While San Diego is known for its beaches, stunning coastlines and vibrant city life, San Diego also has some gorgeous hiking trails. There are some famous San Diego Hiking Trails that you can read about anywhere and there are some more off the beaten path hiking trails in San Diego that only locals know about. After living in San Diego for the last four years, I’m going to dive deep into what the best hiking trails are in San Diego. I hope you enjoy!
Best Time to Hike in San Diego
The best part about hiking in San Diego is that you can hike any of these trails year round if you plan for weather accordingly. But the absolute best time of years to hike in San Diego are going to be Spring and Fall.
When you hike in San Diego in the Spring, you’re going to get chilly mornings and depending on where you’re hiking VERY chilly – so always make sure to bring layers. Be sure to check out my hiking outfit guide here.
The other reason spring is a great time to hike is because this is the time of year where the waterfalls are flowing with water which makes the hikes with waterfalls way more fun.
Fall is gorgeous as well – you’ll get a lot of wild flowers and stunning colors.
**Whenever you hike anywhere, not just San Diego, please make sure to Leave No Trace on all the trails. We are blessed with gorgeous trails from Mother Nature and we want to make sure we keep them clean and take care of them so we can enjoy them for years to come!
Stonewall Peak Trail
Stonewall Peak Trail, located in Cuyamaca Rancho State Park near San Diego, offers a captivating hiking experience with its scenic beauty and historical significance. This moderately challenging trail spans approximately 4 miles round trip and leads adventurers through diverse landscapes, including oak woodlands and chaparral-covered slopes. The first mile and a half is traversing through dense wooded areas. The highlight of the hike is reaching the summit of Stonewall Peak, where you will be rewarded with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, valleys, and Lake Cuyamaca.
The path is well-maintained and moderately busy. I actually did this hike by myself and I felt very comfortable knowing other people were on the trail!
Garnett Peak
Garnet Peak Trail, nestled in the Laguna Mountains near San Diego, offers outdoor enthusiasts a thrilling adventure with its stunning vistas and natural beauty. This is probably one of my top 3 favorite hikes near San Diego. I loved how this hike overlooks the Anza Borrego desert. It made for a stunning hike all the way!
This moderately strenuous trail spans about 2.5 miles round trip and leads hikers through a mix of pine and oak forests, which keeps the eyes entertained. The highlight of the hike is reaching the summit of Garnet Peak, where panoramic views unfold, showcasing the Anza-Borrego Desert, surrounding mountains, and glimpses of the Pacific Ocean on clear days. The trail is particularly popular for its accessibility and very popular to enjoy the breathtaking sunrise and sunset views from the peak.
Hot Springs Mountain Trail (highest peak in SD)
Hot Springs Mountain Trail located about an hour from downtown San Diego, is the highest peak in San Diego and the longest trail on this list (10 miles round trip)!
Hot Springs Mountain Trail, situated in the scenic Cleveland National Forest near San Diego, is a challenging yet rewarding hiking experience. This trail, covering approximately 10 miles round trip, is known for leading hikers to the summit of Hot Springs Mountain, the highest point in San Diego County and is not for the faint of heart. No matter the time of year, bring layers and enough water and fuel to get through the journey (check out the hiking checklist here).
Hikers are treated to breathtaking panoramic views that extend from the coastal areas to the desert landscapes. The allure of this trail is further heightened by the presence of natural hot springs, adding a unique element to the overall experience. As hikers ascend to the summit, they are rewarded with unparalleled vistas, making Hot Springs Mountain Trail a must-visit for those seeking a challenging and immersive outdoor adventure in the San Diego vicinity.
Cowels Mountain
Cowles Mountain Trail is a popular hiking destination in the San Diego area, because it is one of the most conveniently located trails close to downtown San Diego. Located within Mission Trails Regional Park, busy, this well-maintained trail is known for its accessibility and panoramic views once you reach the top. The hike is approximately 3 miles round trip and brings you all the way up to the summit of Cowles Mountain, the highest point within the city limits. Once you reach the top, you’ll be able to enjoy breathtaking 360-degree views of San Diego and its surroundings, making it a favorite spot for San Diego sunrises and sunsets. It truly is a great way to start or end your day with a San Diego Sunset or Sunrise over the city.
Cowles Mountain Trail is not only a great option for hikers of various skill levels but also a wonderful way to stay active while enjoying your time in the city and beach towns.
Three Sisters Falls
Three Sisters Falls Trail offers a gorgeous and challenging hiking experience in the backcountry near San Diego. This trail, spanning approximately 4 miles round trip, will lead you a steep decline and then incline (on the way back up) through a canyon. Because of this, it is recommended that you are an experienced hiker and bring a tonnnn of water and fuel for the hike.
The highlight of the hike are the cascading waterfalls known as Three Sisters, providing a fun and beautiful place to either have your lunch on the rocks and enjoy the view, or play around in the water!
The journey to Three Sisters Falls requires a moderate level of fitness and experience as some of the areas are steep and rocky. Once at the falls, hikers are rewarded with the sight and sound of water flowing in a picturesque setting, creating a serene atmosphere. While the trail’s difficulty may deter casual hikers, the allure of Three Sisters Falls attracts those seeking a more challenging and adventurous outdoor experience in the San Diego area. It’s important for hikers to be well-prepared with proper gear, plenty of water, and an awareness of the trail’s difficulty before embarking on this excursion. To see a full hiking list, be sure to check out this blog post.
Iron Mountain
Iron Mountain Trail, located in Poway near San Diego, is a popular hiking destination known for its scenic beauty and panoramic views once you reach the top. This moderately challenging trail spans approximately 6.4 miles round trip, and is about 45 minutes from downtown San Diego.
The highlight of the hike is reaching the summit of Iron Mountain, where a you can enjoy the stunning panoramic views. I personally would bring a lovely lunch or breakfast and eat it once we reach the top – makes enjoying the view more fun and relaxing!
Torrey Pines
Torrey Pines, located near San Diego, is the most popular (I would even say famous) hiking destination in San Diego. The views are immaculate and it offers hiking for a lot of different levels. Torrey Pines offers a ton of different trails, with the trail down to the beach and Razor Point Trail being popular choices for hikers. The stunning coastal views and rugged cliffs make this a MUST on your visit to San Diego.
Cedar Creek Falls
Cedar Creek Falls, located in the Cleveland National Forest near San Diego, is a captivating natural oasis that beckons outdoor enthusiasts with its scenic beauty. The trail to Cedar Creek Falls is approximately 6 miles round trip and takes hikers through chaparral-covered hills and along the banks of the San Diego River. The highlight of the hike is the spectacular waterfall cascading into a refreshing pool, creating a picturesque setting amid the rugged landscape. The trail offers a moderate level of difficulty, providing hikers with a rewarding challenge once you reach the bottom. But keep in mind you will need to hike back up every inch you just hiked down 🙂
Due to the popularity of Cedar Creek Falls, a permit system is in place to manage visitor numbers and preserve the natural environment. This ensures that those who embark on the journey to Cedar Creek Falls can fully appreciate the serenity, beauty, and tranquility of this hidden gem near San Diego. You can read more about the permit system here.
There are so many outdoorsy things to do in San Diego and hiking is just one of the many things to do in San Diego. I hope you found this guide of my favorite hikes in San Diego helpful!
After hiking, you might want to fuel up at a fun San Diego restaurant, be sure to check out my blog post about my favorite restaurants in San Diego .
Let me know if you use this post to help navigate your adventures!
x,
Christy
