When most people visit this city, they usually aren’t looking for the best San Diego hikes. And I can’t blame them. With 70 miles of coastline and red bull slushies, hiking is sometimes the last thing on their list. But don’t let the coast fool you, San Diego has some incredible hikes up its sleeves, from hidden slot canyons to remote waterfalls.
So if you’re looking to grab your boots and hit the trails, here are the 15 best hikes in San Diego that I’ve found while living here:
1. Corte Madera
When I heard that Corte Madera was “the half dome of San Diego”, I knew I had to check it out. Sure, I knew it wouldn’t live up to Yosemite’s granite structures but the name intrigued me. And I have to say, it was one of the best sunsets I’ve ever seen in my life.
Stats:
Mileage: 7 Miles Roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 1600 ft.
Location: Pine Valley
2. Annie’s Canyon
This is one of the shortest San Diego hikes on this list, but the trail is too unique not to name. Right on the outskirts of Solana beach, you’ll find a mini slot canyon with narrow winding paths and a ladder at the end.
Stats:
Mileage: 2.3 Miles Roundtrip
Location: Solana Beach
3. South Clevenger
Oh, how I wanted to keep this secret to myself. I don’t know who decided to cement two seats onto a rock with one of the prettiest views in San Diego County…but I’d like to thank them. The chairs even include cup holders for a celebratory cheers.
Stats:
Mileage: 5 Miles Roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 1400 ft.
Location: Ramona
4. Stonewall Peak
Stonewall has been my favorite sunset hike in San Diego since I moved here 8 years ago, so that’s saying something. I’ve always had a thing for Cuyamaca State Park and it’s just the right distance to hike out as the sun disappears behind the mountains.
Stats:
Mileage: 3.8 Miles Roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 823 ft.
Location: Cuyamaca State Park
5. Three Sisters
When I first moved to San Diego, Three Sisters was known as a dangerous trail, both for it’s network of ropes on the way down and for it’s heat in the summer. Now, the trail is completely redone and easier for people to hike in than ever. I’ll forever be amazed that these falls exist in the middle of nowhere, and it’s always a fun idea to jump in after the hot hike into the valley. This is the best hike in San Diego for a dip.
Stats:
Mileage: 3.8 Miles Roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 908 ft.
Location: Cleveland National Forest
6. Garnet Peak
If you’re a morning person, you’ll love this San Diego hike. Garnet Peak is the best sunrise hike on the list. If you wake up early enough, your reward will be seeing the sunrise over the Anza-Borrego desert. The stark difference of the flat desert floor to Cleveland’s mountain range is a sight for sore eyes.
Stats:
Mileage: 2.3 Miles Roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 498 ft.
Location: Cleveland National Forest
7. The Ho Chi Minh Trail
I love a challenge, which is why I enjoyed the Ho Chi Minh trail so much when I first got to San Diego. The trail is short, but it’s a little technical maneuvering along a thin strip of trail and around a giant crevice. Plus, there’s a board to cross and a rope down to the beach. If this sounds like your jam, try it out. But readers beware, there have been plenty of injuries in this spot. It’s best to go bare foot or wear gripping footwear. And please, turn around if you’re uncomfortable.
Stats:
Mileage: .6 Miles Roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 252 ft.
Location: La Jolla
8. Cedar Creek
Cedar Creek is by far my favorite waterfall hike in San Diego, as long as you go when the fall is running (check Alltrails).
Stats:
Mileage: 6 Miles Roundtrip
Permit Required:
Elevation Gain: 1069 ft.
Location: Cleveland National Forest
9. Iron Mountain
If I don’t have time to drive an hour inland and I want to see a stunning sunset, I always head to Iron Mountain. I’ve seen some incredible colors on the way down from here and it’s close enough to the city for a last minute trip.
Stats:
Mileage: 5.7 Miles Roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 1122 ft.
Location: Poway
10. Cuyamaca Peak
Cuyamaca is the second highest hike in San Diego County, and it has one hell of a view. If you pack a headlamp, you can enjoy a sunset up here before hiking back in the dark.
Stats:
Mileage: 7.4 Miles Roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 1814 ft.
Location: Cuyamaca State Park
11. Goat Canyon via Montero Palms
Goat Canyon is definitely the most epic hike I’ve done in San Diego. Picture off roading through the desert and hiking to an abandoned rail road trestle. Yes, there’s an easier way to get there (by apparently parking in a nudist colony and hiking the tracks), but I’ve never been one for the easy way. Plus, Montero Palms is pretty cool.
Stats:
Mileage: 5.8 Miles Roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 2401 ft.
Location: Anza-Borrego
Tip: Pack LOTS of water, and download the Alltrails map ahead of time. It’s very easy to get lost on this one!
12. Potato Chip Rock via Mount Woodson
Of course I couldn’t finish this list of the best San Diego hikes without including THE MOST popular hike in the area. What would a trip to San Diego be without a picture on the potato chip?
Stats:
Mileage: 7.3 Miles Roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 2129 ft.
Location: Poway
13. Beach Trail at Torrey Pines
Chances are, if you live in San Diego then you’ve already been to Torrey Pines. It’s one of the most popular and beautiful hiking areas on San Diego’s coast. If you do find yourself here, my favorite trail is the Beach trail, and as you probably guessed, it ends on Torrey Pines State Beach.
Stats:
Mileage: 2.3 Miles Roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 357 ft.
Location: Del Mar
14. Lawson Peak
When I heard Lawson peak had a rope climb to the top, I was all ears. I love any hike that includes ropes or chains to the top. The more technical the better. And once you’re past the obstacles, you’re rewarded with this view.
Stats:
Mileage: 4.5 Miles Roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 1528 ft.
Location: Jamul
15. The Sea Cave
Does climbing down a few cliffs and wading through water on slippery seaweed covered rocks count as a hike? If so, add this San Diego hike to your list. You need to make sure you go at negative tide, so make sure to pay attention to the tide schedules.
Stats:
Mileage: < 1 mile
Location: Sunset Cliffs, go down the stairs at Luscomb’s Point and turn left.
What San Diego hikes would you add to this list?
