Hiking San Diego
From ocean hikes to snow-covered trails, the diversity of San Diego hikes is remarkable. San Diego County’s 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 reptiles and mammal species. There are mountain hikes, desert hikes, challenging hills, and oceanview vistas.
Best Hiking San Diego
Torrey Pines Hike Guide
This Torrey Pines hike takes you to the best of the park - you experience get great ocean views, hike...
Hike Iron Mountain (San Diego)
Iron Mountain, in San Diego County, is one of the most popular hikes in the area. Hiking to the summit...
El Cajon Mountain Trail Guide
Considered 'the hardest hike in San Diego' by some (more on that later), the El Cajon Mountain Trail makes you...
Cowles Mountain Hike
The Cowles Mountain hike brings you to the highest point in San Diego at 1,593ft, with views from Mexico to...
San Diego Waterfall Hikes
Hike Three Sisters Falls & Eagle Peak
Tucked away in a hidden canyon within Cleveland National Forest, the hike to Three Sisters Falls is remote, spectacular, and...
Cedar Creek Falls Trail Guide
Cedar Creek Falls Trail is one of San Diego's most popular hikes. The trail offers epic views of the San...
San Diego Hiking Tips
- Mornings vs. Afternoons: Coastal hikes like Torrey Pines or Annie’s Canyon are often cool and foggy early in the day, but inland trails heat up quickly. People have died on hot trails here; take it seriously.
- Water is scarce: Even on shorter hikes, bring more water than you think you’ll need. Most trails have no reliable water sources.
- Dry Waterfalls: Waterfalls like Cedar Creek Falls and Three Sisters are at their best after winter rains and can be dry in summer.
- Know your terrain: City and coastal hikes can be casual, but backcountry routes like El Cajon Mountain and Cuyamaca Peak require good fitness, the ten essentials, and planning.
- Check conditions: Heat advisories are common in summer and fall. Always check park or forest service sites before heading out.
San Diego Hike Map
All Guides
Valley of the Moon Trail
The Valley of the Moon Trail offers a unique desert hike through some spectacular granite formations near the U.S.–Mexico border....
Hike Noble Canyon Trail
The hike up the Noble Canyon Trail is a hike of transitions. The trail starts in the desert, with scrub...
Corte Madera Mountain Hike
Nestled in San Diego's backcountry is Corte Madera, a 500-foot sheer cliff face known as “San Diego's Half Dome.” In...
Hike Garnet Peak via PCT
Garnet Peak offers commanding views from the Laguna Mountains over the Borrego Desert and surrounding mountains. It's one of the...
Volcan Mountain Trail Guide
This hike visits the namesake of the Volcan Mountain Wilderness Preserve, and it's a journey filled with natural beauty, history,...
Hiking Stonewall Peak Trail
It's easy to see why the Stonewall Peak Trail is the most popular hike in Cuyamaca Rancho State Park. It's...
Hike Three Sisters Falls & Eagle Peak
Tucked away in a hidden canyon within Cleveland National Forest, the hike to Three Sisters Falls is remote, spectacular, and...
Hike Cuyamaca Peak
The hike to Cuyamaca Peak brings you to San Diego County's second-highest point at 6,512 feet. It's only 20 feet...
Thunder Spring Trail Loop
The Thunder Spring Trail Loop is one of the quieter hikes in Palomar Mountain State Park; it's a great hike...
Boucher Fire Tower Loop (Palomar Mountain)
This short loop hike to the Boucher Fire Lookout Tower offers a lot to see in a short distance. The...
Lower Doane Valley and French Valley Hike
The hike through Lower Doane Valley and French Valley at Palomar Mountain State Park is a gem; every twist and...
Annie's Canyon Trail Guide
Annie's Canyon Trail is about as unique as they come. On this short hike, you'll be able to experience a...
Big Laguna Trail - Best of Loop
This 'best of' loop on the Big Laguna Trail offers a little bit of everything, and is one of my...
Hot Springs Mountain Trail Guide (San Diego)
Hot Springs Mountain, the highest point in San Diego County at 6,535 feet, would be worth hiking just for that...
South Clevenger Trail Guide
The South Clevenger Trail has gained popularity because of a unique attraction: a pair of lawn chairs perched on a...
Cedar Creek Falls Trail Guide
Cedar Creek Falls Trail is one of San Diego's most popular hikes. The trail offers epic views of the San...
El Cajon Mountain Trail Guide
Considered 'the hardest hike in San Diego' by some (more on that later), the El Cajon Mountain Trail makes you...
Elfin Forest Hike to Lake Hodges Overlook
A favorite of San Diego hikers, this hike in the Eflin Forest to Lake Hodges Overlook offers a lot. Starting...
Los Penasquitos Canyon Trail Guide
This mellow hike on the Los Penasquitos Canyon Trail takes you to the highlight of the park, a waterfall plunging through...
Goat Canyon Trestle Hike
The Goat Canyon Trestle hike is iconic: a meandering trail along what is dubbed 'the impossible railroad,' through the spectacular...
Monserate Mountain Trail Loop Hike
A local favorite, the Monserate Mountain Trail loop hike features a tough little climb with some unique trail markers. First...
Eagle Rock Hike on the PCT (San Diego)
The Eagle Rock hike, near San Diego in Warner Springs, is an easy adventure on the legendary PCT (Pacific Crest...
Bernardo Bay Trail - San Dieguito River Park
The Bernardo Bay Trail in San Dieguito River Park is a natural oasis, just minutes off the I-15 freeway. In...
Hike Iron Mountain (San Diego)
Iron Mountain, in San Diego County, is one of the most popular hikes in the area. Hiking to the summit...
Palomar Mountain Observatory Trail
The Palomar Mountain Observatory Trail is a gentle hike that offers a lot of scenery packed into a short distance....
Santa Margarita River Trail
The Santa Margarita River Trail hike is a true gem. The hike follows the shady shores of the Santa Margarita...
Hike Batiquitos Lagoon Trail
The Batiquitos Lagoon Trail hike is easy and peaceful, offering a great way to experience one of the few remaining...
Oak Grove Trail to High Point Hike
The 13.5 mile Oak Grove Trail to High Point hike starts in historic Warner Springs and gently makes it's way up...
Potato Chip Rock Hike (San Diego)
I'm sure you've seen pictures of the Potato Chip Rock hike, even if you're not familiar with it. Potato Chip...
Cowles Mountain Hike
The Cowles Mountain hike brings you to the highest point in San Diego at 1,593ft, with views from Mexico to...
Torrey Pines Hike Guide
This Torrey Pines hike takes you to the best of the park - you experience get great ocean views, hike...