasslands Loop

Take advantage of the interconnected trail network at the nearly 8,000-acre Mission Trails Regional Park with this easy 3-mile hike. The walk combines sections of a few trails on the northeastern side of the park offering a slightly different terrain and perspective, including mountain views, an open prairie and oak trees lining a riverbed.

North Fortuna peak

This roughly 4.5-mile out-and-back moderate hike climbs to the top of North Fortuna, which sits at 1,291 feet and is one of the five peaks in Mission Trails Regional Park. There are several ways to hike to the summit. I chose to start on the Oak Canyon Trail, located on Father Junipero Serra Trail.

The view facing northeast, with the South Fortuna peak in the distance. (Maura Fox / The San Diego Union-Tribune)

South Fortuna Mountain

The mountain is only 1,094 feet tall, the smallest of the five peaks in the park. But as I watched the birds fly along the mountain’s rock face — and as I looked out to the sprawling Mission Trails Regional Park behind me — I felt like I was on a much grander adventure. This 5-mile loop is entirely exposed to the sun and follows several different trails, passing by oak trees and coastal sage scrub.

West Sycamore

West Sycamore is a 7-mile trail network located in the northern section of the park, northeast of Scripps Ranch and adjacent to the Marine Corps Air Station Miramar and the Sycamore Canyon/Goodan Ranch County Preserve. Rolling hills make up most of the terrain, and much of the roughly 2-mile out-and-back hike was flat and easy.

Oak Park

The full trail around the perimeter of Chollas Lake is 0.8 miles. (Maura Fox / The San Diego Union-Tribune)

Chollas Lake Park trail

At Chollas Lake Park, in the Oak Park community located south of El Cerrito and Rolando, hikers can do a 2.3-mile easy loop that passes by tall eucalyptus trees and families of ducks and geese. The route goes around the lake and near the North Chollas Community Park and provides a view of downtown San Diego and the San Diego-Coronado Bridge.

Pacific Beach

Kate Sessions Park

Kate Sessions Memorial Park in Pacific Beach is a beloved spot to enjoy a picnic, fly a kite and watch the sunset, but it also has trails that make for a convenient way to get some exercise. This hike follows a 0.8-mile, easy route at the park that overlooks the ocean and Mission Bay along with downtown San Diego and Point Loma in the distance. The trails aren’t connected to the main park — meaning there’s more of a chance to find some solitude.

Point Loma

A hiker walks along the Coastal Trail, heading north. (Maura Fox / The San Diego Union-Tribune)

Cabrillo National Monument’s Coastal Trail

Consider a stroll along the monument’s Coastal Trail, a roughly 1-mile out-and-back hike on the western side. Along the way, hikers can stop to investigate tide pools, sit on the rocks and take in native Mediterranean coastal sage scrub and maritime chaparral plants. The Coastal Trail is not difficult, though it does have some rugged sections and stairs to climb.

Cabrillo National Monument’s Bayside Trail

Breathe in the sea air and learn about the history and vegetation of Cabrillo National Monument on this scenic hike. The Bayside Trail is a 1.86-mile out-and-back hike that takes visitors along the southeastern side of the monument and offers rewarding views of the San Diego Bay, Coronado, Ballast Point and the Coronado islands off the coast of Tijuana. The hike follows a wide dirt path and is mostly easy, though there are some inclines on the second half.

The Oceanside trailhead is located just beyond the Kelp Forest and Whale Overlook.

Cabrillo National Monument’s Oceanside Trail

This trail at Cabrillo National Monument makes it easier for visitors to access the tide pools on the peninsula’s western side. The Oceanside Trail, a roughly 1-mile out-and-back path, runs from the monument’s Kelp Forest and Whale Overlook to the tide pools, presenting hikers with sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean and an impressive display of wildflowers. The trail is more difficult than the other two hiking routes at Cabrillo National Monument, the Bayside Trail and Coastal Trail.

Liberty Station

There’s a roughly 2-mile out-and-back walk on the southeastern side of Liberty Station along the San Diego Bay. Visitors can travel on the hard-packed dirt trail that runs closest to the water, or opt for the sidewalk, which offers equally pretty views. The route starts near the USS Recruit, a Navy ship located at the southern end of Liberty Station.

Shelter Island

This walk along the San Diego Bay passes by several art pieces and offers views of downtown San Diego and Point Loma. The roughly 2-mile out-and-back walk follows a paved path along the southeastern side of the Shelter Island. It’s not much of a hike, but it took about 45 minutes to complete, so the excursion felt like an easy way to add some quality outdoor time to the week.

Sunset Cliffs

Never lose sight of the ocean and admire pretty native and nonnative plants on this coastal San Diego hike. The Sunset Cliffs Trail is a 2-mile easy walking path in Point Loma, featuring a mix of dirt trails and sidewalks. Some may argue this isn’t a hike as much as it is a stroll, but it offers one of the best views in San Diego.

San Carlos

Rancho Mission Canyon Park

Explore one of San Diego’s dozens of canyons on this short hike that would be especially inviting for students, with a location not far from the San Diego State University campus. In Rancho Mission Canyon Park, near the neighborhoods of San Carlos and Allied Gardens, the 2-mile out-and-back trail takes hikers across the canyon on a well-maintained path, including over a few wooden bridges.

Serra Mesa

Stonecrest Village Trail

The Stonecrest Village Trail takes visitors along a 1.5-mile out-and-back walk behind the community of the same name. The path is located directly next to homes, but it also offers pretty views of wild vegetation growing within a canyon separating Stonecrest Village from surrounding neighborhoods.

South Park

Switzer and Juniper canyons

San Diegans can enjoy one of the city’s oldest neighborhoods and its canyons on this short walk. The path lets walkers traverse Switzer and Juniper canyons, located within South Park, as well as explore the neighborhood and admire its historical homes. Both canyons are teeming with nature.

Tierrasanta

East Shepherd Canyon

I explored East Shepherd Canyon in Tierrasanta along an almost 2.4-mile out-and-back trail. It was an easy route that I completed relatively quickly, but I imagine I’ll be back for another hike or a run. The trail offers a mix of shaded forest along with moments to bask in the sun, and it was quiet, despite its location near roads and neighborhoods.

Torrey Pines

Broken Hill Trail at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve

The Broken Hill Trail and the North and South Fork trails at Torrey Pines make up a mostly easy 3.3-mile loop. Most of the hike is on dirt trails, but hikers must access them via the paved Torrey Pines Park Road. Known as the “Gateway to San Diego,” it’s a roughly 2-mile road that was a part of the Coast Highway in the early 1900s.

Maura Fox / The San Diego Union-Tribune
The trailhead for Razor Point and Yucca Point is located southwest of the Torrey Pines Visitor Center.

Razor Point and Yucca Point at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve

With its close proximity to the ocean and rugged native vegetation — including chaparral, coastal sage scrub and Torrey Pine woodland — the reserve showcases some of the county’s best features that can be especially enjoyed during the summer season. This easy-to-moderate 1.5-mile loop lets hikers take it all in, but the scenic overlooks at Razor Point and Yucca Point are the main highlights.

University City

Rose Canyon Open Space Trail

This is an easy out-and-back hike through Rose Canyon, located in University City between Interstates 5 and 805. The roughly 4-mile journey doesn’t offer too much of a retreat from the city, but there were sweet spots of nature: I saw hawks soaring overhead along with several native plants being restored on the hillside.

East County

Note: For more rural hikes, the locations below represent the city or community nearest to the trails.

Alpine

Viejas Mountain

Viejas Mountain is located near the heart of the mountain town of Alpine. 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, located just behind Joan MacQueen Middle School, includes an open grassland that’s home to a variety of native species, along with a manmade rock wall dating back to 19th century Spanish colonizers. 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

The start of the Yawkey Trail. (Maura Fox / The San Diego Union-Tribune)

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.

The reporter's hiking companion walks ahead along a ridgeline in the San Pasqual Valley. (Maura Fox / The San Diego Union-Tribune) — The reporter’s hiking companion walks ahead along a ridgeline in the San Pasqual Valley. (Maura Fox / The San Diego Union-Tribune)

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

A hike among the grasses and wildflowers at Hollenbeck Canyon should be considered an essential outdoor activity for San Diegans in the spring. 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 and directly across from the Paso Picacho Campground. 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, named after a San Diego building contractor and architect. 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.

The view looking down the trail after an especially steep section around the 2.9 mile-mark. (Maura Fox / The San Diego Union-Tribune)

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 sun shines on the Big Laguna Lake, which hikers pass after walking for a little over 6 miles.

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 like San Jacinto and San Gorgonio. 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, such as red-tailed hawks and California kingsnakes, 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, from La Mesa to Imperial Beach and beyond. 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, with views of the Gillespie Field airport, Mission Trails Regional Park and El Cajon Mountain. 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.

North County

Carmel Valley

Gonzales Canyon

Gonzales Canyon is an open space park located north of Carmel Valley. The 5.7-mile moderate loop travels through the canyon — under the open sunshine and shady eucalyptus and willow trees — and offers views of nearby horse stables and the ocean near the end. There was a mix of terrain, too, which kept me engaged over the course of the roughly two-hour hike.

Carlsbad

Batiquitos Lagoon trail

Admire the vast Batiquitos Lagoon in Carlsbad on this easy trail. The roughly 3.4-mile out-and-back hike follows a flat and wide path along the lagoon’s northern side, offering serene views of the 561-acre body of water. Despite the lagoon’s location next to Interstate 5 and a golf course, the walk offers a unique, natural ambiance that feels wholly separate from the surrounding city life.

Lake Calavera Preserve and the Carlsbad Highlands Ecological Reserve

A vast trail network in Carlsbad lets hikers climb what’s left of one of North America’s smallest volcanoes and take in the wildlife of a nearby lake. This roughly 2.6-mile moderate hike is located within the Lake Calavera Preserve and the Carlsbad Highlands Ecological Reserve. Between the two areas are hundreds of acres of wildlife habitat, including for birds like egrets, herons and ducks.

Del Mar

The shaded section of the Dead Fish Wiggle, near the intersection with the Fishhead Creek Trail. (Maura Fox / The San Diego Union-Tribune)

Carmel Mountain Preserve

This is a roughly 3-mile, moderately difficult hike through the preserve, exploring a semi-loop along some of the preserve’s crisscrossing trails. Along with a gravesite and the Dead Fish Wiggle trail, I also passed by currently-dry vernal pools and some less-than-welcome poison oak.

Coast to Crest Trail: San Dieguito River to Del Mar Fairgrounds

Hike a section of the Coast to Crest Trail on this easy walk near Del Mar. The roughly 4-mile out-and-back hike follows the San Dieguito River as it snakes its way past the Del Mar Fairgrounds and toward the ocean. Given its location alongside Interstate 5, a busy road and businesses, this is more of an urban hike and doesn’t offer much opportunity for quiet. But it makes up for that with lovely views of the river and lagoon, as well as informational signs for hikers to learn more about the area.

Tidal Trail

The Tidal Trail is an easy 2-mile out-and-back hike in Del Mar and part of the San Dieguito River Park. The area includes a mix of tidal salt marsh, brackish wetlands, saltwater, freshwater and wildlife habitats. The trail runs parallel to El Camino Real, a busy thoroughfare, but the sound of traffic isn’t too noticeable.

Encinitas

Manchester Preserve Loop

A hike through the Manchester Preserve lets visitors enjoy views of sandstone cliffs and nearby North County neighborhoods. The two-mile Manchester Preserve Loop in Encinitas follows a dirt path that winds through native chaparral and coastal scrub vegetation along a canyon floor, plus climbs a few steep hills for a good workout. Though the hike is entirely exposed, a nice breeze came through the canyon and on the hillsides during my hike.

Orilla Trail

This hike explores one of the trails in the San Elijo Lagoon and Ecological Reserve. Located in Encinitas, the reserve encompasses 979 acres and is home to several wildlife species, including the mule deer. This 2.75-mile out-and-back hike follows the La Orilla Trail, an easy and mostly flat path that travels through the eastern side of the reserve with several benches for places to rest along the way.

Fallbrook

Los Jilgueros Preserve

This roughly 1-mile loop at the Los Jilgueros Preserve in Fallbrook is great for families. The trail is nearly all flat and wide, making it an accessible option for wheeled-visitors. There are about two miles of trails in the 46-acre preserve. This route passes by a pond with ducks, and sections of the trail are shaded with tall sycamore trees. But don’t feel beholden to the path I followed, since the trails interconnect.

Hikers heading back toward the Sandia Creek trailhead. Most sections of the trail are flat and wide, but there are a few narrow sections overlooking the river. (Maura Fox / The San Diego Union-Tribune)

Santa Margarita River Trail

The river is one of the few perennial rivers in Southern California, so you can find water flowing here year-round. The area is gorgeous; I was surprised by how green and lush the vegetation was, even after a hot summer. An easy 5-mile trail winds along — and sometimes through — the river, passing under shady oak trees and offering several benches to stop and enjoy the scenery.

Leucadia

Indian Head Canyon

This roughly 1-mile moderate loop near the northern end of Indian Head Canyon only took me about half an hour, but there is a larger 6.5-mile network of trails within the canyon to be explored next time. It felt like an ideal workout to squeeze in after work — and though there was a bit of marine layer impacting my view of the ocean, I can imagine it would be a quintessential San Diego scene on a clear day.

Mira Mesa

Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve: Camino Ruiz Trail

The Camino Ruiz Trail is slightly rocky as it descends the southern side of Los Peñasquitos Canyon. It’s a blast to run down, as the trail dips and winds through the trees. This is a roughly 4-mile loop through the canyon that I’d consider a moderately challenging route. Most of the route was shaded by a tree canopy and the creek crossings helped make the temperature feel cooler.

Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve: Peñasquitos Falls Loop

This roughly 3-mile loop in the Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve is a challenging hike leading to a rushing waterfall and surrounding pools. Located along the Peñasquitos Creek, the waterfall isn’t very large, but it’s special nonetheless, especially situated among the more developed areas of Sorrento Valley and Mira Mesa.

Rancho Bernardo

Bernardo Bay Natural Area

The Bernardo Bay Trail and Piedras Pintadas Trail are part of a vast network within the Bernardo Bay Natural Area. Beyond the sights, this hiking area — which is also open to cyclists — is ideal for visitors who want to meander instead of following a strict path. I ultimately completed an easy 2.8-mile loop primarily on the Bernardo Bay Trail, though I also took an unmarked trail up to a mountaintop that overlooked the bay.

Rancho Peñasquitos

Black Mountain Open Space Park: Miner’s Ridge Loop Trail

Hikers can find several trails to explore in the hills behind Rancho Peñasquitos, including these two in the Black Mountain Open Space Park. The Miner’s Ridge Loop Trail is a roughly 2.5-mile moderate loop that follows a well-maintained dirt path, and the Jas Arnold Trail is a 0.2-mile trail that the city of San Diego says is fully accessible according to the Americans with Disabilities Act. Both can be reached from the same Black Mountain Open Space parking lot, so hikers can do both on the same day.

Nighthawk Trail on Black Mountain

Located near Rancho Peñasquitos, this is a roughly 4-mile moderate hike to the 1,554-foot summit. There are elements of this hike I didn’t love — namely, the communication towers and antennas at the peak. But the pros outweighed the cons: it was a tough workout with many steep and rocky sections, but also quick; I was off the mountain within an hour and a half.

Solana Beach

The trailhead leading into the San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve at North Rios Avenue. (Maura Fox / The San Diego Union-Tribune)

Annie’s Canyon

Try this roughly 1.5-mile loop at the San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve and through Annie’s Canyon in Solana Beach. I also saw several birds, including a great egret, along with two rattlesnakes presumably mating in the brush along the trail. And if wildlife isn’t your thing, Annie’s Canyon — a slot canyon with high sandstone walls that leads to views of the lagoon and ocean — is a unique feature that adds some complexity to this otherwise easy hike.

South County

Bonita

Sweetwater Summit Regional Park

This roughly 1-mile walk takes hikers alongside Morrison Pond, a small but scenic body of water in Bonita that’s home to waterfowl such as ruddy ducks and egrets, as well as other birds like the least bell’s vireo and coastal California gnatcatcher. There are benches and pretty inlets to the pond where hikers can take in the view along the way.

Chula Vista

Rice Canyon

Rice Canyon in Chula Vista is a roughly 2.7-mile easy, out-and-back hike. Rice Canyon is a simple yet enjoyable option for spending some time outdoors. Tucked between residential neighborhoods in Chula Vista, it’s easy to get to, has a convenient parking lot and even features a garden with native plants at the trailhead, along with scattered benches and picnic tables.

Eastlake

Lower Otay Reservoir

The Lower Otay Reservoir is one of the oldest in San Diego County. It’s not required to know the history before setting out on this easy, roughly 4.3-mile out-and-back hike that skirts the western edge of the reservoir, but it can make for a more interesting walk to think about how the region has changed over the years.

Imperial Beach

Bayshore Bikeway

The Bayshore Bikeway is a 24-mile route that travels through Coronado, Imperial Beach and Chula Vista and along the Silver Strand. This roughly 2-mile out-and-back walk follows a section of the bikeway, passing by the San Diego Bay National Wildlife Refuge in Imperial Beach. It also includes the Bayside Birding and Walking Trail, a 0.4 mile path featuring informational panels on the area’s migratory birds and salt marsh.

Tijuana Estuary

The trails of the Tijuana Estuary are perfect for hikers, bikers, runners and birders looking for an easily accessible way to take in some nature. Try out a roughly 3-mile out-and-back hike that follows the River Mouth Loop trail to the South McCoy Trail, located near the Tijuana Estuary Visitor Center on the western side of Imperial Beach. Along the way, visitors may see an array of bird species.

GET MORE INFORMATION

Andre Hobbs

San Diego Broker | The Hobbs Valor Group | License ID: 01485241

+1(619) 349-5151