Best Hikes in San Diego
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A short drive away, this 1,750-acre oceanfront reserve promises sweeping ocean views for hikers. The reserve is dedicated to preserving its namesake tree, the Torrey Pine, and surrounding wildlife, but travelers and locals come for the miles of trails through pine forests and sandstone canyons, and the 4.5-mile Torrey Pines State Beach. Torrey Pines is no hidden secret, but there's a reason crowds flock here. Plans to go are easy to make: The reserve is open 365 days a year, from sunrise to sunset, and all entering cars must pay an admission fee, which ranges from $10-$25 (or free with a California State Parks Vehicle Day Use Pass), depending on whether you park in the the North or South Beach parking lots.
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Torrey Pines State Reserve
12600 North Torrey Pines RoadA short drive away, this 1,750-acre oceanfront reserve promises sweeping ocean views for hikers. The reserve is dedicated to preserving its namesake tree, the Torrey Pine, and surrounding wildlife, but travelers and locals come for the miles of trails through pine forests and sandstone canyons, and the 4.5-mile Torrey Pines State Beach. Torrey Pines is no hidden secret, but there's a reason crowds flock here. Plans to go are easy to make: The reserve is open 365 days a year, from sunrise to sunset, and all entering cars must pay an admission fee, which ranges from $10-$25 (or free with a California State Parks Vehicle Day Use Pass), depending on whether you park in the the North or South Beach parking lots.
This 68-acre park is a postcard-come-to-life, with its expansive ocean views, namesake cliffs, and an intertidal area ripe for exploration. It’s popular with surfers, but even if you just want to catch a sunset or listen to crashing waves you won’t be disappointed. You might even catch a pod of California gray whales during their annual migration to Baja, California.
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Sunset Cliffs
This 68-acre park is a postcard-come-to-life, with its expansive ocean views, namesake cliffs, and an intertidal area ripe for exploration. It’s popular with surfers, but even if you just want to catch a sunset or listen to crashing waves you won’t be disappointed. You might even catch a pod of California gray whales during their annual migration to Baja, California.
Many people don't realize the hidden slot canyons and abandoned mines of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park exist in California. It's about a 90-minute drive but true adventurers will be rewarded with the park's great hikes, abundant wildflowers, and hundreds of miles of dirt road. The Borrego Palm Canyon Trail, a 3.25-mile loop in the park, ascends 450 feet into the desert canyon. You'll pass through one of the largest palm oases in California at the end, while hiking along seasonal waterfalls. The palm grove itself is closed to the public for restoration. If you have a full extra day in San Diego and are looking to get out of the city, California's largest state park is well worth the trip.
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Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
200 Palm Canyon DrMany people don't realize the hidden slot canyons and abandoned mines of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park exist in California. It's about a 90-minute drive but true adventurers will be rewarded with the park's great hikes, abundant wildflowers, and hundreds of miles of dirt road. The Borrego Palm Canyon Trail, a 3.25-mile loop in the park, ascends 450 feet into the desert canyon. You'll pass through one of the largest palm oases in California at the end, while hiking along seasonal waterfalls. The palm grove itself is closed to the public for restoration. If you have a full extra day in San Diego and are looking to get out of the city, California's largest state park is well worth the trip.
As the second highest peak in San Diego County—and only by a mere 20 feet—it’s no surprise that Cuyamaca Peak’s trails afford hikers some of the best views in town. The seven-mile out-and-back loop trail starts from the Paso Picacho Campground and leads to the summit of the 6,500-foot Cuyamaca Peak, where views span the valley; on a clear day, if the marine layer cooperates, you can see the ocean.
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Cuyamaca Peak
As the second highest peak in San Diego County—and only by a mere 20 feet—it’s no surprise that Cuyamaca Peak’s trails afford hikers some of the best views in town. The seven-mile out-and-back loop trail starts from the Paso Picacho Campground and leads to the summit of the 6,500-foot Cuyamaca Peak, where views span the valley; on a clear day, if the marine layer cooperates, you can see the ocean.
Likely the most popular hiking destination within the city, Cowles Mountain is the highest peak in San Diego. If you want a tranquil, nature-filled hike, look elsewhere. For all of its merits, the trail is shared with dozens of other hikers and runners; the secret is out. But if you're looking for a stellar Instagram op or view though, it's worth the 30-minute drive and the crowd navigation.
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Cowles Mountain
Cowles MountainLikely the most popular hiking destination within the city, Cowles Mountain is the highest peak in San Diego. If you want a tranquil, nature-filled hike, look elsewhere. For all of its merits, the trail is shared with dozens of other hikers and runners; the secret is out. But if you're looking for a stellar Instagram op or view though, it's worth the 30-minute drive and the crowd navigation.
Forget the Stairmaster—this epic hike is one of the most strenuous in Southern California. The 11.1-mile out-and-back trail is dog-friendly and accessible year-round, making it a favorite for serious adventurers. Those who brave the continuous ups-and-downs will be rewarded with impressive views from the top of "El Cap," but beware: this hike will likely take you a full day, so start early.
El Cajon Mountain Trail
El Cajon Mountain TrailForget the Stairmaster—this epic hike is one of the most strenuous in Southern California. The 11.1-mile out-and-back trail is dog-friendly and accessible year-round, making it a favorite for serious adventurers. Those who brave the continuous ups-and-downs will be rewarded with impressive views from the top of "El Cap," but beware: this hike will likely take you a full day, so start early.
Anyone who wants a full day of hiking on a reasonably easy trail will be delighted by Big Laguna. This lightly trafficked trail is low-incline and relatively low-effort, and your endeavors will be rewarded with scenic pine tree groves and tranquil lakes, as well as wildflowers in the spring. Just note the $5 day pass fee, and be mindful not to venture onto the more difficult Pacific Crest Trail if that's not what you had in mind.
Big Laguna Trailhead
Pacific Crest TrailAnyone who wants a full day of hiking on a reasonably easy trail will be delighted by Big Laguna. This lightly trafficked trail is low-incline and relatively low-effort, and your endeavors will be rewarded with scenic pine tree groves and tranquil lakes, as well as wildflowers in the spring. Just note the $5 day pass fee, and be mindful not to venture onto the more difficult Pacific Crest Trail if that's not what you had in mind.
The rustic and wild Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve is vast, with historical ties to the region's Native American inhabitants dating back as far as 7,000 years—a fact that flies under the radar of many tourists. Because it's primarily visited by locals, it’s not as congested as other trails experience. Come for dense foliage and tranquil wildlife; but chase ocean views and dramatic sunsets elsewhere. The main trail runs alongside a creek, which feeds a dense forest ultimately leading to a small waterfall.
Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve Trail
Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve TrailThe rustic and wild Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve is vast, with historical ties to the region's Native American inhabitants dating back as far as 7,000 years—a fact that flies under the radar of many tourists. Because it's primarily visited by locals, it’s not as congested as other trails experience. Come for dense foliage and tranquil wildlife; but chase ocean views and dramatic sunsets elsewhere. The main trail runs alongside a creek, which feeds a dense forest ultimately leading to a small waterfall.
San Diego's massive Balboa Park is home to 17 museums, the city's famous zoo, acres of gardens, and 65 miles of trails. There's a little—or rather, a lot—for just about everyone. If we're talking hikes, Balboa Park Trail #1 is paved and short, at just 1.5 miles, but it also avoids most of the more heavily touristed parts of the park. If you're looking to get in a quick trail run or workout, that's the way to go. For something more heart-pumping, lace up for Trail #5, a 6.6-mile loop that traverses paved and dirt paths through some of the lesser-seen parts of the park as well as landmarks like the Cabrillo Bridge and Spreckels Organ Pavilion.
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Balboa Park
San Diego's massive Balboa Park is home to 17 museums, the city's famous zoo, acres of gardens, and 65 miles of trails. There's a little—or rather, a lot—for just about everyone. If we're talking hikes, Balboa Park Trail #1 is paved and short, at just 1.5 miles, but it also avoids most of the more heavily touristed parts of the park. If you're looking to get in a quick trail run or workout, that's the way to go. For something more heart-pumping, lace up for Trail #5, a 6.6-mile loop that traverses paved and dirt paths through some of the lesser-seen parts of the park as well as landmarks like the Cabrillo Bridge and Spreckels Organ Pavilion.