Are you geology nerd? This hike is sure to impress.
Cool Canyon is a sun-shaded canyon of Granite Mountain, where the steep granitic walls provide shade from the afternoon sun, and at 2400 feet elevation, the canyon stays relatively cool. Julian schist, pegmatite dikes, and mineralized rock make this canyon interesting in addition to the variety of plant life found here. This is an easy 3-mile hike with an elevation change of 800 feet. The hike is scheduled from 9 AM–12 PM.
(Shelter Valley) Take CA-78/79 to Julian and turn right on CA-78 E (Main St.) and go 11.6 miles. Turn right on S-2 (Great Southern Overland Stage Route) and go 4 miles. Continue 0.4 mile past the Stagecoach Trails RV Resort and park off the road on the right. Consolidate into 4WD or high-clearance vehicles and caravan to the trailhead. No facilities. (GPS N33.055684, W116.420558)
Let's overlook a beautiful reservoir together.
This trail, lined with wild lilac, passes through thick chaparral on a gentle upward slope. Explore a spur of the Trans-county Trail that drops down towards the San Vicente Reservoir before taking a short climb to a promontory overlooking the reservoir. Stop for a snack before beginning the return trip. This is an intermediate 3-mile hike with an elevation change of 500 feet. The hike is scheduled from 9 AM–12:30 PM.
(Lakeside) From I-8, exit north on CA-67 for 6.6 miles. Turn right on Willow Rd. and go 0.9 mile. Turn left on Wildcat Canyon Rd. and go 3.3 miles. Turn left into the entrance for Oakoasis Preserve, immediately opposite Blue Sky Ranch Rd. and the El Capitan Preserve. Go 0.1 mile on the paved road to the parking lot. Facilities. (GPS N32.912668, W116.887228)
Have you seen vernal pools before? These are extra unique.
View the only known examples of southern basalt flow vernal pools and then continue on to visit two historic adobes, circa 1857. Learn about the Plateau's unique topography, geology, and habitats. This is an intermediate 4-mile hike with an elevation change of 450 feet. The hike is scheduled from 9 AM–1:30 PM.
(Riverside County, Murrieta) From I-15 N, turn left on Clinton Keith Rd. and go 5.2 miles to Tenaja Rd. Continue 1.7 miles on Via Volcano. The parking lot is 0.8 mile on the left. Pay the Park’s day use fee: $4 adults, $3 children or use a Riverside County Regional Parks Parking Pass. See https://www.rivcoparks.org/annual-passes for more information. Facilities. (GPS N33.509703, W117.294419)
Enjoy panoramic views of the Three Sisters Waterfalls along the trail.
Enjoy panoramic views of the Three Sisters Waterfalls along the trail. On a clear day, the view from the peak can extend to the ocean. This is an intermediate 4-mile hike with an elevation change of 1250 feet. The hike is scheduled from 8 AM - 12 PM.
(Descanso) From I-8, take CA-79 north for 1.3 miles. Turn left on Riverside Dr. and go 1 mile. Turn left on Viejas Grade Rd., then make an immediate right past the store on Oak Grove Dr. Go 1.6 miles. Turn right on Boulder Creek Rd. Go 13 miles (the last 7 miles is on a well-kept dirt road) to the parking lot on the left. The trailhead, now named Cha’chaany Hamuk, is for both Three Sisters Falls and Eagle Peak trails. Allow at least 45 minutes to drive from Descanso to the trailhead. Alternate route: (Julian) From CA-78/79 head south on Pine Hills Rd. and go 1.6 miles. Turn right on Eagle Peak Rd. and go 1.4 miles. Make a slight left onto Boulder Creek Rd. and go 1.1 miles. Turn right to stay on Boulder Creek Rd. and go 1.5 miles. Turn right to stay on Boulder Creek Rd. and go 5.8 miles (the last 5 miles is on a well-kept dirt road) to the parking lot on the right. The trailhead, now named Cha’chaany Hamuk, is for both Three Sisters Falls and Eagle Peak trails. Allow at least 45 minutes to drive from the intersection of CA-78/79 and Pine Hills Rd. to the trailhead. A National Forest Adventure Pass is required to park. See http://www.fs.usda.gov/main/cleveland/passes-permits/recreation#adventure for more information. Facilities. (GPS N32.984544, W116.677112)
Wanna look for spiders? We promise you'll love it.
We will caravan to a high point, and then walk downhill through prickly pear cactus and other chaparral plants with numerous trapdoor spider homes along the way. This is an easy 2-mile hike with an elevation change of 300 feet. The hike is scheduled from 8:30–11 AM.
(San Carlos) From I-8, exit north on College Ave. and go 1.3 miles. Turn right onto Navajo Rd. and go 0.3 mile. Turn left on Margerum Ave. and go 1.0 mile. Park in the Rancho Mission Neighborhood Park parking lot or on the street. From here we’ll carpool to the trailhead. Facilities. (GPS N32.805508, W117.066063)
This scenic hike will guide you through pines, oaks, and incense cedars.
Walk under pines, oaks, and incense cedars on this scenic hike that follows the Agua Dulce fire road with a return on the Chico Spur. This is an intermediate 6-mile hike with an elevation change of 800 feet. The hike is scheduled from 8:30 AM–1:30 PM.
(Mount Laguna) From I-8, exit onto the Sunrise Highway (S-1). Turn left and go 8.1 miles. Turn left into the Wooded Hills Campground. Go 0.6 mile to the Agua Dulce Trailhead parking lot on the right. A National Forest Adventure Pass is required to park. See http://www.fs.usda.gov/main/cleveland/passes-permits/recreation#adventure for more information. Facilities. (GPS N32.853845, W116.435488)
Bouders, chaparral, and riparian habitat? Sign me up.
Morena Reservoir and the Pacific Crest Trail in the Cleveland National Forest provide access to some spectacular areas of vegetation, including riparian and chaparral communities. Giant granitic boulders border portions of the lake and hint at the geological processes that helped form the area. This is an intermediate 6-mile hike with an elevation change of 950 feet. The hike is scheduled from 8:30 AM–1 PM.
(Morena Village) Take I-8 to the Buckman Springs Rd. exit. Turn west on Buckman Springs Rd. and go 5.3 miles. Turn right on Oak Rd. and go 1.6 miles. Turn right on Lake Morena Dr. and go 0.5 mile. After paying your parking fee at the park entrance, turn right and park in the dirt lot to meet your Canyoneer host. A $5 day use fee or a San Diego County Park and Recreation Parking Pass is required to park. Please allow extra time to pay the parking fee at the ranger station a short distance beyond the meeting site. See https://www.sdparks.org/content/sdparks/en/shop/Discounts.html#Parking for more information. Facilities. (GPS N32.685501, W116.521196)
Pond-er nature as you navigate this intermediate hike.
This 78-acre park is a hidden treasure. This trail has beautiful views of the park and surrounding hills and an abundance of unusually large and healthy native plant species. After the walk enjoy watching waterfowl at the pond. This is an intermediate 1-mile hike with an elevation change of 250 feet including some moderate challenges. The hike is scheduled from 10 AM–12 PM.
(Ramona) From I-15, exit east on Scripps Poway Pkwy. and go 8.6 miles. Turn left on CA-67 and go 7.4 miles. Turn right on Mussey Grade Rd. and go 1.1 miles. Turn right on Dos Picos Park Rd. and go 0.6 mile. Turn left into the main park entrance and meet near the picnic tables. A $5 day use fee or a San Diego County Park and Recreation Parking Pass is required to park. See https://www.sdparks.org/content/sdparks/en/shop/Discounts.html#Parking for more information. Facilities. (GPS N32.999141, W116.939270)
Ready to appreciate some oak groves and palm oases?
Sweeping views of the mountains and desert to the east make McCain Valley a unique experience. The area is part of the Peninsular Ranges of Southern California and is dotted with large granitic boulders and islands of oak groves and even palm oases. The area was a seasonal settlement for Kumeyaay people for thousands of years, and their presence and history can still be appreciated today. This is a difficult 8-mile hike with an elevation change of 550 feet. The hike is scheduled from 8 AM–2 PM.
(Boulevard) From I-8 take Exit 65 for Boulevard at Hwy 94. Turn south and go 0.5 mile. Turn left on Old Hwy 80 and go 2 miles. Turn left on McCain Valley Rd. Go 13.5 miles, passing Lark Canyon campground (5.2 miles) and Cottonwood Campground (12.7 miles). McCain Valley Rd will eventually turn into a graded dirt road. Meet the Canyoneer host at the side of the road. No facilities. (GPS N32.812298, W116.341870)
Nothing like visiting the coast—birds galore, salt-tolerant plants, and beautiful landscapes.
Observe many unique salt marsh plants that tolerate high salinity and even being submerged in salt water. There is also an abundance of both visiting and year-round birds on this short walk in this 37-acre natural wetland preserve. This is an easy 2-mile hike with an elevation change of 100 feet. The hike is scheduled from 8–10 AM.
(Pt. Loma) Take I-8 W to the end, then turn left on Sunset Cliffs Blvd. and go 0.1 mile. Keep left on Nimitz Blvd. and go 0.3 mile. Turn left on W. Point Loma Blvd. and go 0.5 mile. After crossing Famosa Blvd., park on the right. No facilities. (GPS N32.752639, W117.228644)
Curious about the Pacific Crest Trail? Satiate that curiousity with this hike.
Garnet Peak offers dramatic views of the Anza-Borrego Desert and the Laguna Mountain Range. On a clear day, the eastern views from this section of the Pacific Crest Trail may extend to the Salton Sea. This is a difficult 6-mile hike with an elevation change of 1250 feet. The hike is scheduled from 9 AM–2:30 PM.
(Mount Laguna) From I-8 E, take Sunrise Hwy. (S-1) north. Drive 15.6 miles to the Pioneer Mail Trailhead just past mile marker 29 and park. A National Forest Adventure Pass is required to park. See http://www.fs.usda.gov/main/cleveland/passes-permits/recreation#adventure for more information. Facilities. (GPS N32.924079, W116.480444)
Walk through live oaks, sycamores and seasonal wildflowers as we make our way to a lovely pond.
We will descend 400 feet to the canyon floor and then follow a flat trail to Pine Valley Creek that will lead us through live oaks, sycamores, and seasonal wildflowers. If the creek's pond is full, hikers are in for a real treat! This is an intermediate 3-mile hike with an elevation change of 700 feet. The hike is scheduled from 9 AM–1 PM.
(Alpine) From I-8 E, exit south on Japatul Valley Rd. and go 5.5 miles. Turn left on Lyons Valley Rd. and go 1.5 miles to the trailhead on the left at mile marker 16.4. A National Forest Adventure Pass is required to park. See http://www.fs.usda.gov/main/cleveland/passes-permits/recreation#adventure for more information. No facilities. (GPS N32.747146, W116.669205)
This birding hotspot has a pond, seasonal wildflowers, and beautiful habitats.
A pond and seasonal wildflowers are highlights of this walk through grasslands which continues on through sage scrub and chaparral habitats. This is a birding hotspot so be sure to bring binoculars. This is an easy 4-mile hike with an elevation change of 350 feet. The hike is scheduled from 9 AM–12 PM.
(Ramona) From CA-67, go north on Highland Valley Rd. for 2.3 miles. Turn left to stay on Highland Valley Rd. Go 0.8 mile. Parking lot for the Ramona Grasslands Preserve is on the right. Facilities. (GPS N33.033142, W116.950561)
While crossing this creek, enjoy wildflowers and the soothing sounds of the water.
While crossing Escondido Creek, enjoy wildflowers and the soothing sounds of the water. Then go uphill on the Botanical Loop Trail to descend back to the staging area (about a 1-mile round trip). Choose to continue on the Way Up Trail to the top of the ridge for spectacular views. This is an intermediate 3-mile hike with an elevation change of 1000 feet. The hike is scheduled from 8:30–11:30 AM.
(Escondido) From I-15, exit west on Valley Pkwy. and go 1 mile. Turn right on Avenida Del Diablo and go 0.6 mile. Turn right on Citracado Pkwy. and go 0.1 mile. Turn left on Harmony Grove Village Pkwy. and go 0.4 mile. Turn left on Harmony Grove Rd. and go 2.2 miles to the Reserve's parking area on the left. Alternate route: From I-5, exit east on La Costa Ave. and go 4 miles. Turn left on Rancho Santa Fe Rd. and go 1.7 miles. Turn right on San Elijo Rd. and go 1.5 miles. Turn right on Elfin Forest Rd. and go 2.7 miles. Continue on Harmony Grove Rd. and go 1.7 miles to the Reserve's parking area on the right. Facilities. (GPS N33.087299, W117.145451)
This challenging hike will allow you to see inspring vistas and a remarkable assortment of flowering plants.
See inspiring vistas and a remarkable assortment of flowering plants, with something blooming nearly every month of the year on a network of trails to and around Double Peak in San Marcos' Cerro de la Posas Hills. This is an intermediate 6-mile hike with an elevation change of 1400 feet. The hike is scheduled from 8 AM–1 PM.
(San Marcos) From CA-78 exit south on Twin Oaks Valley Rd. (exit 13) and go 0.7 mile. Turn right on Craven Rd. and go 0.6 mile. Turn left on Foxhall Rd. and go 0.2 mile to Discovery Lake Park. Park either on the lot or along the street. Facilities. (GPS N33.125250, W117.178541)
With the chance of finding two species of wild orchids and ripening berry plants, this hike is a winner!
This loop has excellent views along the trail at Boucher Hill. Stop at a California Registered historical fire lookout tower at an elevation of 5348 feet. With the chance of finding two species of wild orchids and ripening berry plants, this hike is a winner! This is an intermediate 4-mile hike with an elevation change of 1050 feet. The hike is scheduled from 8:30 AM–12:30 PM.
(Palomar Mountain) Take I-15 N past Escondido, exiting on CA-76 east toward Pala. Go 20 miles, then take the South Grade Rd. (S-6) for 6.7 miles. Turn left at the intersection of S6 and S7 and immediately turn left on S-7 (State Park Rd., just before the store and restaurant) and go 3 miles to Palomar Mountain State Park. Turn in at the first left past the Park entrance and meet the Canyoneer host in the Silver Crest Picnic Area parking lot. A $10 day use fee or a California State Park Pass is required for each vehicle (1 day for $10.00). Day use passes can be purchased at a kiosk or Iron Ranger, depending on the location. Note: Any Day Use pass is valid at all locations that require a pass within the park. See https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=1049 for more information. Facilities. (GPS N33.332127, W116.906599)
Enjoy views of the Cuyamaca Reservoir and nearby peaks of the Cuyamaca Mountains.
Follow this switchback trail to granitic Stonewall Peak, elevation 5,730 feet. Enjoy views of Cuyamaca Reservoir and nearby peaks of the Cuyamaca Mountains. This is an intermediate 4-mile hike with an elevation change of 1050 feet. The hike is scheduled from 9 AM–12:30 PM.
(Cuyamaca Rancho State Park) From I-8 E, exit at CA-79. Turn left and go 2.6 miles. Turn left to stay on CA-79 and go 9.3 miles to the entrance of the Paso Picacho Campground. Meet the Canyoneer host in the parking lot. A Day Use Fee or California State Park Pass is required for each vehicle (1 day for $10.00). Day use passes can be purchased at a kiosk or Iron Ranger, depending on the location. Note: Any Day Use pass is valid at all locations that require a pass within the park. See https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=1049 for more information. Facilities. (GPS N32.959647, W116.579154)
An easy hike never felt so good. Make your way to a small reservoir that attracts birds and other animals.
Take a stroll through the canyon toward a small reservoir that attracts birds and other animals. This is part of a greenbelt area that sustains native vegetation in the area formerly known as Camp Elliott. This is an easy 2-mile hike with an elevation change of 150 feet. The hike is scheduled from 9–11 AM.
(Tierrasanta) From I-15, exit east on Clairemont Mesa Blvd. for 0.9 mile. Turn left on Santo Rd. and go 0.1 mile. Turn right on Remora St. Continue onto Gabacho Dr. and park. Walk north on Santo Rd. to the trailhead. Alternate route: From CA-52, exit south on Santo Rd. and go 0.9 mile. Turn left on Remora St. Continue onto Gabacho Dr. and park. Walk north on Santo Rd. to the trailhead. No facilities. (GPS N32.830932, W117.102638)
This hike passes under large pine and oak trees toward an ephemeral pond.
This hike passes under large pine and oak trees as it winds through Laguna Meadow and then loops behind the ridge on the Sunset Trail for some spectacular views. Stop at Water-of-the-Woods, an ephemeral pond, for a snack break before heading back to the parking location. This is an intermediate 6-mile hike with an elevation change of 600 feet. The hike is scheduled from 8 AM–1 PM.
(Mount Laguna) From I-8 E, exit on the Sunrise Highway (S-1). Turn left and go 5.5 miles. Park along the side of the road. Meet the Canyoneer host on the left side of the road opposite the wooden information platform on the right. A National Forest Adventure Pass is required to park. See http://www.fs.usda.gov/main/cleveland/passes-permits/recreation#adventure for more information. No facilities. (GPS N32.860806, W116.462050)
Enjoy a variety of native and non-native plants in this coastal canyon south of San Dieguito Lagoon.
Enjoy a variety of native and non-native plants in this coastal canyon south of San Dieguito Lagoon. The trail ascends gradually into the canyon through sage scrub and chaparral habitats. This is an easy 2-mile hike with an elevation change of 400 feet. The hike is scheduled from 8–10 AM.
(Del Mar) From I-5, exit west on Via de la Valle for 0.3 mile. Turn left on Jimmy Durante Blvd. and go 0.9 mile. At the traffic circle, take the 3rd exit onto San Dieguito Dr. and go 0.6 mile. This becomes Racetrack View Dr. Continue through the stop sign and park on the road shoulder at the Crest Canyon kiosk. No facilities. (GPS N32.962883, W117.255278)
You'll get to see all the goods along this riverine hike—chaparral, riparian, and meadow habitats
Start at the falls and then hike along the east side of the Sweetwater River. After crossing to the west side of the river, return through chaparral, riparian, and meadow habitats. This is an intermediate 6-mile hike with an elevation change of 1100 feet. The hike is scheduled from 8:30 AM–1:30 PM.
(Cuyamaca Rancho State Park) From I-8 E, exit at CA-79. Turn left and go 2.6 miles. Turn left to stay on CA-79 and go 4.2 miles. Turn left into the Green Valley Campground. Park at the falls day-use parking lot past campsite #76. A Day Use Fee or California State Park Pass is required for each vehicle (1 day for $10.00). Day use passes can be purchased at a kiosk or Iron Ranger, depending on the location. Note: Any Day Use pass is valid at all locations that require a pass within the park. See https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=1049 for more information. Facilities. (GPS N32.903104, W116.580471)