Broken Hill Beach Loop
Quieter trail, and the long way to reach the beach in Torrey Pines Reserve.
Moderate Hiking
- Distance
- 4 km
- Ascent
- 115 m
- Descent
- 115 m
Sunny California: The Best Hikes in San Diego
Explore the best hikes in the greater San Diego area, ranging from easy to difficult.
Hiking Easy, Moderate, Difficult
Description
San Diego, the second largest city in California, is famous for its temperate climate, beautiful beaches, and surf breaks. But in addition to amazing access to the ocean, the city is bounded on the opposite side by formidable mountains. Even in town, steep hills form beautiful parks and open spaces. Throughout all of this green space is spread a web of superb hiking trails.
This guidebook rounds up the best hikes in and around the San Diego metro area. Ranging from short hikes to secluded beaches all the way up to mountain climbs, this guidebook is guaranteed to send you to the perfect spot for your next hike!
Routes included
Razor Point Beach Loop
Connects some of the best overlooks and the beach in Torrey Pines Reserve.
Moderate Hiking
- Distance
- 3.5 km
- Ascent
- 118 m
- Descent
- 118 m
Guy Fleming Trail
Short loop with ocean views and fine specimens of the endangered Torrey pine tree.
Easy Hiking
- Distance
- 1.1 km
- Ascent
- 17 m
- Descent
- 17 m
Iron Mountain
Popular hike to a great view on one of San Diego's favorite local mountains.
Moderate Hiking
- Distance
- 9 km
- Ascent
- 333 m
- Descent
- 333 m
Cowles Mountain Trail
The short and steep approach to the highest point in San Diego.
Difficult Hiking
- Distance
- 4.8 km
- Ascent
- 279 m
- Descent
- 279 m
Oak Canyon Trail
Streamside hike with seasonal waterfalls and wildflowers—best in spring but good year round.
Moderate Hiking
- Distance
- 5.2 km
- Ascent
- 78 m
- Descent
- 77 m
Mount Woodson Trail to Potato Chip Rock
Photo-famous rock formation and expansive views atop Mount Woodson
Difficult Hiking
- Distance
- 11 km
- Ascent
- 605 m
- Descent
- 606 m
Los Peñasquitos Canyon Waterfall Loop
Oasis of water and nature with many trails in the metro area.
Moderate Hiking
- Distance
- 8.9 km
- Ascent
- 127 m
- Descent
- 127 m
El Cajon Mountain
Grueling hike up one of San Diego's proudest peaks.
Difficult Hiking
- Distance
- 17 km
- Ascent
- 1.1 km
- Descent
- 1.1 km
Cedar Creek Falls
Descend into a river gorge with a crisp waterfall and swimming hole.
Difficult Hiking
- Distance
- 8.8 km
- Ascent
- 316 m
- Descent
- 316 m
Three Sisters Falls
Steep and exposed hike to a stack of three large waterfalls in a granite basin
Difficult Hiking
- Distance
- 5.7 km
- Ascent
- 304 m
- Descent
- 304 m
Bayside Trail
Explore the nature, wildlife, and history of Point Loma, with views over downtown San Diego.
Easy Hiking
- Distance
- 4 km
- Ascent
- 126 m
- Descent
- 125 m
Coastal Trail
A beautiful path among wave-battered sea cliffs and tide pools overlooking the Pacific.
Easy Hiking
- Distance
- 1.6 km
- Ascent
- 43 m
- Descent
- 43 m
Boucher Lookout Loop
Mountaintop views and colorful forest in a pleasantly cool, high-elevation corner of San Diego County.
Moderate Hiking
- Distance
- 5.4 km
- Ascent
- 244 m
- Descent
- 244 m
Lower Doane Valley Loop
Pleasant stroll through diverse subalpine forest with a good chance of spotting wildlife.
Easy Hiking
- Distance
- 5.3 km
- Ascent
- 129 m
- Descent
- 129 m
Santa Margarita River Trail
Swimming holes, sandy shores, and uncommon nature along one of Southern California's last free-flowing rivers.
Moderate Hiking
- Distance
- 6.9 km
- Ascent
- 151 m
- Descent
- 151 m
Annie's Canyon
A small slot canyon tucked away in a San Diego suburb.
Moderate Hiking
- Distance
- 2.6 km
- Ascent
- 58 m
- Descent
- 58 m
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