Lace up your hiking shoes and take in that fresh air with our Canyoneers. For 50 years, these volunteer naturalists have offered free, guided hikes throughout the county. They're here to help you get to know San Diego County's wild spaces like no one else, whether you join a guided hike or hit the trails on your own time. As always, learn how to be prepared and hike responsibly.
These Canyoneer-led hikes take place from September 2024 through June 2025. The hikes are free, but in order to help create the best experience for hikers and the least impact on the environment, capacity is limited and advance online registration is required. Registration will open to museum members five weeks prior to the hike date and publicly open one month prior to the hike date. The Canyoneers program is made possible with support from dedicated volunteers and proud partner Subaru of America.
If a hike is at capacity, you'll see a notification when you try to RSVP: Sold Out! / ¡Agotado! This event has sold out. / Este evento esta agotado. You can always check back at a later date to see if any capacity has opened.
Want to strike out on your own? Check out curated lists of our favorite trails and learn about the wildlife you can experience along the way. From paved walking paths to adrenaline-inducing climbs with epic views, the trail systems of southern California will not disappoint. To find out as soon as they're published, subscribe to our newsletter.
This fall, scout out some new trails with help from the Canyoneers. Whether you’re looking for a seaside stroll, a nice hike on rolling hillsides, or a tough climb to a peak with a view, there’s a trail for you. Our Canyoneers recommend the top trails where you can stay cool, and stay distanced. Read more.
The key to a successful and memorable hike is preparation as well as following rules of courtesy and safety. More.
We’re hitting the road—and the trails—with support from Subaru of America, a proud partner of the Canyoneers program. Keep your eyes peeled for our Subaru Outback, which is used by our researchers, educators, and Canyoneers. You might even see it at the trailhead.
One of the few trail-guide groups nationwide affiliated with a natural history museum rather than a park or reserve, Canyoneers have provided free guided tours in San Diego County since 1973. More.
Check out the new trail guide written by the Canyoneers. It details more than 250 trails in the region and highlights our local habitats. More.
Nature nerd? Get info about Canyoneer recommended hikes and the great outdoors delivered to your inbox. Sign up.