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San Diego might be known for its beaches but we also have a nice variety of hiking trails all over the county. I’ve been lucky enough to call this city home for 8 years and I’m excited to share with you the best hikes in San Diego.
Best Time To Hike In San Diego
The weather in coastal San Diego is great year round with a nice coastal breeze but it does get hot on the eastern side in the summer months. Winter, Spring, and Fall are my favorite times to hike in San Diego to avoid the heat. If you are hiking to a waterfall, I recommend going in the spring or right after rainfall since those tend to dry out most of the summer.
Some of My Favorite Hiking Essentials
- Hiking Boots: Merrell Moab 3
- Daypack with hydration bladder: Osprey Skimmer 16
- Light down jacket for colder weather: Cotopaxi
- My go-to for beach trails: Teva
Leave No Trace
Help preserve trails by respecting the land you’re in. We all deserve to benefit from what nature gives us and it’s our job to make sure these trails are here for generations to enjoy.
- Stay on the designated trail to protect vegetation
- Do not litter (this includes fruit peels)
- Keep your distance and do not feed wildlife
- If you don’t see trash bins, pack your trash out.
If you’re a beginner hiker check out my beginner hiker blog on hiking etiquette.
Clevenger Canyon
This is one of the best places to catch a sunset in San Diego. This hike ends with sweeping mountain views and two chairs perfectly perched up on a rock, how unique is that? It’s 4 miles round trip with a moderate incline. Dogs are also allowed on this trail.
Torrey Pines State Park
Okay, I know this one is popular but you cannot talk about great hikes in San Diego without including this coastal beauty. There are several trails to choose from but I typically do a loop around Guy Fleming trail. The loop itself is relatively flat and less than a mile long. Get here EARLY because free parking fills up fast. Keep in mind this trail is not dog friendly so you’ll have to leave your adventure bud at home.
Stonewall Peak
If I had to pick one favorite hike in San Diego, it would definitely be Stonewall Peak. What makes this hike so unique are the rocky stairs at the very top (reminds me of Moro Rock in Sequoia!). It’s located in Cuyamaca Rancho State Park about an hour from the city but it’s totally worth the drive. It’s a moderate hike that’s 4.7 miles round trip. Dogs are not allowed on this trail.
View On AllTrails.
Cedar Creek Falls
If chasing waterfalls are your thing, you need to check out Cedar Creek Falls. It’s a 5.6 mile hike with a moderate incline on your way back. The trail is very well maintained with shaded sitting areas throughout the hike. Dogs are allowed on this trail but you do need a permit from recreation.gov to do this hike.
Important: As of May 26, 2023 the directions when you type in Cedar Creek Falls on Google Maps will take you to the wrong place. Use the directions from AllTrails. You should not end up on a dirt road or dead end.
Annie’s Canyon
*Closed as of 2/2023* Make sure to check this website for updated status on reopening. Annie’s canyon is a really unique hike through a slot canyon and ends with an ocean view. Dogs are not allowed through the slot canyon part of the hike so it’s best to leave them at home for this one.