Immerse yourself in nature this Earth Day or year-round with these favorite San Diego hikes for every skill level.
Before exploring Balboa Park’s 65 miles of hiking trails, stop by the serene Lily Pond. PHOTO BY ZANE PERSAUD/UNSPLASH
Balboa Park Trails
You’re going to want to clear a Saturday for this one. With over 15 museums, a famous zoo, acres of gardens and 65 miles of hiking trails, there’s something for everyone at Balboa Park. You’ll want to choose wisely among the five different trails: Golden Hill Trail, Marston Point Trails, Morley Field Trails, Park Boulevard Trails, and Sixth and Upas Trails. From the easy Golden Hill half-mile trail lined with trees to the Sixth and Upas 6.6-mile loop that passes myriad landmarks, each trail is of a differing length and terrain. And due to the park’s large size, there’s plenty of parking, restrooms and refreshment options. balboapark.org
Cedar Creek Falls Trail
Spend your day weaving through the Chaparral Hills of eastern San Diego. This fairly strenuous 6-mile round-trip hiking experience is perfect for nature lovers as the downward descent culminates at Cedar Creek Falls, a beautiful seasonal waterfall plunging 80 feet into a large pool of water known as the Devil’s Punchbowl. Permits are easy to obtain but required, and your furry friends can come along too. With three stream crossings and nature’s local flora, this hike is a favorite. fs.usda.gov/recarea/cleveland
Cowles Mountain
Those seeking a moderately difficult trail to fill a weekend afternoon need look no further than Cowles Mountain. One of the most popular hikes in San Diego, this heavily trafficked trail (that spans 1.5 miles each way) is used for running, hiking and mountain biking, and brings you to the highest point in the city of San Diego at 1,593 feet, with views from Mexico to Orange County. Located in Mission Trails Regional Park—one of the largest urban public parks in the U.S.—the park encompasses 8,000 acres of land and offers 65 miles of trails, providing you ample opportunities for recreation and to enjoy the native flora and fauna. Bring your on-leash dog for a fun-filled day neither of you will forget. mtrp.org
Cuyamaca Peak Loop Trail
For a rewarding view with various trail options, this one’s for you. The Cuyamaca Peak trail is a 7.7-mile, moderate-to-difficult stretch where you’ll take in pine forest views. The best time of year to hike this trail is from October through June for ideal weather conditions. There are many options to choose from while making your way to Cuyamaca Peak, where ocean views await, and even though the hike goes to San Diego County’s second-highest point, there are no tricky twists. In addition to over 100 miles of hiking trails, Cuyamaca Rancho State Park—home of the Cuyamaca Peak—also offers campgrounds, equestrian activities, mountain biking, bird-watching and wildlife viewing. parks.ca.gov
Point Loma’s Sunset Cliffs Park Trail offers its explorers stunning ocean views. PHOTO BY DERICK MCKINNEY/UNSPLASH
Elfin Forest
A prized natural resource in San Diego, the 784-acre Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve offers 11 miles of mountain biking, hiking and equestrian trails, as well as picnic table areas and breathtaking mountain viewing points. Your trip to the reserve may include sightings of native plant communities, such as oak riparian, oak woodland, coastal sage scrub and chaparral, or wildlife and natural resources. For a workout, venture down any of a number of trails, including the Way-Up Trail to Harmony Grove Overlook (2.2 miles), Elfin Forest Loop (4.7 miles) or Lake Hodges Overlook Trail (7.3 miles). elfinforest.olivenhain.com
Iron Mountain Trail
This 5.9-mile, moderately challenging hike leads to the second-highest peak in Poway. Located just south of the intersection of Poway Road and state Route 67, this trail starts out flat along a wide, sandy path and gets steeper as you continue on your journey. Be sure to check the weather report and choose wisely because on a clear day, you’ll be able to see views of Mount Woodson and Catalina Island. Since there are no shaded areas on the trail, hikers are encouraged to bring water and sunscreen to ensure maximum protection and enjoyment. hikingsdcounty.com/iron-mountain
Lake Hodges Trail
Lake Hodges Trail—located along Lake Hodges, a large lake that separates the city of San Diego from Escondido—covers 6.3 miles of easy terrain. Observe wildlife and stunning wildflowers while taking in the views of rolling hills and lush greenery. Perfect for all skill levels any time of year, this busy trail is a great choice for a Sunday afternoon stroll. Kayaking, canoeing, boating and fishing are also available on the lake. alltrails.com/trail/us/california/lake-hodges-trail
Los Peñasquitos Canyon Trail
Located just 30 minutes north of Downtown San Diego, this popular trail is flat and well maintained, with a good mix of sun and shade. Spanning nearly 6.8 miles, Los Peñasquitos (meaning “little cliffs”) is perfect for any skill level as it’s ranked easy and is accessible year-round, making it a great option for running, walking, mountain biking or horseback riding for adults and kiddos alike. Hikers can stay on the main drag, or veer off on the single-lane trails that converge with the main trails. A highlight of Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve, one of SoCal’s most biodiverse areas and one of the largest U.S. urban parks, is a waterfall with volcanic rock. sandiego.gov/park-and-recreation/parks/osp/lospenasquitos
Sunset Cliffs Park Trail
Hike along the coast at Sunset Cliffs Natural Park, a unique city park that extends out on the Point Loma Peninsula and features a scenic 3-mile, family-friendly trail in a beautiful destination. The 68-acre park is a stunning backdrop for your venture along the Sunset Cliffs Park Trail, affording you views of the landscape and access to coastal paddling. This area serves as an ideal location for experienced kayakers to paddle in SoCal waters and observe the seaside cliff formations and abundance of sea life. sandiego.gov/park-and-recreation/parks/regional/shoreline/sunset
Tecolote Canyon Trail
Tecolote Canyon Natural Park, which runs along the coast and up to the mouth of Tecolote Canyon, is home to popular trails such as the Tecolote Canyon Trail and the Tecolote Canyon: North End. The Tecolote Canyon Trail is a 6.7-mile trail that is flat and easy to walk—with a few steep inclines to get your heart pumping. This moderate hike features a river and makes for a great kid- and dog-friendly experience, so you can bring the whole family along. sandiego.gov/park-and-recreation/parks/osp/tecolote
Three Sisters Falls Trails
You’ll know you’re a hiking pro when the Three Sisters Falls Trail is your hike of choice. Constantly named as one of the most challenging hikes in the San Diego area, this difficult but popular waterfall trail near Julian is 4 miles long—consisting of a journey down a canyon and trek back up. Prepare to test yourself with rock and mountain climbing and traversing the rocky bottom of certain water areas. The trail will take you through several ecosystems before you reach the main event—three large waterfalls among the mountainous terrain. fs.usda.gov/recarea/cleveland
Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve
This 2,000-acre coastal state park in La Jolla has plenty to offer, such as the rarest pine tree in the country (the Torrey pine), a lagoon where you’ll spot migratory birds, miles of unspoiled beaches and, of course, some of the top hiking trails in San Diego. Look to the Razor Point Trail, a meandering 2/3-mile trail traversing nature, or the Guy Fleming Trail, a relatively level and easy 2/3-mile loop with two scenic overlooks and plenty of wildflowers, ferns and cactuses, near Del Mar. Beach lovers should opt for the 3/4-mile Beach Trail, a rustic path through the Upper Reserve that descends 300 feet to the shoreline. torreypine.org
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