This 2650 mile long trail is one of the premier hiking and backpacking trails in the world. Theres a trail for everyone in san diego, from the picturesque walking paths of torrey pines state reserve to the plunging hills of three sisters falls. Travel to an area that has an abundance of great intermediate weekend backpacking trails. Check back often as we are continually adding new trails.
Park updates county of san diego parks and recreation. The california riding and hiking trail in san diego county. For trails ranging from familyfriendly day trips to challenging weekend outings, check out these 10 popular hikes found near san diego. I once did the big sur sykes hot springs backpacking trail 2 days, 1 night, 20 miles round trip and totally loved it. It looks like we have another week of good hiking weather in store for us, although theres a slight chance of showers tonight. Review, plan and study backpacking trails in san diego by the backpacker editors. In addition to ample sunshine, hiking san diego offers hikes for everyone. The best outdoors places to overnight in san diego the last. Backpacking is the perfect way to visit some very beautiful and unique areas in. While many people know the area for its beautiful beaches and fun, surf city culture, san diego and the surrounding area are also home to an amazing assortment of unique natural features.
Overnighter in the laguna mountains san diego reader. Mustdo backpacking trips at palomar mountain wilderness. San diegos best 12 hiking trails in 2020 2021 updated and expanded outdoor enthusiasts are sure to love hiking in and around sunny san diego. The 5 best san diego hiking trails with photos tripadvisor. With an average annual precipitation of around 28 inches, vibrant spring and fall color, and occasional snowfalls, this is san diego countys best answer to those who might complain about the lack of four seasons in southern california. It features 3 sections of waterfalls and depending on the water flow there can. Due to a mild, sunny climate and a plethora of landscapes and natural features, san diego county offers a diverse array of hiking trails. Link backpacking trails in san diego by the backpacker editors. Some of my favorite places are in the cleavland national forest, and. Hiking trails in san diego county hiking san diego county. Explore the southern sierra nevada mountains and camp at a high alpine lake above 10,000 feet.
Instead, it stretches from the mexico border to the canada border. The laguna mountains, less than 50 minutes from midcity san diego, are a lovely alpine retreat and world away from the city. There are some great places that you can go backpacking in san diego county. San diego county hiking and backpacking san diegoimperial. The 5peak challenge will provide you the opportunity to discover some of the lessvisited areas of mission trails. Lace up those hiking boots and pack some extra trail mix for the ten best hikes in san diego. San diego at mission trails regional park, hike along a babbling stream that flows deep into the canyon. Includes trail notes, maps, gps coordinates, photos and user comments for. There are plenty of adventure trails in the backcountry that are perfectly legal to drive on.
The most popular trails are fonts wash, volcan mountain trail and jeep trail. The best known san diego county hiking and backpacking trail is the famous pacific crest trail pct. Alltrails has 2 great hiking trails, running trails, mountain biking trails and more, with handcurated trail. If you are doing the loop, know you are hiking off trail, straight up a mountain. Looking for a great trail near san diego, california. Backpack some or all of pacific crest trail from the. Whether you are looking for a seaside stroll, a rolling hike on open hillsides, a tough climb to a peak with a view or a routefinding challenge in the desert, the trail systems at the southern end of california will not disappoint. Check out the san mateo canyon wilderness and agua tibia wilderness. Seven best mountain hikes explore san diegos surprising mountain landscapes. Includes trail notes, maps, gps coordinates, photos and user comments for each trail. San diegos best 12 hiking trails 2020 2021 updated.
Another side of san diego tours hiking tours another. Enhance your mind, body, and spirit on a challenging hike through san diego in torrey pines state park, where cliffs rise above the pacific, wild flowers bloom, and the most rare pine tree in the world resides. San diego countys 4,261 square miles are the most biologically diverse in california, with over 2,000 plant species, over 500 species of birds, and hundreds of species of. There are more exciting trails with various terrains to enhance your hiking experience such as the sun set trail. The best outdoors places to overnight in san diego the. On january 12, 2005, the san diego county board of supervisors unanimously approved the adoption of the county trails program and the community trails master plan. Three sisters falls best hike near san diego full hike. In this hands on course youll learn the fundamentals of reading and understanding a topographical map, using your compass to understand your position, then putting these skills together to help you pinpoint your location and plan your route. There are very little known facts regarding backpacking in san diego and among them is on the question of how long the pacific crest trail is. These 7 best mountain hikes in san diego county offer beautiful landscapes, spectacular views, and are just around an hours drive from the beach.
We lead outings into the mountains and deserts of san diego county and elsewhere on most weekends. Dog friendly hiking trails in san diego, ca bringfido. The county of san diego has created a good video on trail etiquette to help hikers, bikers, and. Hiking san diego county hiking trails in and around san. Hike the san diego stretch of the pacific crest trail. We suggest going after a heavy rain in san diego to maximize your waterfall experience. Are you wild enough to hike the pacific crest trail. Lots of weekend hikers whove read cheryl strayeds book, wild, or have seen the justout movie starring reese witherspoon have been inspired to hike at least a portion of. I want to do something similar, in distance and forested feel. Southern california has a veritable plethora of hiking trails. The laguna mountains in san diego offer great backpacking and camping opportunities. In the midsection of this trip, youll pass through a pristine wilderness where the tracks of a mountain lion are far more common than the impressions of a lugsoled boot. Over the years, a number of unauthorized trails have appeared in.
Cbs 8 you dont have to break the law to have fun going offroad in san diego county. San diego hiking and backpacking trails explore san. It bisects the county, starting at the mexican border south of campo and continuing north 3 miles to cross into riverside county north of warner springs. Best hiking trails near san diego county, california. Sequoia is about 56 hours from me, and yosemite, perhaps 78 hours. This nearly fivemile trail is one of the only trails in san diego where hikers trek uphill to reach the falls. The most popular trails are laguna mountain recreation area sunset trail, sunset cliffs park and black mountainnorth slope trail.
And a plethora and a half of hikers exploring them. Secret canyon trail san mateo wilderness north area area description. From coastal hikes, to moonscape deserts, to big mountains, theres tremendous variety. Most people hike up san gorgonio the highest peak in southern california. Saddle, timber, telegraph, thunder, mt baldy, mt harwood and mt san antonio. Its called the oak canyon trail, and though less famous than cowles mountain, its beautiful, and you can cross the stream at. The work is rewarded with flowing falls that reach up to 150 feet. San diego is an outdoor lovers paradise complimented by miles of superb hiking trails. After completing the challenge, not only will you have seen san diego from different perspectives, but you may also adopt a new favorite hiking trail along the way. San diego hiking and backpacking trails explore san diego.
The county trails program guides development of a system of interconnected regional and community trails and pathways. For more on specific hiking trails and experiences, view the articles below. Adventure trails offer legal, offroad fun in san diegos. Continue up the mostly unpaved palomar divide road for 7. There are no dog friendly activities matching your query. San diego county backcountry trails plus recommendations for guidebooks and maps to obtain detailed information. The truth is that the trail does not start and end along the mexico border with san diego.