San Diego County, California, United States trails

The Three Sisters Falls Trail in Cleveland National Forest offers hikers a challenging yet rewarding journey through diverse landscapes. The path descends into a rugged canyon, providing expansive views of the surrounding mountains and the Boulder Creek valley. Upon reaching the falls, hikers are greeted by…

Distance: 3.9 mi • Elevation gain: 968 ft • Maximum elevation: 2,917 ft

The Kwaay Paay Peak Trail in Mission Trails Regional Park offers hikers a rewarding journey through diverse landscapes, including chaparral and manzanita forests. The ascent is steep, with strategically placed stairs aiding the climb. Upon reaching the summit, hikers are treated to expansive views of San Diego…

Distance: 2.4 mi • Elevation gain: 883 ft • Maximum elevation: 1,158 ft

The hike along Solana Hills Trail, Rios Avenue Trail, and Gemma Parks Loop to Annie’s Canyon in the San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve offers a serene blend of coastal wetlands, native chaparral, and sculpted sandstone canyons. As you meander through the trails, you'll encounter sweeping views of the…

Distance: 2.4 mi • Elevation gain: 427 ft • Maximum elevation: 253 ft

The Oak Canyon Trail in Mission Trails Regional Park offers a peaceful and scenic hike that is perfect for those looking to escape the bustle of the city. As you walk along the path, you’ll pass through lush oak groves and cross small bridges, with the occasional seasonal waterfall providing a serene…

Distance: 3.2 mi • Elevation gain: 292 ft • Maximum elevation: 518 ft

The Grasslands Trail and Oak Canyon Trail Loop provides a diverse hiking experience. The Grasslands Loop offers expansive views of the rolling hills and chaparral, with opportunities for birdwatching, while the Oak Canyon Trail winds through oak groves along a dry creek bed, showcasing seasonal waterfalls. The…

Distance: 3.8 mi • Elevation gain: 420 ft • Maximum elevation: 594 ft

Distance: 1.5 mi • Elevation gain: 1,138 ft • Maximum elevation: 1,703 ft

Iron Mountain Peak Trail offers a rewarding hike with a mix of scenic landscapes and challenging ascents. The route is particularly notable for its panoramic views, including sweeping vistas of surrounding mountains like Cuyamaca Peak and El Cajon Mountain, as well as distant sights of San Diego and the ocean.…

Distance: 5.6 mi • Elevation gain: 1,184 ft • Maximum elevation: 2,635 ft

This loop hike is a delightful escape that beautifully combines stunning ocean views with charming paths. Inland, the path winds through picturesque overlooks like EB Scripps Overlook, West Overlook and Yucca Point, offering jaw-dropping ocean views. On the Beach, you'll have the chance to stroll on the sandy…

Distance: 3.1 mi • Elevation gain: 495 ft • Maximum elevation: 335 ft

This hike on Woodson Mountain is a rewarding challenge, offering expansive views of Southern California along the way. As you make your way up the steep trail, you’ll experience a mix of rugged terrain and stunning panoramas that lead to the iconic Potato Chip Rock and the breathtaking Mount Woodson Summit.…

Distance: 7.2 mi • Elevation gain: 2,011 ft • Maximum elevation: 2,844 ft

Hike to the Goat Canyon Trestle via the Desert Line Railroad in the Carrizo Canyon through the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. #Hiking #Canyon #Desert #Nature #Park

Distance: 7.9 mi • Elevation gain: 1,224 ft • Maximum elevation: 2,730 ft

Hike on the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail (PCT) to the Eagle Rock. #Hiking #Nature #Forest #River #Desert #Rock #PCT

Distance: 3.2 mi • Elevation gain: 653 ft • Maximum elevation: 3,527 ft

Cleveland National Forest. Boulder Creek. #Hiking #Waterfall #River #Mountain #Forest #Nature

Distance: 4.1 mi • Elevation gain: 1,073 ft • Maximum elevation: 2,936 ft

From Warner Springs. #Hiking #Nature #PCT

Distance: 6.2 mi • Elevation gain: 830 ft • Maximum elevation: 3,524 ft

Hike to Hot Springs Mountain via Sukat Road and Hot Springs Mountain Road in the Los Coyotes Cahuilla Cupeno Band. #Hiking #Nature #Forest #Mountain

Distance: 5.0 mi • Elevation gain: 2,116 ft • Maximum elevation: 6,476 ft

Hike to El Cajon Mountain via El Cajon Mountain Summit Trail in El Capitan County Preserve and Cleveland National Forest. #Hiking #Mountain #Nature #Forest

Distance: 5.6 mi • Elevation gain: 2,844 ft • Maximum elevation: 3,642 ft

Hike to the Iron Mountain from the Poway Road Park And Ride via the Iron Mountain Peak Trail. #Hiking #Mountain #Forest #Nature

Distance: 2.8 mi • Elevation gain: 1,109 ft • Maximum elevation: 2,635 ft

Loop hike from Mountain Palm Springs Trailhead via Pygmy Grove, Southwest Grove, Surprise Canyon Grove, Palm Bowl Grove, Indian Valley and North Grove in the Anza-Borrego Desert State Wilderness. #Hiking #Loop #Nature #Mountain #Wilderness

Distance: 3.8 mi • Elevation gain: 633 ft • Maximum elevation: 1,191 ft

Mission Trails Regional Park. #Hiking #MTB #Loop #Nature

Distance: 6.3 mi • Elevation gain: 1,388 ft • Maximum elevation: 1,266 ft

Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve. #Hiking #Loop #Beach #Sea #Pacific #Ocean #Forest #Nature

Distance: 2.3 mi • Elevation gain: 367 ft • Maximum elevation: 341 ft

Mission Trails Regional Park. #Hiking #Forest

Distance: 2.3 mi • Elevation gain: 856 ft • Maximum elevation: 1,161 ft

#Hiking #Mountain #Forest #Nature

Distance: 5.2 mi • Elevation gain: 1,125 ft • Maximum elevation: 2,638 ft

Hike on the Noble Canyon Trail in the Cleveland National Forest. #Hiking #Mountain #Nature #Forest #Canyon

Distance: 2.7 mi • Elevation gain: 413 ft • Maximum elevation: 4,216 ft

Hike to Volcan Mountain via Five Oaks Trail and Volcan Mountain Trail in the Volcan Mountain Wilderness Preserve. #Hiking #Mountain #Nature #Forest #Wilderness

Distance: 2.9 mi • Elevation gain: 1,283 ft • Maximum elevation: 5,335 ft

Hike to Stonewall Peak in the Cuyamaca Mountain State Wilderness. #Hiking #Mountain #Nature #Forest #Wilderness

Distance: 1.9 mi • Elevation gain: 817 ft • Maximum elevation: 5,650 ft

Loop hike to Boucher Hill via State Park Road, Boucher Trail, Adams Trail and Scott's Cabin Trail in the Palomar Mountain State Park. #Hiking #Loop #Mountain #Forest #Nature #Park

Distance: 3.3 mi • Elevation gain: 883 ft • Maximum elevation: 5,446 ft

Loop hike through Doane Valley Natural Preserve via Weir Trail, Weir Historic Site, French Valley Trail, Rest spot between two waterfalls and Doane Valley Nature Trail in Palomar Mountain State Park. #Hiking #Loop #Mountain #Valley #Nature #Forest #Park #River

Distance: 4.0 mi • Elevation gain: 512 ft • Maximum elevation: 4,698 ft

Loop hike around San Dieguito River Park via the Bernardo Bay Trail along the Lake Hodges. #Hiking #Loop #Nature #Forest #River #Lake #Park

Distance: 2.4 mi • Elevation gain: 164 ft • Maximum elevation: 417 ft

Hike on the Observatory Trail to the Palomar Observatory in the Cleveland National Forest. #Hiking #Mountain #Forest #Nature

Distance: 2.4 mi • Elevation gain: 784 ft • Maximum elevation: 5,574 ft

Hike along the Santa Margarita River from Creek Drive. #Hiking #River #Nature #Forest

Distance: 2.9 mi • Elevation gain: 374 ft • Maximum elevation: 486 ft

Hike along the Batiquitos Lagoon on the Batiquitos Lagoon Nature Trail in Aviara. #Hiking #Naure #Lake #Forest

Distance: 1.6 mi • Elevation gain: 79 ft • Maximum elevation: 36 ft

Loop hike to Iron Mountain via Iron Mountain Peak Trail and Ellie Lane Trail. #Hiking #Loop #Mountain #Nature #Forest #Lake

Distance: 7.9 mi • Elevation gain: 1,713 ft • Maximum elevation: 2,638 ft

#Hiking #Mountain #Wilderness #Nature

Distance: 0.8 mi • Elevation gain: 16 ft • Maximum elevation: 4,941 ft

Mission Trails Regional Park. #Hiking #Mountain #Forest #Nature

Distance: 2.6 mi • Elevation gain: 899 ft • Maximum elevation: 1,549 ft

Hike to Garnet Peak via the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) and the Garnet Peak Trail in the Cleveland National Forest. #Hiking #Mountain #Nature

Distance: 2.1 mi • Elevation gain: 568 ft • Maximum elevation: 5,823 ft

Hike to Three Sisters Waterfalls on the Boulder Creek in the Cleveland National Forest. #Hiking #Falls #Mountain #River #Forest #Nature

Distance: 2.0 mi • Elevation gain: 154 ft • Maximum elevation: 2,927 ft

Loop hike from Paso Picacho Campground to Cuyamaca Peak via Azalea Trail, Conejos Trail and Lookout Road in the Cuyamaca Mountain State Wilderness. #Hiking #Loop #Mountain #Nature #Forest #Wilderness

Distance: 7.3 mi • Elevation gain: 1,873 ft • Maximum elevation: 6,463 ft

Loop hike from Doane Pond by Thunder Spring Trail, Chimney Flats Trail, Scott's Cabin Trail and Cedar Trail in the Palomar Mountains State Park. #Hiking #Loop #Lake #Forest #Mountain #Nature #Park

Distance: 3.9 mi • Elevation gain: 919 ft • Maximum elevation: 5,374 ft

Loop hike to Monument Peak via Big Laguna Lake, Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail (PCT) and Foster Point in the Cleveland National Forest and the Laguna Meadow. #Hiking #Loop #Mountain #Lake #Nature #PCT #Forest

Distance: 11.7 mi • Elevation gain: 1,765 ft • Maximum elevation: 6,237 ft

Hike on the South Clevenger Canyon Trail in the San Pasqual - Clevenger Canyon Open Space Park. #Hiking #Mountain #Nature #Canyon #Park

Distance: 2.2 mi • Elevation gain: 1,047 ft • Maximum elevation: 1,647 ft

Hike to Cedar Creek Falls via San Diego River Gorge Trail in the Cleveland National Forest. #Hiking #Falls #River #Nature #Mountain

Distance: 2.7 mi • Elevation gain: 194 ft • Maximum elevation: 1,850 ft

Hike to Lake Hodges Overlook via Way Up Trail, Escondido Overlook and Olivenhain Reservoir in the Eflin Forest. #Hiking #Mountain #Lake #Nature #Forest

Distance: 3.1 mi • Elevation gain: 1,132 ft • Maximum elevation: 1,273 ft

Hike to Los Peñasquitos Waterfall through Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve. #Hiking #Fall #River #Nature #Forest #Park

Distance: 3.3 mi • Elevation gain: 62 ft • Maximum elevation: 253 ft

Loop hike to Monserate Mountain. #Hiking #Loop #Mountain #Nature

Distance: 4.1 mi • Elevation gain: 1,404 ft • Maximum elevation: 1,522 ft

Hike to High Point Lookout from Oak Grove via Oak Grove Trail in Cleveland National Forest. #Hiking #Mountain #Nature #Forest

Distance: 6.6 mi • Elevation gain: 3,619 ft • Maximum elevation: 6,125 ft

Hike through the Rockhouse Canyon to the Cottonwood Springs via Rockhouse Trail, Hidden Springs, in the Santa Rosa Wilderness and the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. #Hiking #Loop #Mountain #Canyon #Nature #Desert #Wilderness #Park

Distance: 13.4 mi • Elevation gain: 2,116 ft • Maximum elevation: 3,136 ft

Hike to Goat Canyon Trestle via Mortero Palms in the Anza-Borrego Desert State Wilderness. #Hiking #Canyon #Nature #Desert #Canyon #Mountain #Wilderness

Distance: 5.6 mi • Elevation gain: 2,034 ft • Maximum elevation: 3,297 ft

Loop hike around Glorietta Canyon in the Anza-Borrego Desert State Wilderness. #Hiking #Loop #Canyon #Desert #Nature #Wilderness

Distance: 7.0 mi • Elevation gain: 1,650 ft • Maximum elevation: 2,392 ft

Distance: 9.3 mi • Elevation gain: 1,240 ft • Maximum elevation: 5,358 ft

Distance: 16.5 mi • Elevation gain: 3,127 ft • Maximum elevation: 4,150 ft

Distance: 10.0 mi • Elevation gain: 604 ft • Maximum elevation: 6,037 ft

Mt Laguna and Horse Heaven CG areas, including Lightning Ridge Trail

Distance: 1.3 mi • Elevation gain: 302 ft • Maximum elevation: 5,768 ft

Distance: 1.3 mi • Elevation gain: 243 ft • Maximum elevation: 5,010 ft

Distance: 2.4 mi • Elevation gain: 377 ft • Maximum elevation: 5,259 ft

Two trails around Mount Laguna Campground

Distance: 8.8 mi • Elevation gain: 1,020 ft • Maximum elevation: 5,738 ft