Things To Do
My Favorite San Diego Hikes
Coastal bluffs, inland summits, and the waterfalls tucked in the canyons between. The trails San Diegans keep coming back to, and everything you need to know before you park the car.
San Diego sells itself on the ocean. But both coastal and a few minutes inland we have amazing trails and hiking that are perfect for the beginner, experienced hiker, weekend warrior, dog walker, or trail runner. Twenty years of listing homes from Del Mar to Descanso means I've hiked a lot of this county, usually in the wrong shoes.
This is the locals' list. Twenty trails, cross-checked against what San Diegans actually rate and actually return to, not just what shows up first in a search. For each one: exactly where to park, how hard it really is, and the local secret that saves you a wasted trip.
01. Coastal · La Jolla
Torrey Pines Beach Trail Loop
The postcard hike. 2.3 miles of sandstone bluff dropping to open beach and back, and yes, it really does look like the photos. Get there before 9am or don't bother with the main lot.
- Difficulty / Time
- Moderate · ~2.3 mi loop · 1-1.5 hrs
- Parking
- Main lot fills early. Arrive by 8-9am on weekends, or use the Gliderport overflow and walk in. Paid parking.
Classic coastal loop dropping from the bluffs to the beach and back up, with ocean views, cliffs, and rare pines. One of the most photographed hikes in San Diego.
Personal note, I was actually married on the Guy Fleming trail at Torrey Pines. We may or may not have had a permit to do so at the time. :)
02. Inland Summit · Poway
Potato Chip Rock via Mt. Woodson
Everyone's seen the photo. Fewer people know it's a 7-8 mile grind to get it, with Lake Poway shrinking below you the whole climb. Weekday mornings only if you want the rock to yourself.
- Difficulty / Time
- Hard · ~7-8 mi round trip · 4-5 hrs
- Parking
- Use the Lake Poway lot; early arrival essential on weekends. Fee for parking.
The iconic “chip-thin” rock photo op, with big views over Lake Poway and the inland hills. Heavily shared on social, and heavily lined up for.
Local Secrets
- Go on weekday mornings to skip the line for the rock photo.
- After: casual lunch in Old Poway's historic downtown, or a lap around Lake Poway.
03. Waterfall · Ramona
Cedar Creek Falls
An 80-100 foot waterfall in the middle of backcountry nowhere. Worth the permit, worth the six miles. As long as you time it before the creek runs dry.
- Difficulty / Time
- Moderate to strenuous · ~6 mi round trip · 4-6 hrs
- Parking
- Small lot plus roadside; arrive early, spaces are limited.
- Permit
- Permit required, about $6 for up to 5 people, capped at 75 permits/day via Recreation.gov. Have it ready on your phone.
A backcountry 80-100 ft waterfall dropping into a large pool, one of San Diego's most famous waterfall hikes.
Local Secrets
- Best flow is late winter through spring; often dry by late summer.
- After: grab a bite in Ramona, or detour to Julian for apple pie.
04. Inland Summit · San Carlos
Cowles Mountain
The hike every San Diegan has done at least once, usually before 7am. Steep, short, and the 360° summit view is the best free orientation to this county you'll ever get.
- Difficulty / Time
- Moderate · ~3 mi round trip · 1.5-2 hrs
- Parking
- Small lot fills fast; use side streets respectfully. No restrooms at the trailhead.
A steep, popular summit hike with 360° city and county views, one of the most-hiked trails in San Diego.
Local Secrets
- Sunrise or sunset for the best light and the fewest people.
- After: breakfast or brunch on El Cajon Blvd, or a smoothie nearby.
05. Waterfall · Near Julian
Three Sisters Falls
Not for beginners, not for August. A three-tiered waterfall down a rugged canyon that earns every one of its four miles.
- Difficulty / Time
- Challenging · ~4 mi round trip · 3-4 hrs
- Parking
- Roadside pullouts only; no facilities. Adventure Pass required.
A three-tiered waterfall in a rugged canyon. Technical, steep, and very rewarding when it's flowing.
Local Secrets
- Only go in cooler months and after rain; summer can be brutal and dry.
- After: explore Julian's main street, historic shops, and pie.
06. Canyon · Solana Beach
Annie's Canyon Slot Canyon
San Diego's only slot canyon, complete with ladders and a lagoon view at the top. All Instagram, one hour, strictly one-way up.
- Difficulty / Time
- Easy to moderate · ~1.6-2.4 mi · 1-1.5 hrs
- Parking
- Street parking on Solana Hills Dr / N Rios Ave; limited. Arrive early.
San Diego's only slot canyon. Narrow sandstone walls, ladders, and lagoon views. Extremely social-media friendly.
Local Secrets
- Go early or late to avoid crowds; the canyon is one-way up.
- After: Seaside Market in Cardiff for the “Cardiff Crack” tri-tip, or coffee in Solana Beach.
07. Inland Summit · Poway
Iron Mountain
The quiet cousin to Potato Chip Rock. Same neighborhood, none of the crowds. On a clear day the climb ends with the ocean and Catalina both in view.
- Difficulty / Time
- Moderate · ~5.7 mi round trip · 3-4 hrs
- Parking
- Free lot at the base; fills on nice weekends.
A steady climb through chaparral to panoramic inland views, on clear days you can see all the way to the ocean and Catalina.
Local Secrets
- Sunrise or sunset for the best light and cooler temps.
- After: lunch in Poway, or combine with a stop at Lake Poway.
08. Inland Summit · San Marcos
Double Peak Park
North County's best sunset, full stop. Four miles, 360° views over ocean and inland hills, and worth the wind if you bring a jacket.
- Difficulty / Time
- Moderate · ~4.1 mi loop · 2-2.5 hrs
- Parking
- Upper lot near the summit or lower lot at Discovery Lake; the upper lot is small.
360° views over North County, including the ocean and inland hills, the top North County sunset spot.
Local Secrets
- Sunset is prime time; bring layers, it's windy up top.
- After: dinner or drinks in San Marcos, or a stop at Lake San Marcos.
09. Canyon Preserve · Rancho Peñasquitos
Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve
A riparian canyon that feels more like Ojai than San Diego. Creek crossings, old ranch ruins, and seasonal waterfalls after a good storm.
- Difficulty / Time
- Easy to moderate · 2-5 mi (multiple options) · 1-2.5 hrs
- Parking
- Multiple small lots; can be busy. Use designated areas.
A riparian canyon with creek crossings, seasonal waterfalls after rain, and historic ranch ruins. Very local-feeling.
Local Secrets
- Go after winter storms for the seasonal waterfalls.
- After: brunch or coffee in Scripps Ranch.
10. Inland Summit · Poway / Rancho Peñasquitos
Black Mountain
Cowles Mountain's wilder, less crowded sibling. Five to six miles, a real inland summit, and weekday mornings that feel like the whole preserve is yours.
- Difficulty / Time
- Moderate · ~5-6 mi loop · 2.5-3.5 hrs
- Parking
- Small lot; fills on weekends. Carpool recommended.
A high inland summit with sweeping views, less crowded than Cowles, with more of a wild feel.
Local Secrets
- Weekday mornings for solitude.
- After: casual lunch in Scripps Ranch or Mira Mesa.
11. Preserve · Escondido
Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve
Oak woodlands, creek crossings, and a trail network big enough to build your own loop. Come in spring when the hills are green and the wildflowers are out.
- Difficulty / Time
- Easy to moderate · Multiple loops, 2-6+ mi · 1-3 hrs
- Parking
- Large lot; can be busy on weekends. Some trails require an Adventure Pass.
Oak woodlands, creek crossings, and spring wildflowers across an extensive trail network for all levels.
Local Secrets
- Spring is best for wildflowers and green hills.
- After: explore Old Escondido's dining and breweries.
12. Lake + Summit · Carlsbad
Calavera Lake & Preserve
A flat lake loop for the easy day, an extinct volcano climb for the ambitious one. Mt. Calavera tacked on the end turns a stroll into a real workout with a real payoff.
- Difficulty / Time
- Easy to moderate · ~2-3 mi loop · 1-1.5 hrs
- Parking
- Free lot; fills on nice weekends.
A flat lake loop plus an extinct-volcano climb (Mt. Calavera) with city and ocean views, super local, family-friendly.
Local Secrets
- Combine the lake loop and volcano climb for a full workout.
- After: wander Carlsbad Village for shops, coffee, and the beach.
13. Preserve · San Marcos / Valley Center
Hellhole Canyon Open Space Preserve
Newer, bigger, and still under the radar compared to the county's household names. Go in spring while the hills are green and the creek's still running.
- Difficulty / Time
- Moderate to advanced · Multiple loops, 3-8+ mi · 2-4 hrs
- Parking
- Small lots; limited. Early arrival recommended.
A recently expanded preserve with creek, chaparral, and big views, less crowded than the county's household names.
Local Secrets
- Spring, for green hills and flowing creek sections.
- After: dinner or drinks in San Marcos or Escondido.
14. Waterfall · Cuyamaca / Descanso
Green Valley Falls
The family-friendly waterfall hike. Shaded, short, and a real swimming hole at the end. Pair it with a stop in Julian on the way home.
- Difficulty / Time
- Easy to moderate · ~2-3 mi round trip · 1-1.5 hrs
- Parking
- Park lot; day-use fee required.
A shaded, family-friendly hike to a tiered waterfall and swimming holes in a forested setting.
Local Secrets
- Best right after rain or in spring; can run low by late summer.
- Pair with a stop in Julian or Descanso.
15. Coastal · Point Loma
Sunset Cliffs Natural Area
Dramatic bluffs, sea caves, and the sunset views the neighborhood is named for. Skip the golden-hour crowd, go on a weekday afternoon instead.
- Difficulty / Time
- Easy to moderate · 1-2 mi of cliff paths · 1-2 hrs
- Parking
- Very limited street parking; respect neighbors, no parking in driveways.
Dramatic coastal bluffs, sea caves, arches, and famous sunset views. Extremely popular on social media, for good reason.
Local Secrets
- Sunset gets packed; try late afternoon on a weekday instead.
- After: dinner or drinks in Ocean Beach or Point Loma.
16. Coastal Summit · La Jolla
Mt. Soledad
A short climb for one of the widest views in the city. La Jolla, Torrey Pines, and the whole coastline laid out at once. Easy enough to do before dinner.
- Difficulty / Time
- Easy to moderate · ~2-3 mi round trip · 1-2 hrs
- Parking
- Small lot at the top plus street parking; limited. Be respectful of the neighbors below.
A coastal ridge with 360° views of La Jolla, Torrey Pines, and the ocean. A great sunset spot.
Local Secrets
- Combine with a short loop around the memorial and down into La Jolla Shores.
- After: dinner on Prospect St, or gelato in the village.
17. Lagoon · Cardiff / Solana Beach
San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve
Flat, easy, and full of birds. The lagoon loops are the hike you do when you want the outdoors without the elevation gain.
- Difficulty / Time
- Easy to moderate · 2-4 mi loops · 1-2 hrs
- Parking
- Multiple lots; ample overall, but popular trailheads can fill.
Flat lagoon loops with birding, water views, and connections to Annie's Canyon. A great easy local hike.
Local Secrets
- Morning light is best for lagoon photos and bird activity.
- After: beach time in Cardiff or Solana Beach.
18. Urban Park · East San Diego
Mission Trails Regional Park
One of the largest urban parks in the country, right in the middle of the city. Dozens of loops from two miles to ten, start at the visitor center if it's your first time.
- Difficulty / Time
- Easy to hard · Dozens of loops, 2-10+ mi · 1-4 hrs
- Parking
- Multiple lots; ample overall, but popular trailheads can fill.
One of the largest urban parks in the U.S., a huge variety of trails, lakes, and open space minutes from downtown.
Local Secrets
- Start at the visitor center for maps and trail advice.
- After: explore Mission Valley, or head to Lake Murray.
19. Urban Canyon · Mission Hills / University Heights
Tecolote Canyon Natural Park
A shaded canyon that feels like a secret even though it's surrounded by houses on every side. Best midweek, when it's nearly empty.
- Difficulty / Time
- Easy to moderate · ~2-3 mi round trip · 1-1.5 hrs
- Parking
- Small street parking; respect the neighborhood.
A shaded urban canyon with a sandstone “natural bridge”. Feels like a secret escape inside the city.
Local Secrets
- Go mid-week for near-empty trails.
- After: coffee or a meal in Mission Hills or Old Town.
20. Coastal · Point Loma
Cabrillo National Monument Coastal Trails
Coastal bluffs, tide pools, a working lighthouse, and some of the best bay views in the city. Check the tide charts before you go if the tide pools are the point.
- Difficulty / Time
- Easy to moderate · 1-3 mi coastal loops · 1-2 hrs
- Parking
- Monument lot (fee); fills on weekends. Alternative street parking below.
Coastal bluffs, tide pools, a historic lighthouse, and iconic bay and city views, a great mix of nature and history.
Local Secrets
- Tide pools are best at low tide. Check tide charts before you go.
- After: head to Spanish Village in Point Loma for casual food.
Know San Diego. Buy Smart.
Twenty years of walking these hills and these neighborhoods is exactly why clients call me before anyone else when it's time to buy or sell in San Diego. If you're weighing a move to any of the areas above, or just want to talk trails, reach out.
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