Best of San Diego, CA

Person sitting on the edge of Potato Chip Rock, an arching sandstone fragment that remained when the rest of the rock collapsed. See the latest San Diego Region Trail Reviews

Map highlighting region within California San Diego County offers a remarkable variety of hiking options for outdoor enthusiasts. Coastal paths provide stunning ocean views, while mountain trails reward hikers with sweeping vistas. Desert routes highlight unique flora, and urban green spaces make nature accessible near the city.

Higher elevations feature cool forests, seasonal streams, and spring wildflowers that brighten the native landscape. From easy loops to challenging treks, the region's diverse terrain has something for hikers of all levels.

Here are the top trails we've explored in the region, summarized below with links to our trail reviews. Each review features photography and route maps optimized for easy navigation on your phone. Did we overlook your favorite trail? Let us know, and we'll be sure to check it out!

Coastlines & Cities
A scenic coastal hiking trail with several people walking along it. The trail is situated on a cliffside overlooking a calm, blue ocean. The coastline features rugged cliffs and sparse vegetation, including some cactus plants. The sky is clear and blue, indicating a sunny day. The hikers are dressed in casual outdoor attire, and the trail is marked with a rope fence for safety. The image captures the beauty of the natural landscape and the recreational activity of hiking 5★ Torrey Pines, La Jolla CA
1-5 mi · Easy & Moderate · Gain 70-730ft
Scenic trails and beach access along dramatic coastal cliffs surrounded by endangered pine trees and other flora.
Man walking up a narrow crack between two tall sandstone cliff faces. 5★ Annie's Canyon, Encinitas CA
2 mi · Moderate · Gain 190ft
Tight spaces of Annie's Canyon combined with the expansive San Elijo Lagoon make for a fun family adventure.
The image shows a statue of a historical figure standing on a high vantage point overlooking a coastal cityscape. The statue is detailed, depicting a person in traditional attire holding a book and a staff. In the background, there is a panoramic view of a city with numerous buildings, a beach, and the ocean. 4★ Cabrillo National Monument, San Diego CA
1-2 mi · Easy & Moderate · Gain 310-380ft
Both ocean and bayside city views from this Spanish conquistador's historic landing site. Tidepools and lighthouses await, as does a steep entry fee.
A scenic view of a small waterfall flowing through large boulders in a rocky landscape. The water cascades down between the rocks, creating a smooth, silky effect. The sky is clear and blue, and there are a few people in the background, standing on the rocks and observing the scene. 4★ Los Peñasquitos Canyon, San Diego CA
6 mi · Easy · Gain 140ft
Tranquility, shade and natural surroundings at this 7-mile long urban park. Our suggested route follows the creek to a fast-flowing waterfall.

Hills & Mountains
The image portrays a serene landscape featuring a calm lake surrounded by grassy fields and sparse, leafless trees. In the background, there are dense clusters of evergreen trees and two prominent mountains with rocky peaks, all under a partly cloudy sky. 5★ Stonewall Peak, Descanso CA
4-5 mi · Moderate · Gain 820-1,020ft
A mostly moderate peak in the Laguna Mountains with a spectacular summit. Ideal for a great family day out.
Person sitting on the edge of Potato Chip Rock, an arching sandstone fragment that remained when the rest of the rock collapsed. 5★ Potato Chip Rock & Mt Woodson
4-8 mi · Moderate · Gain 1,220-2,170ft
A classic mountain challenge with a unique photo opportunity.
A rectangular, green sign indicating an elevation of 3675 feet. The sign has rounded corners and a weathered appearance, with patches of rust and peeling paint. Several stickers are attached to the sign, adding layers of texture and color. The text on the sign is white, bold, and slightly faded, and it reads: 'EL CAJON MTN. ELEV. 3675'. In the background, a panoramic view of a mountainous landscape is visible. The terrain consists of jagged rocky peaks and ridges, with varying elevations. The distant mountains are covered in shades of green, brown, and occasional patches of gray rock. The clear blue sky above has no visible clouds, indicating a sunny day. The foreground of the image includes rocky and uneven terrain, with stones and boulders scattered around. The rocks appear to be of varying sizes and shapes, contributing to the rugged nature of the summit. Bright sunlight illuminates the entire scene, casting distinct shadows and highlighting the textures of the rocks and sign. 5★ El Cajon Mountain, Lakeside CA
11-12 mi · Moderate · Gain 3,580-3,720ft
Regarded by some as the toughest area day-hike, an early start can help you reach this peak.
A person wearing a red jacket and black pants is walking along a dirt path in a natural setting. The path is surrounded by dry grass and leads towards a body of water, possibly a river or lake, which is partially frozen. The landscape is bordered by a dense forest of evergreen trees under a clear blue sky. 4★ Big Laguna Meadow, Cleveland National Forest
7 mi · Moderate · Gain 670-740ft
Offering a remarkable diversity of trails, this figure-eight loop includes shady hillside forest, lakes, meadowland and dramatic mountain views.

Desert Country
A stunning aerial view of a slot canyon, showcasing the intricate and narrow rock formations carved by erosion over time. The canyon walls are steep and rugged, with shadows cast by the setting or rising sun highlighting the texture and depth of the landscape. The surrounding terrain is arid and barren, with sparse vegetation visible on the horizon. This image captures the natural beauty and geological features of slot canyons, which are often sought after by hikers and photographers for their unique and dramatic scenery. 5★ The Slot, Anza Borrego Desert
1-2 mi · Moderate · Gain 100-300ft
Forty foot high walls tower above as you squeeze through a tight siltstone canyon.
A person is seen walking through a narrow canyon with towering, rugged rock walls on either side. The canyon walls feature layers and textures formed by natural erosion, showcasing light brown and beige hues. Above, the sky is a bright, clear blue, contrasting vividly with the earthy tones of the rock. The individual in the scene is dressed in a dark outfit, wearing a cap and carrying a backpack, and is walking away from the camera, moving deeper into the canyon. 5★ Calcite Mine, Anza Borrego Desert
3-4 mi · Moderate · Gain 540-790ft
This lesser-known slot canyon is great for exploration, a historical mine site and great panoramic views of the desert plains.
The image showcases a tall palm tree standing prominently in the foreground against a backdrop of rugged, sunlit mountains. The sky is clear and blue, with the moon visible in the upper part of the image. The shadows cast by the mountains add depth and texture to the scene. 4★ Palm Canyon, Anza Borrego Desert
3 mi · Easy & Moderate · Gain 460-490ft
Hike into the canyon of the Anza Borrego Desert foothils in search of a rare palm oasis.
Regional Map
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Regional Categories
• Rating  5 stars   4+ stars   4 stars   3 stars 
• Difficulty  easy   moderate   hard 
• Mileage  0-3 miles   3-5 miles   5-7 miles   7-10 miles   10+ miles 
• 4+ Star Hikes      0-3 miles   3-5 miles   5-7 miles   7-10 miles   10+ miles 

Trails on our To-Do List
• Canyon Sin Nombre · 5 mi · Gain 700ft · AllTrails Public
• Cedar Creek Falls · 5 mi · Gain 1070ft · AllTrails Public
• Corte Madera Mt · 7 mi · Gain 1,500ft · AllTrails Public
• Maidenhair Falls · 5 mi · Gain 960ft · AllTrails Public

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