Hiking in San Diego is plentiful. Year-round fantastic temperatures combine with generally sunny skies that allow for the beautiful beach and inland landscape to be thoroughly enjoyed and appreciated for outdoor enthusiasts of all ages and fitness levels. Whether you want a blood-pumping workout, gorgeous ocean views, or a family-friendly outdoor activity that even pets can enjoy, the following hikes will certainly speak to San Diego’s open-air splendor.
Length: 1.2-1.3 miles
Duration: About 1 hour
Difficulty: EASY
These trails are gorgeously positioned in La Jolla, overlook the ocean and are fairly easy to access and enjoy. The Yucca Point Trail even offers access all the way down to the beach, while the Razor Point Trail offers a scenic loop without much difficulty. Not only is this one of the most gorgeous spots in the county, but it also offers a family-friendly adventure that encapsulates perfectly what San Diego is all about.
Los Peñasquitos Canyon
Length: 4.7 miles
Duration 3-4 hours
Difficulty: EASY
Located just 20 miles from downtown San Diego, this hike offers great family-friendly trails, river views, and even waterfalls. Elevation changes are minimal, so this makes for a very manageable outdoor experience for all ages and fitness levels. Wide and well-maintained paths add a level of comfort, but you also feel like you’re in the middle of nature, a park-like setting that provides itself as a lovely way to take in the year round sunshine.
Cowles Mountain
Length: 3 miles
Duration: About 2 hours
Difficulty: Medium
Located just west of El Cajon, this hike offers a manageable distance with a moderate level of difficulty that appeals to a variety of hikers. From the summit you can see Lake Murray, downtown San Diego, the Pacific Ocean and even Mexico. This is also one of the only dog-friendly trails in San Diego so feel free to bring your pup along for the trek!
Iron Mountain
Length: 5.8 miles
Duration: 4-5 hours
Difficulty: MEDIUM
This trail begins in Poway and offers a moderate level of difficulty that combines with a generous length to give hikers a great experience in what feels like the middle of nowhere. Large boulders line much of the trail, which are great for climbing and added adventure.
Mt. Woodson – “Potato Chip Rock”
Length: 6.5 miles
Duration: 4-5 hours
Difficulty: HARD
This hike begins at Lake Poway and ascends to a steep incline that remains fairly vertical throughout the entire trail. While not for the faint of heart, this hike offers some incredible views of downtown, the Pacific Ocean and even Mexico, given the right conditions. The best part about this hike is the reward that is awaiting you at the top of the trail—also known as Potato Chip Rock (pictured above). Here you can (carefully!) step onto this rock and bask in gorgeous views while taking some epic photos.