San Diego offers a variety of hiking opportunities, from coastal walks to mountain treks. Here is the list of my 5 best hikes in San Diego.
5 best hikes in San Diego
Iron Mountain
- Hike Distance: 5.8 miles round trip
- Where to park: Iron Mountain Trailhead parking lot (14833 CA-67, Poway, CA 92064)
- Tips: Arrive early as the parking lot fills up quickly, bring plenty of water and snacks, and wear sunscreen and a hat as much of the trail is exposed. The trail is well-maintained but can be steep in sections.
Iron Mountain is a popular hiking trail located in Poway, San Diego. The hike is known for its scenic views and challenging terrain. The trail is approximately 5.8 miles round trip and has an elevation gain of about 1,100 feet.
The trailhead is located off Highway 67 and has a large parking lot that fills up quickly, especially on weekends. The trail is well-marked and easy to follow. The first part of the trail is a gradual incline through a shaded area with trees and shrubs. The trail then becomes steeper and more exposed, with rocky sections and switchbacks. The trail is rated as moderate to difficult and requires some physical fitness and endurance.
As you ascend the trail, you will enjoy stunning views of the surrounding hills and valleys. At the summit, you will be rewarded with panoramic views of San Diego, including downtown, the coast, and the mountains. There are benches and picnic tables at the summit where you can rest and take in the views.
The trail can be hot and dry, especially during the summer months, so it is essential to bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and a hat. Wear sturdy hiking shoes or boots and bring snacks or a picnic lunch. Dogs are allowed on the trail but must be kept on a leash. Overall, the Iron Mountain hike is a challenging and rewarding experience that offers some of the best views in San Diego.
Black Mountain
- Hike Distance: 4.2 miles round trip
- Where to park: Black Mountain Open Space Park parking lot (12115 Black Mountain Rd, San Diego, CA 92129)
- Tips: This trail is also exposed, so bring sunscreen and a hat. The trail can be rocky in sections and has some steep inclines.
Black Mountain trail is approximately 4.2 miles round trip and has an elevation gain of about 950 feet.
The trailhead is located off Black Mountain Road, and there is a large parking lot with plenty of spaces. The trail becomes steeper and more exposed as it approaches the summit, with switchbacks and rocky sections. Dogs are allowed on the trail but must be kept on a leash.
Black Mountain hike is a moderate to difficult trail that offers stunning views of San Diego. It is a popular trail and can be crowded on weekends, so you should plan to arrive early to secure parking and avoid the heat of the day.
Torrey Pines Preserve
- Hike Distance: varies, but the Beach Trail is a popular option at 1.7 miles round trip
- Where to park: Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve parking lot (12600 N Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla, CA 92037)
- Tips: The Beach Trail is a popular option for its stunning views of the ocean and Torrey Pines cliffs. The trail can be steep in sections, and the beach can be crowded. Bring plenty of water and sunscreen.
Annie’s Canyon
- Hike Distance: 1 mile round trip
- Where to park: San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve parking lot (2710 Manchester Ave, Encinitas, CA 92007)
- Tips: Annie’s Canyon is a short but fun hike through a slot canyon. Wear sturdy shoes as the trail can be rocky and uneven.
What makes Annie’s Canyon Slot Canyon unique is that it is a narrow slot canyon that has been formed by years of water erosion. The walls of the canyon are made of sandstone and have unique patterns and shapes created by the water. The trail through the slot canyon is about 1.5 miles round trip and has an elevation gain of about 200 feet.
The trailhead is located at the end of North Rios Avenue in Solana Beach, and there is limited street parking available. The trail is well-marked and easy to follow, with a boardwalk and stairs that lead hikers up into the canyon. The slot canyon itself is the highlight of the hike, with narrow passageways and sections where hikers will need to use their hands and feet to scramble up and over rocks. The walls of the canyon provide shade and a cool respite from the heat of the sun, making it a great hike to do on a hot day.
Annie’s Canyon Slot Canyon offers a unique hiking experience in San Diego County, with stunning natural beauty and a chance to explore a narrow slot canyon created by water erosion.
Cowles Mountain
- Hike Distance: 3 miles round trip
- Where to park: Cowles Mountain Trailhead parking lot (7027 Golfcrest Dr, San Diego, CA 92119)
- Tips: Cowles Mountain is a popular hike with great views of San Diego. The trail can be crowded, so arrive early. Bring plenty of water as much of the trail is exposed.
There are two main routes to hike Cowles Mountain in San Diego:
- The main trail: This is the most popular and direct route to the summit of Cowles Mountain, and it starts at the Cowles Mountain Trailhead on Golfcrest Drive. The trail is approximately 1.5 miles each way and has an elevation gain of about 950 feet. The trail is well-maintained and relatively easy to follow, with a steady incline up to the summit.
- The service road: This is a less crowded and more steep route to the summit of Cowles Mountain, and it starts at the end of Barker Way, just off of Navajo Road. This route follows a service road that is used to maintain the communication towers on the summit. The road is approximately 3 miles round trip and has an elevation gain of about 900 feet. The downside of this route is that it is less scenic than the main trail and can be dusty and hot, especially during the summer months.
I did both routes multiple time and strongly recommend taking the main trail as the views are much better and it is less strenuous.
Can I hike all 5 hikes in one day?
Yes, but it will be one brutal day, yet it can be done with proper planning and preparation. The total mileage for all five hikes is about 16 miles. You will have short 20-20 minutes breaks for driving between hikes plus some 15-20 minutes on each summit. So, if you can hike 16 miles, you can definitely do this challenge.
Itinerary for 5 hikes in one day
- 6:00am: Arrive at Iron Mountain Trailhead parking lot and begin hiking Iron Mountain.
- 9:15am: Finish Iron Mountain hike and drive to Black Mountain Open Space Park.
- 9:45am: Begin hiking Black Mountain.
- 11:45am: Finish Black Mountain hike and drive to Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve.
- 12:20pm: Begin hiking the Beach Trail in Torrey Pines Preserve.
- 2:00pm: Finish Torrey Pines hike and drive to Annie’s Canyon.
- 2:30pm: Begin hiking Annie’s Canyon.
- 3:45m: Finish Annie’s Canyon hike and drive to Cowles Mountain Trailhead.
- 4:20pm: Begin hiking Cowles Mountain.
- 6:45pm: Finish Cowles Mountain hike.
Note: This itinerary assumes that you are an experienced hiker and can complete each hike within the estimated time. Make sure to bring plenty of water, snacks, sunscreen, and other hiking essentials. Also, be aware of your limits and don’t push yourself too hard if you feel tired or overheated.
