Located in a wide canyon, the Los Penasquitos Canyon Trailis one of the absolute best places for hiking in San Diego. Trailhead Location: Intersection of Black Mountain Road and Mercy Road ( Los Penasquitos Canyon Preserve).Los Penasquitos Canyon in San Diego Los Penasquitos Canyon Trail Note: There is a $9 entrance fee per adult, a $5 fee per child (6-12), and a $7 fee per senior (62+) or student. Local hikers love the Palm Canyon Loop trail because it’s short, easy, and has lots of vibrant and picturesque scenery along the way. Because the trail is fairly flat, it’s perfect for hikers of all levels to get out in the wilderness. The unique scenery here definitely puts it on the radar as one of the top hikes in San Diego – it’s a pocket of paradise in the otherwise parched terrain of the Palm Springs desert. Welcome to a desert oasis – the Palm Canyon Loop trail! Yes, this trail is home to an actual desert oasis, featuring towering palm trees, glimmering streams, and eerie rock formations. Palm Canyon Drive (Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians Reservation) Needless to say, this is one you definitely shouldn’t miss! The palm trees in the indian canyon. You might even forget you’re in Southern California! Locals absolutely love the Big Laguna Trail, and many cite it as one of their absolute favorite hikes in San Diego. The trail boasts some serious alpine vibes, even in the winter when there’s snow on the ground. The trail runs along the peaceful shores of Little Laguna and Big Laguna Lakes, with plenty of shade from the local evergreen forests. Trailhead Location: Turn off Sunrise Hwy to Laguna Meadow Rd (Cleveland National Forest)įor a day-long adventure on an incredibly scenic San Diego hiking trail, look no further than the Big Laguna Trail.Note: There is a fee to park in the main parking area. On the trail, there’s very little shade, so we’d recommend bringing a hat and sunscreen if you choose to go then. We’d recommend hiking at Torrey Pines in the evening to enjoy the sunset over the coast, but mornings can be nice with fewer crowds. Here, you’ll find beautiful seaside bluffs towering over the crashing waves of the Pacific on a flat, easy trail that’s perfect for hikers of all levels, including children! The sweeping views of the coastline are well worth the hike itself, but as a bonus, you’ll also wander through magnificent rock formations and wildflower meadows, too. If you’re seeking one of the most iconic hikes in San Diego, the Torrey Pines Beach Trail is it. Trailhead Location: Torrey Pines Park Road (Torrey Pines State Park).Easy Hikes in San Diego Torrey Pines Beach Trail Head to the San Diego Parks website to get the latest information. NOTE: Some of these trails may be closed currently due to safety concerns regarding the current global pandemic. ( Let us know if we missed your favorite!) A short drive from downtown San Diego can take you to beaches, deserts, mountains, and more! To help you plan your next adventure, we created this guide with 21 of the most breathtaking hikes in San Diego and the surrounding areas. With a wide variety of terrain in the city and its surrounds, hikers will find trails ranging from wildlife-rich nature preserves to challenging summit scrambles. Even if you’re not a surfer, there are tons of ways to explore the outdoors in the city, and hiking in San Diego is one of them.
Known for its beaches and laid-back vibes, San Diego is a heavenly city for outdoor lovers.
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