thelocalexplorer

Hiking

Whether you enjoy a scenic stroll or a rigorous hike, San Diego’s got a trail for you.

Cabrillo National Monument Bayside Trail is a nice paved hike at the tip of Point Loma. You have to pay $5 to enter the area, but that includes the Cabrillo National Monument & museum, the Old Point Loma Lighthouse, the whale watching station-but more on those later. Also the pass is good for a week (or its free if you have your National Parks Pass). Back to the hiking-you’ve got views of Downtown San Diego, Coronado Island, Mexico, and the open ocean all right there. On the Pacific side, you can drive or walk down to the tide pools, and explore the coastal life there.

Mission Trails Park is a place where you’re suddenly surrounded by high hills and forget you’re in the middle of a city. With a vast labyrinth of trails ranging from along the stream to summiting Mount Laguna, there’s plenty for everyone to do here. Also, if you’re into rock climbing, there’s some great routes along Mission Gorge. Parking is free, but if you’re going to be out later than 6pm park outside the gates, otherwise you’ll be camping out!

Cowles Mountain is highest point in San Diego at 1,592 ft and is one of the most popular hiking locations in the city. Located in the San Carlos region, the trail is 1.5 miles long one way and gains 950 ft in elevation. This trail is actually also part of Mission Trails Park. Once you get to the top, enjoy your efforts with a 360° view of San Diego.

Torrey Pines is set atop the high cliffs near the famous golf course, and these winding and interlacing trails criss-cross through the trees the park is named after, and all the while you’ve got a pretty good view of the ocean. You can park for free along the beach at the base and walk up the road to the trails, or pay a fee and drive up (the walk’s not that bad).

Iron Mountainis a hike that many use for training for larger peaks. At 2,700 feet, it’s about 6 miles roundtrip hike from your car that’s parked alongside Hwy 67. The views from the top are spectacular, and there is even a telescope at the peak.

A bit further east by Julian is Volcan Mountain. From the entrance on Farmers’ Road its a three miles round trip to a ridge overlooking Julian, and in the summer you can hike the full five mile round trip to the summit.  I’ve always seen deer and other wildlife, so make sure to bring your camera. Also, the weather can change quickly so bring a jacket just in case it gets a bit chilly for you.  Then you can head back through Julian to warm up with a cup of coffee and a slice of hot apple pie. 

Some other hikes definitely worth checking out are Cedar Creek Falls, Stonewall Peak, Batiquitos Lagoon, and Cuyamaca Peak Loop.

Wherever you go, make sure you wear good hiking shoes with the proper grip and support, bring water, wear sunscreen, and it never hurts to have a small first aid kit should someone get a blister.

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