From quick and easy loops around town to treks that take you to fantastic ocean views, lakes, and mountains, our city has so many options to hit the trail. So lace up your hiking boots, because we’ve compiled a hiking guide for the San Diego area with 28 routes and trails to help you plan your next adventure and experience breathtaking vistas.
Note: While parks and trails may be listed as open, we recommend checking park websites before visiting for further info, current trail conditions, and safest practices for the area.
Key: Easy = 🥾| Moderate = 🥾🥾 | Hard = 🥾🥾🥾
Coastal
Guy Fleming Trail, Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve
- Difficulty: Easy = 🥾
- Length: ⅔-mile loop
- Pet-friendly: No
If you’re looking for a quick hike with panoramic ocean views, this is your trail. The path features two scenic overlooks and lots of wildflowers, cacti, ferns, and rugged sandstone cliffs. This is a good one to hike with kids — you can take breaks on several benches. The daily general admission parking fees are $15-$25 at the South Beach lot and $10-$25 at the North Beach lot.
Sunset Cliffs Natural Park, Sunset Cliffs Boulevard, Point Loma
- Difficulty: Easy = 🥾
- Length: 1 mile, out and back
- Pet-friendly: Yes
Sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean await at this coastal trail perfect for walking or jogging. Pro tip: Get there early to find overlook or street parking, as this is a popular spot. Make sure you stay on the marked path and follow all posted safety signs — the cliffs can be unstable.
The Bayside Trail in Point Loma is truly breathtaking.
Photo via @walker.photos_nyc
Bayside Trail, Cabrillo National Monument
- Difficulty: Moderate = 🥾🥾
- Length: 2.5 miles, out and back
- Pet-friendly: No
This trail begins northeast of the Old Point Loma Lighthouse and follows a former military road that winds down from the top of the park toward San Diego Bay. Hikers love this path for its incredible views of Ballast Point, downtown San Diego, and Coronado Island. On a clear day, you might even see Tijuana and the mountains of Mexico to the south. Fees: $20 per vehicle to enter the national monument, or $10 per person to enter by foot (kids 15 and under get in free).
La Jolla Coast Walk Trail, Begins at The Cave Store
- Difficulty: Easy = 🥾
- Length: 0.6 miles, out and back
- Pet-friendly: No
This gorgeous trail along the bluffs of La Jolla’s coastline can be accessed near the historic Cave Store and Sunny Jim’s Sea Cave off Coast Boulevard or off Torrey Pines Road north of Prospect Street. Though the trek is short, it’s breathtaking — and quite historic — offering views of the Pacific Ocean, kayakers, and local wildlife. There’s not a lot of shade, so wear sunscreen and a hat.
Embarcadero to Spanish Landing, Embarcadero
- Difficulty: Easy = 🥾
- Length: 7.7 miles, out and back
- Pet-friendly: Yes
This popular walking and jogging path offers views of San Diego Bay and the downtown SD skyline, plus grassy areas to sit and take a break. You’ll also pass through Seaport Village — a perfect excuse to grab a snack or beer at the landmark.
Coastal Trail, Cabrillo National Monument
- Difficulty: Moderate = 🥾🥾
- Length: 1-mile, out and back
- Pet-friendly: Yes
Located on the west side of the Point Loma Peninsula, this trail leads to the tidepool access area and is popular with families. The trek does have some steep slopes, but the amazing views are your reward. Keep an eye out for interesting native vegetation that thrives in the coastal environment — like rare, yellow Sea Dahlia.
Yep, we’d say Broken Hill is worth every step.
Photo via @lupercioci
Broken Hill Trail, Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve
- Difficulty: Moderate = 🥾 🥾
- Length: 3.3-mile loop
- Pet-friendly: No
Expect an elevation gain of 390 ft during this moderately challenging trek — but we think the incredible views of the ocean and eroding sandstone are worth every step. This is the reserve’s longest trail through chaparral and sagebrush. The general admission day use parking fee at the South Beach lot costs $15-$25 per vehicle, and $10-$25 at the North Beach lot.
Ocean Front Boardwalk, W. Mission Bay Drive at Ocean Front Walk
- Difficulty: Easy = 🥾
- Length: 5.9 miles, out and back
- Pet-friendly: Yes
Soak up the sun in Mission Beach and Pacific Beach on this paved path beloved by both locals and tourists. The 5.9-mile, out-and-back boardwalk averages at 8 ft wide and there are accessible bathrooms. Pro tip: Get there early in the morning to beat the crowds.
The Black’s Beach Trailhead, with sunset on the horizon.
Photo via @felipe_oranch
Black’s Beach Trailhead, La Jolla Farms + Blackgold roads
- Difficulty: Moderate = 🥾 🥾
- Length: 1.1 miles, out and back
- Pet-friendly: Yes, leashed — hours restricted to before 9 a.m. and after 6 p.m.
This partially paved trail starts downhill, leading to Black’s Beach — San Diego’s nude beach. Surfers take this trek to get to the waves, which are notoriously gnarly at this shoreline.
The Encinitas portion of the Coastal Rail Trail.
Photo via SANDAG
Coastal Rail Trail, 1298 S. Coast Highway 101, Encinitas
- Difficulty: Easy = 🥾
- Length: 1.3 miles, out and back
- Wheelchair accessible
- Pet-friendly: Yes, leashed
The Encinitas portion of this major coastal project opened in May 2019 and features a paved walking and biking path along the east side of the railroad tracks near San Elijo Avenue. When the ultimate vision for the Coastal Rail Trail is completed, it’ll span 44 miles from Oceanside to downtown San Diego.
Carlsbad Sea Wall Trail, Carlsbad State Beach
- Difficulty: Easy = 🥾
- Length: 1.4 miles, out and back
- Wheelchair accessible
- Pet-friendly: No
A paved, picture-perfect path where you can take in views of Carlsbad State Beach, Tamarack State Beach, and the Pacific Ocean. Pro tip: This is a good one for the kids, but leave the pups at home.
Famosa Slough, West Point Loma Boulevard
- Difficulty: Easy = 🥾
- Length: 0.7-mile out and back
- Pet-friendly: Yes
This 37-acre Marine Conservation Area is teeming with wetland life. Get into nature and help restore this fragile ecosystem at one of the Friends of Famosa Slough’s work parties, take a guided nature walk, or just stroll through and appreciate a one-of-a-kind biome in the heart of San Diego.
North County
The climb is a fun part of Annie’s Canyon Trail.
Photo via @brandycarper
Annie’s Canyon Trail, 498-450 Solana Hills Dr., San Elijo Lagoon
- Difficulty: Easy, but with some strenuous parts = 🥾
- Length: 2.2-mile loop
- Pet-friendly: Yes, leashed — but no dogs allowed in the slot canyon portion
This slot canyon hike is beloved by locals for its gorgeous views of San Elijo Lagoon and its one-of-a-kind path through narrow sandstone walls. As you walk, it feels as though the walls are hugging you. Portions of the path feature ladder-style steps and you will need to use your hands to climb up, and the trail has an elevation gain of ~473 ft.
Once you make it to Potato Chip Rock, snapping a fun pic is essential — and we bet you can’t take just one.
Photo via @simplyy_denise
Potato Chip Rock, Mount Woodson (between Poway + Ramona)
- Difficulty: Hard = 🥾🥾🥾
- Length: 7.4 miles, out and back
- Pet-friendly: Yes, leashed
This iconic trail leads to a rock formation shaped like a potato chip — a favorite place among hikers to snap a photo, sometimes while actually eating chips on the rock (hey, you earned it). The elevation gain is ~2,109 ft with many switchbacks, and the hike takes about 4.5 hours to complete. Bring plenty of water for this one.
The view from Bernardo Mountain Summit in Escondido.
Photo via @jessamine15
Bernardo Mountain Summit Trail, San Dieguito River Park, Escondido
- Difficulty: Hard = 🥾🥾🥾
- Length: 1.95 miles, out and back
- Pet-friendly: Yes, leashed
Part of the larger Coast to Crest Trail system, this path — with its elevation gain of ~872 ft — is known for its epic, 360° views of Bernardo Mountain, Lake Hodges, Escondido, and Rancho Bernardo. There are several staging areas you can use to access the trail, including the area at 12655 Sunset Dr. From there, you take the Coast to Crest Trail for 1.73 miles to the Bernardo Mountain Summit Trail, just after crossing Felicita Creek.
Iron Mountain is a moderately challenging trek with many switchbacks.
Photo via @carterschoon_photo
Iron Mountain Trail, state Route 67 at Poway Road
- Difficulty: Moderate = 🥾🥾
- Length: 5.9 miles, out and back
- Pet-friendly: Yes, leashed
This dirt trail starts off relatively flat but about half-way through, the switchbacks begin with elevation gains of up to 2,660 ft at the top. The portion to the peak is steep and rocky, so sturdy footwear is a must. Hikers can also reach the Wildwood Mountain and Ellie Lane trails from this path.
he varied habitats of Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve Trail are home to diverse wildlife, flora, and fauna.
Photo via @lorishort
Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve Trail, 12020 Black Mountain Rd., Rancho Peñasquitos
- Difficulty: Easy = 🥾🥾
- Length: 6.8-mile loop
- Pet-friendly: Yes, leashed
This trail is popular for hiking, mountain biking, and birdwatching. The preserve features many geological formations, soil types, and water sources — including a waterfall cascading through volcanic rock and a freshwater marsh. The varied habitats are home to diverse wildlife, flora, and fauna. Check out this map of the main trail, and then some.
San Elijo Lagoon Nature Center Loop, San Elijo Ecological Reserve and Nature Center
- Difficulty: Easy = 🥾
- Length: 0.6-mile loop
- Wheelchair accessible
- Pet-friendly: Yes, leashed
Perfect for a quick nature walk, this loop offers views of birds foraging in salt marsh and mudflat habitats. You’ll spy lots of interesting, native wildlife at San Elijo Ecological Reserve — from ospreys and great egrets, to the pygmy blue butterfly. Pro tip: If you have extra time, the reserve has 7 more miles of trails to explore.
East County
North Fortuna Mountain Trail via Grasslands Crossing, Mission Trails Regional Park
- Difficulty: Hard = 🥾🥾🥾
- Length: 3-mile loop
- Pet-friendly: Yes, leashed
This loop has an elevation gain of ~1,198 ft and offers lots of opportunities for birdwatching. Branch off and enjoy other parts of the Fortuna region, too. Mission Trails boasts 65 miles of trails spanning 8,000 acres, so there’s a lot to explore.
Grasslands Loop Trail, Mission Trails Regional Park
- Difficulty: Easy = 🥾
- Length: 1.2-mile loop
- Pet-friendly: Yes, leashed
This relatively flat path is perfect for a quick hike with kids, and easily accessible via the park’s East Fortuna Staging Area at the intersection of state Route 52 + Mast Boulevard in Santee. There are a couple of small parking lots here, too.
Father Junipero Serra Trail, Mission Trails Regional Park
- Difficulty: Easy = 🥾
- Length: 4.5 miles, out and back
- Wheelchair accessible
- Pet-friendly: Yes, leashed
This paved trail cuts through the picturesque mountains of Mission Trails and is great for hikers and cyclists of all ages. Pro tip: Take a quick detour to hike down to Old Mission Dam — it’s a great place to relax and listen to the water; there are also some picnic tables.
Cowles Mountain is an uphill challenge, but the views are epic.
Photo via @cal.euphoria
Cowles Mountain, 7001 Golfcrest Dr., San Carlos
- Difficulty: Moderate = 🥾🥾
- Length: 3 miles, out and back
- Pet-friendly: Yes, leashed
The elevation gain gets up to 1,593 ft and the path can get steep and rocky near the summit, but the breathtaking views at the top are worth it. The trailhead starts at the corner of Golfcrest Drive and Navajo Road; there’s a parking lot and street parking but it does fill up quickly, so get there early. There are also several other access points: Cowles Service Road, Big Rock Park, Mesa Road, and Pyles Peak Summit.
El Cajon Mountain, El Capitan County Preserve, Lakeside
- Difficulty: Hard = 🥾🥾🥾
- Length: 11 miles, out and back
- Pet-friendly: Yes, off-leash in some areas
Arguably the most strenuous hike in San Diego County, this challenging route at El Capitan County Preserve has an elevation gain of 3,579 ft with many steep, rugged ascents as you get closer to the summit. This is an all-day hike that requires solid shoes, lots of water, and determination. County of San Diego Parks and Recreation hosts its Warrior Hike Challenge on this path each November, a popular event among active and retired military service members. Reminder: El Capitan County Preserve is usually closed every August due to hot weather.
Lake Murray Trail, 5540 Kiowa Dr., La Mesa
- Difficulty: Easy = 🥾
- Length: 5.7 miles, out and back
- Wheelchair accessible
- Pet-friendly: Yes, leashed
This paved trail offers views of Lake Murray Reservoir and is popular among hikers, joggers, and cyclists. There are paths leading down to the lakeshore, and some benches along the way. When you get to the fence at the end of the path, be sure to touch the bullseye sign — every local knows, you haven’t truly completed this hike until you tap it for good luck.
South Bay
Otay Lakes County Park Loop, 2270 Wueste Rd., Chula Vista
- Difficulty: Easy = 🥾
- Length: 1.5-mile loop
- Pet-friendly: Yes, leashed
This trail — beloved by birdwatchers — offers beautiful views of Otay Lake and its surrounding hills. The 78-acre park opens daily at 9:30 a.m.; parking costs $3.
The Mother Miguel Mountain hike reaches elevations of up to 1,040 ft, with views like this.
Photo via @ducktriumph
Mother Miguel Mountain Trail, 345 Paseo Los Gatos, Chula Vista
- Difficulty: Moderate = 🥾🥾
- Length: 4.5 miles, out and back
- Pet-friendly: Yes, leashed.
This hike has rapid elevation change — up to 1,040 ft at its highest point — and the path can get steep. At the peak, you’ll be able to see Sweetwater Reservoir, the Salt Creek Golf Course, and all of the South Bay, plus downtown San Diego, San Diego Bay, Coronado, and Mexico. Fun fact: This trail is home to the Quino checkerspot butterfly, the coastal California gnatcatcher, and Otay tarplant, rare species that the US Fish and Wildlife Service is required to protect.
Otay River Valley Trail, Otay Valley Regional Park
- Difficulty: Easy = 🥾
- Length: 8 miles, out and back
- Pet-friendly: Yes, and may be off-leash in some areas
This trail is part of the park’s 8.3 miles of multi-use trails and popular among hikers and mountain bikers. Otay Valley Regional Park is one of the major open space areas within San Diego County — and the county hopes to one day extend this trail system.
Horse to South Beach Trail Loop, Border Field State Park, Imperial Beach
- Difficulty: Easy = 🥾
- Length: 3.1-mile loop
- Pet-friendly: No
This trail runs through the Tijuana River National Estuarine Research Reserve, one of just 30 reserves in the US, and near International Friendship Park. The Tijuana Estuary — located on the US-Mexico border — is the largest coastal wetland in Southern California. Access to the hiking and biking trails is free and portions of the park are wheelchair accessible; check out this map.
Psst: This is just a sampling of the many incredible hiking trails in San Diego County. Did we miss your favorite? Send us a note and we may include it in our next hiking roundup.
