Craving outdoor adventure on your Southern California trip? Look no further than scrambling along some of the best hikes in San Diego. Wedged between the Laguna Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, San Diego County presents hikers with no shortage of opportunities to immerse themselves in nature.
Whether you’re looking for panoramic views of the ocean or the perfect spot to soak up an epic SoCal sunset, the top hiking trails in San Diego will fit the bill. Scramble up the Cowles Mountain Trail to marvel at the city from above or peer along the rugged Southern California coastline on the Sunset Cliffs Coastal Trail. However you want to experience San Diego’s natural beauty, there’s a perfect trail for your hiking adventure.
Not sure where to begin? Strap on your boots and hit up these top-rated hiking trails in San Diego, CA.
Looking for more ideas for your trip? Check out our California Travel Guide for more recommendations on when to visit, where to go & what to do!
Top-rated hiking trails in San Diego, CA
Potato Chip Rock Trail
It might not be the shortest or easiest hike in San Diego, but the Potato Chip Rock Trail is certainly one of the most memorable. Located on Mount Woodson, this popular 7.5-mile out-and-back trail from Lake Poway leads to its namesake potato-chip-thin rock. With its unique shape and look, Potato Chip Rock is one of the coolest places to visit in San Diego.
Once you reach the summit, be prepared to wait: There’s often a group of people waiting to climb up the Potato Chip Rock for their photo op. It’ll be well worth the time, though, as the views from the top are also quite spectacular!
- Distance: 7.5 miles
- Time: 3 to 4 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
Cowles Mountain Trail
Looking for some of the city’s most dramatic views? Get out your hiking shoes and head out to the Cowles Mountain Trail for a day of hiking.
Cowles Mountain is the highest point in San Diego County. Don’t let that put you off from hiking up though: It’s only 1,600-feet high.
There are a couple of different trails to take you up to the top of Cowles Mountain. The most popular trail lies on the west side of the mountain. Only three miles long, the path is a moderately easy hike. If you want to escape the crowds, there’s another trail on the east side, starting at Big Rock Trailhead.
Keep in mind: There’s not much shade on the trail; be sure to prepare in advance. Leashed dogs are also welcome here.
- Distance: 3 miles
- Time: 1 to 2 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
Sunset Cliffs Coastal Trail
Located just off Sunset Cliffs Boulevard just south of Ocean Beach, Sunset Cliffs Coastal Trail is a three-mile coastal trail that passes along the oceanside cliffs. As its name implies, the trail is one of the most popular hikes in San Diego to marvel at stunning views of the sunset.
The Sunset Cliffs Coastal Trail offers several entrances, so you can shorten your trek if you’d like. The trail is also used as an access point for kayakers and paddleboarders.
Even if you don’t want to get in the water, just perching on the cliff and watching the sunset is well worth your time.
- Distance: 3 miles
- Time: 1 hour
- Difficulty: Easy
Pacific Crest Trail
If you’re an avid hiker, then you’ve most likely heard of the Pacific Crest Trail. The trek is not just a popular San Diego hiking trail; you can hike it all the way from Mexico to Canada—or vice versa! It’s become one of the most famous hiking trails in San Diego and along the USA’s West Coast.
Commonly referred to as the PCT, the Pacific Crest Trail isn’t for the faint of heart. Several hazards lie along the trail such as poison oak and venomous snakes. If you want to attempt this challenging hike, be sure to pack a first-aid kit and bring plenty of water.
Looking for an easier route? There are also numerous day hikes along the PCT. Check with a trusted source in the San Diego area for the closest trailheads and trail conditions.
- Distance: Varies
- Time: Varies
- Difficulty: Challenging
Torrey Pines Beach Trail
There are many trails to enjoy in the Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve in San Diego. The Torrey Pines Beach Trail is one of the most popular, giving you the chance to pair your hike with a refreshing swim.
The Torrey Pines Beach Trail is a relatively easy hike. Much of it’s contained by fencing with stairs built where the trail is no longer flat. For your efforts, you’ll be granted terrific views of the surrounding areas. Should you fancy an ocean dip to cool down after your trek, make your way down to the beach.
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Some of the trails in the Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve intersect so you can extend your hike if you want. The nature reserve is dog-free; be sure to make pet sitter plans beforehand.
- Distance: 2 miles
- Time: 1 hour
- Difficulty: Easy
Big Laguna Trail
Want to spend the whole day walking through nature? Or perhaps you’d prefer a day of mountain biking through the Cleveland National Forest? An easy choice for either activity is the Big Laguna Trail.
Known to the locals as the BLT, the Big Laguna Trail is a long, 10-mile loop trail. Since it’s mostly flat, it’s a great option for a day in nature that won’t leave you feeling spent—unless you choose to run it!
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A hike along the Big Laguna Trail takes you through the pine and oak forests, around the lake, and through the wildflower groves. Pack a picnic to stop and refuel halfway so you can savor every moment of the day.
- Distance: 10 miles
- Time: 4 to 5 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
Los Penasquitos Canyon Trail
Need a break from all the San Diego sunshine? Take a hike on one of the shadier trails in the Los Penasquitos Canyon Preserve: the Los Penasquitos Canyon Trail.
The popular trail is named for the “little cliffs” bordering the preserve. As you hike, you’ll pass through the shade of oak and sycamore trees. If you keep going, the trail will lead you to a volcanic rock waterfall approximately halfway through the hike. You’ll even hike past flowing streams and the graves of European royalty!
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Along the way, you’ll also find trail fingers that splay off in different directions. Be sure to take your time and explore all the wildlife and hiking trails in the Los Penasquitos Canyon.
- Distance: 6.5 miles
- Time: 2 to 3 hours
- Difficulty: Easy
Cuyamaca Peak Loop Trail
Second in height only to Cowles Mountain Trail, the Cuyamaca Peak Loop Trail delivers far-reaching ocean views on a sunny, clear day. Don’t let its slightly lower height deter you; there’s only a 20-foot difference!
Start your hike at the Paso Picacho Campground in Cuyamaca Rancho State Park. Brought the dog with you? You’re in luck! The Cuyamaca Peak Loop Trail is the only trail in Cuyamaca Rancho State Park that allows dogs; be sure to take advantage.
With or without your pooch, this seven-mile trail is a fantastic place to go hiking in San Diego.
- Distance: 3 miles
- Time: 1 hour
- Difficulty: Easy
Stonewall Peak Trail
Another popular hike in the Cuyamaca Rancho State Park is the Stonewall Peak Trail. This trail is unique in that it provides stairs and handrails to ascend the summit. Among San Diego’s hiking community, it’s one of the county’s top points of interest.
At only 800 feet, Stonewall Peak is not very high, but the panoramic views from the top are excellent. At the summit is a slab of narrow rock with guardrails for safety. Feel the intoxicating thrill of being on the edge looking over.
The Stonewall Peak Trail is a short 4-mile trek. If you’re spending time exploring Cuyamaca Rancho State Park, be sure to include it in your hiking plans.
- Distance: 4 miles
- Time: 2 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
Miner’s Ridge Loop Trail
Craving a chance to head out on a single-track loop? Miner’s Ridge Loop Trail is a 7.5-mile round trip, intermediate mountain biking & hiking trail. If you’re riding the trail, it’s suggested that you ride the west side clockwise downhill.
Not feeling as energetic? You can also trek the smaller 2.5-mile loop that doesn’t include the climb up to the top of Black Mountain. Still, the trail does have its tricky sections, including rock gardens, ledges, and switchbacks.
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Miner’s Ridge Loop Trail is part of the Black Mountain Open Space Park and was used to mine arsenic. But don’t worry: The mine closed down in the 1920s and its arsenic levels are no longer traceable.
- Distance: 2.5 miles
- Time: 1 hour
- Difficulty: Moderate
Kwaay Paay Peak Trail
Don’t have much time but want a challenge? Kwaay Paay Peak Trail may just be what you’re looking for. There are several ways to get to the trailhead, so you can extend the hike if you want.
The Kwaay Paay Peak Trail is part of the Mission Trails Regional Park System. At only 2.4 miles, you might think it’s not worth your while, but think again! Halfway into the hike, the trail scales rapidly, gaining close to 900 feet in elevation!
The culmination of the hike results in panoramic views of the surrounding summits. You’ll feel like a boss for reaching the top—as you should: In the Kumeyaay language, you’d have conquered the “chief” peak trail!
- Distance: 2.4 miles
- Time: 1 to 2 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
Cedar Creek Falls Trail
Another hike in the Cleveland National Forest is the Cedar Creek Falls Trail. Named for the magnificent 80-foot-high Cedar Creek Falls, the hike is popular for obvious reasons.
Embark on this hike for the privilege of seeing Cedar Creek Falls. The trail also offers spectacular views of the San Diego River Gorge.
This challenging trail requires a permit. Don’t forget to get it ahead of time; otherwise, you’ll be sorely disappointed when you reach the trail.
Keep in mind that the Cedar Creek Falls Trail is not shaded. Bring plenty of water and, ideally, a large hat; heatstroke and exhaustion are common risks on this 5.6-mile hike.
- Distance: 6 miles
- Time: 2 to 3 hours
- Difficulty: Challenging
Oak Canyon Trail
The Oak Canyon Trail is one of the most popular trails around San Diego, not just because it’s moderately easy, but because it features so many examples of nature.
Along Oak Canyon Trail, you’ll see the water from the Mission Dam running through, feeding the seasonal wildflower and meadows of poppies. Keep your eyes peeled for groves of willows and cottonwoods and pools where you can spot waterfowl.
There are also stretches of desert shrubs, rocks, and bridges. Amazingly, you can even enjoy waterfalls along this same trail. As easy as the hike may be, Oak Canyon Trail is not to be missed for its sheer beauty.
- Distance: 3 miles
- Time: 1 to 2 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
San Clemente Canyon Trail
The San Clemente Canyon Trail is a popular mountain biking single-track trail. It’s an easy three-mile out-and-back trail, running parallel to Highway 52. Even so, the trail runs under willows, oaks, and sycamore trees.
You can extend your hike/bike with any of the three San Diego hiking trails that branch off the San Clemente Canyon Trail: Cobb Trail, Kroc Trail, and the Biltmore Trail.
Make sure to verify this beforehand, but rumor has it that, after a ride, the Karl Strauss Brewing Company will offer you a free beer. What a terrific way to end a fun jaunt on one of San Diego’s finest trails.
- Distance: 3 miles
- Time: 1 hour
- Difficulty: Easy
Father Junipero Serra Trail
Back in the 1700s, Father Junipero Serra, a Spanish settler and missionary, settled in the Mission Trails Regional Park area. Today, you can hike along the paved trail named in his honor: the Father Junipero Serra Trail. The 4.5-mile trail is a fantastic place to jog or bike in San Diego County. Should you find yourself in the saddle, it’s also a popular equestrian trail.
The main tourist point along Father Junipero Serra Trail is the Old Mission Dam. The dam is located near the northeastern side of the trail. At 210 years old, it’s one of the oldest remaining structures in San Diego.
- Distance: 4.5 miles
- Time: 1 to 2 hours
- Difficulty: Easy
Borrego Palm Canyon Trail
Desert hiking at its most real, the Borrego Palm Canyon Trail takes you up a 450-foot loop incline. As it’s the desert, you shouldn’t expect any shade.
Anza-Borrego Desert State Park was created to protect the canyon. In the springtime, you might be surprised to find a stream running along the canyon floor. The Borrego Palm Canyon Trail crisscrosses the stream, so be prepared to get wet!
If you need a break from the sun, you’re in luck: There’s a grouping of palm trees close to a trail junction near the end of the trail loop. It’ll seem like an oasis after experiencing the glaring heat and brightness of the desert sun.
- Distance: 3 miles
- Time: 1 to 2 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
El Cajon Mountain Trail
The name almost seems to taunt you to try the El Cajon Mountain Trail. Considered by many to be the most strenuous hike in San Diego, this 11-mile trek will take you up 3,600 feet toward the mountain top. If your dog is one of boundless energy, include your family friend on the adventure; dogs are welcome on the trail.
The El Cajon Mountain Trail is also called El Capitan, as its peak resembles the famed Yosemite National Park mountain. The challenging hike will give you either a harrowing or exhilarating time, depending on your perspective. On the route, you’ll traverse numerous uphills and downhills as well as forge up steep ascents.
To make it more challenging, El Cajon Mountain Trail doesn’t offer any shade to protect you from the sun. You’ll need to come prepared with plenty of water to stay hydrated and snacks to fuel up. Once you do, you’ll have the bragging rights—and the photos to prove it!—from a view that many say is the finest in San Diego.
- Distance: 11 miles
- Time: 6 to 7 hours
- Difficulty: Challenging
