Hiking is one of our favorite ways to get out into nature to explore while getting in an enjoyable workout. This weekend, get out of the gym and see what Mother Nature has to offer. Here’s four of our top hikes and trails in San Diego County.
Torrey Pines
This hike is great for those who love to get outside and into nature, especially by the beach. Torrey Pines isn’t too difficult, but will definitely make you feel like you had a good workout after. Anywhere you look during this hike holds breathtaking views of the ocean, and if you’re lucky, you might see some dolphins swimming by. This hike offers multiple different paths, from easy to moderate, and during low tide, you can take the path that leads down to the beach and have a relaxing beach walk back to your car. The parking lot located at the base of the hike costs money to park, but there are plenty of free spots available on the street.
Location: 12600 N Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla, CA 92037
Cowles Mountain
Cowles Mountain is a moderately difficult hike because it is completely uphill and takes about two hours in total. This hike leads you up to San Diego’s highest point, and the views are incredible. You can see the whole city from the peak of Cowles Mountain, which also allows you to see anywhere from Mexico to Orange County. The best time to visit this hike is early morning, to beat the crowds of people who enjoy this hike every weekend. Don’t forget to bring your water and stay hydrated!
Location: 8300 Big Rock Rd, Santee, CA 92071
Oak Canyon
In Mission Trails Regional Park, Oak Canyon trail is a fairly easy, fun trail that is great for beginners. The trail starts at Old Mission Dam and offers creeks and small waterfalls that flow with water seasonally. For those who enjoy adventures off the beaten path, this trail has beautiful scenery and rocky areas to explore off to. Dogs are allowed on this trail, but keep them on a leash at all times.
Location: 9520 Father Junipero Serra Trl, Santee, CA 91124
Three Sisters Falls
For more experienced hikers, Three Sisters Falls offers a 4 ½ mile hike that takes about 3 ½ hours to complete. This hike is popular for its three waterfalls that can offer hikers a nice place to relax and cool down during this hike, but it is highly recommended to avoid in the summer because of high temperatures. The best thing to do when visiting this hike is to be prepared with water, durable shoes, and to stay on the path to avoid injury due to its steep slopes. While this hike is considered more dangerous, it showcases Mother Nature’s beauty and contains some of San Diego’s most incredible waterfalls. With safety advisories in mind, this can be a great hike to take on early in the morning for those who are experienced enough to stay safe and enjoy the beauty San Diego has to offer.
Location: Boulder Creek Rd, Pine Valley, CA 91916
