Hey there, fellow adventurers! If you’re anything like me, you’re always on the lookout for a good hiking trail. Fortunately, San Diego has no shortage of great options! Here are nine of my favorites:
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Potato Chip Rock via Mount Woodson Trail
This trail is definitely not for the faint of heart – it’s about a 7-8 mile round trip hike with a steep climb towards the end. But don’t let that deter you! The views from the top, including the famous Potato Chip Rock, are absolutely stunning and well worth the effort.
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Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve
Torrey Pines offers a variety of trails with different difficulty levels, so you can choose the one that’s best for you. No matter which trail you choose, though, you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of the ocean and maybe even some dolphins or whales!
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Iron Mountain Trail
At just under 6 miles round trip, the Iron Mountain Trail is a great choice if you want a moderate hike with great views of the surrounding mountains. Plus, if you hike in the spring, you might even see some wildflowers!
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Cedar Creek Falls Trail
The Cedar Creek Falls Trail is another moderate hike that takes you to a beautiful waterfall and swimming hole. Be warned, though – the trail can get crowded, so get there early to avoid the crowds!
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Cowles Mountain Trail
Cowles Mountain is the highest peak in San Diego, so if you want to say you’ve hiked to the top of a mountain, this is your chance! It’s a popular trail, though, so be prepared for crowds.
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Three Sisters Falls Trail
This trail is a bit off the beaten path, but trust me – it’s worth it. The waterfalls at the end are absolutely stunning, and there are plenty of great photo ops along the way.
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Los Peñasquitos Canyon Trail
This trail is great for spotting wildlife – you might see anything from rabbits to coyotes to owls! Plus, there are some beautiful waterfalls along the way.
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Mount Laguna Trail
If you’re looking for a cooler escape from the San Diego heat, the Mount Laguna Trail is a great choice. This trail takes you through a beautiful pine forest, with plenty of opportunities for birdwatching.
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Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
Okay, I know this one is technically not a single trail. But Anza-Borrego has so many great hiking options, from slot canyons to palm groves to mountain trails. You could spend weeks hiking here and still not see everything!
If you’re up for a challenge and want some amazing views, this trail is a must-do!
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced hiker, you’ll find a trail that suits you at Torrey Pines.
If you’re looking for a moderate hike with beautiful scenery, this is the trail for you!
If you want to cool off in a beautiful swimming hole after your hike, this is the trail for you!
If you want to say you’ve hiked to the highest peak in San Diego, this is the trail for you!
If you don’t mind a bit of a drive and want to see some beautiful waterfalls, this is the trail for you!
If you’re a nature lover and want to see some great wildlife, this is the trail for you!
If you want a cooler escape from the San Diego heat, this is the trail for you!
If you want to explore a variety of hiking options in a beautiful desert landscape, Anza-Borrego is the place for you!
Well, there you have it – nine great hiking options near San Diego. Which one will you choose?