Campo, California
The Pacific Crest Trail in Campo, California is one of the top must-visit outdoor adventures. This hiking trail offers a scenic route stretching over 2,650 miles from Mexico to Canada. The trail features a variety of landscapes from deserts, forests, and mountain ranges, providing a unique outdoor activity. In Campo, the trail starts with a moderate difficulty level, making it a perfect choice for both beginners and seasoned hikers. Along the trail, you'll come across Lake Morena, a beautiful spot for a picnic. If you're lucky, you might spot a variety of wildlife like mule deer and coyotes. The best Trails and Outdoor Activities in Campo, California, are not limited to hiking. Other attractions include horseback riding and camping near the trail. The Pacific Crest Trail is a must-visit for those seeking scenic outdoor adventures.
Top Spots in and near Campo
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La Mesa, California
Lake Murray Reservoir
5.06.07 mi / 164 ft gainLake Murray Reservoir provides drinking water to parts of San Diego, and thus is a no swimming lake. This is one of the reasons it is such a great place to photograph! If you are shooting the sunset, use your weather app to check the time the sun sets, and get to the lake at least 30 minutes pr...Read more -
Santee, California
Cowles Mountain via Big Rock Trail
4.04.86 mi / 1207 ft gainStarting somewhat near sea-level, Cowles Mountain via the Big Rock Trail climbs about 1000 ft in elevation. This trail is about 5 miles total, out and back. Arrive at Big Rock park which has good parking. At the park you will walk to the left of the tennis courts past the limits (the fence) of...Read more -
Santee, California
Cowles Mountain via Big Rock Road
4.34.32 mi / 1109 ft gainStart by plugging 8125 Arlette St, Santee, CA into your GPS. This takes you to Big Rock Park, a convenient parking spot for the Cowles Hike. From here you want to walk through the park, and around the right side of the tennis court. This will take you to the fenced entrance to the hike. Head sout...Read more -
San Diego, California
Pyles Peak
5.06.03 mi / 1706 ft gainMost people who live in San Diego have heard of, if not hiked, Cowles Mountain. At 1591 ft., Cowles is the highest peak in the city of San Diego. It's a hugely popular destination for day hikers and trail runners looking to get in a little trail time and take in the 360 degree views the summit h...Read more -
Julian, CaliforniaUpper Santa Ysabel Creek Trail
4.5Experience the serene beauty of San Diego’s highlands on the Upper Santa Ysabel Creek Trail, a moderately challenging 7-mile loop near Julian that blends creek-side tranquility, open meadows, oak groves, and panoramic ridge views. Ideal for hikers, trail runners, and nature lovers, this trail i...Read more -
Santee, California
Kwaay Paay Trail
2.4 mi / 846 ft gainPark your car in the small gravel parking lot at the southwest corner of Father Junipero Serra Trail and Bushy Hill Drive (this is especially important if you plan to take the sunset hike, so you'll be outside the locked park gate when you descend). There will be other hikers parked there, but I'...Read more -
Borrego Springs, California
Off-Road through Split Mountain in Anza Borrego
4.011 mi / 0 ft gainFor all you desert lovers- this is a must. Or for all you SD residents that want to try something new and take a break from the populated trails within the county- spend a day in Anza Borrego and include this on your list.This state park is just a quick jaunt outside of the town of Julian. This m...Read more -
Santee, California
Oak Canyon in Mission Trails Regional Park
5.03.22 mi / 249 ft gainStarting on Father Junipero Serra Trail, drive 0.7 miles west to the Old Mission Dam parking lot on the left. The park closes the gates at 7pm, so make sure to park early, or plan your hike in such a way that you don't get locked in! If you think you'll need longer, you can park out on the main r...Read more -
San Diego, California
Visitor Center Loop Trail
5.01.46 mi / 148 ft gainThe Visitor Center Loop Trail is a 1.4 mile hike in San Diego that features river views and allows dogs.The Visitor Center Loop Trail is a well maintained, quick hike with shady spots scattered along the path and open year-round. This trail is great for kids and dog owners. There is a great netwo...Read more -
Poway, California
Hike around Goodan Ranch
5.03 miStarting at the Sycamore Canyon Trail head, you will see the sign and gate that leads to Goodan Ranch. Head down the gravel road for 1.1 miles, until you reach a 3-way directional split. Heading straight for another .5 miles will take you directly to the ruins of the old Goodan house. Here you wi...Read more -
Santa Ysabel, California
West Vista Loop & Coast to Crest Trail
3.010.16 mi / 1946 ft gainStarting at the trailhead on Hwy 79, enter through the gate and make sure to close it behind you - the preserve is open range area for herds of cows, make sure not to disturb them when hiking. From the gate you'll see the sign with a detailed map of trails that are available for hiking. The trail...Read more -
Santa Ysabel, California
West Vista Loop
5.04.21 mi / 886 ft gainThe West Vista Loop in Santa Ysabel, CA, is a moderately challenging trail known for its panoramic views of surrounding hills and valleys. Reviewers appreciate the well-maintained paths and gentle elevation gains, making it suitable for hikers of varying skill levels. The trail is dog-friendly ...Read more -
San Diego, California
Hike to the beach at Border Field State Park
2 mi / 26 ft gainThe beach at Border Field State Park is southernmost beach in California. This beach begins (on US Maps) at the Mexican border and continues north to the mouth of the Tijuana River. The State Park shares its land with the Tijuana River National Estuarine Research Reserve which are both operated b...Read more -
San Diego, California
South Fortuna Mountain
5.04.59 mi / 997 ft gainHiking at sunset/night is a great way to beat both the heat and the crowds. On a clear day, you can see from Mexico to Catalina Island! If you stay long enough, you can see all of San Diego's city lights turn on, or the marine layer fog creeps into the canyons. South Fortuna Peak is part of Miss...Read more -
San Diego, California
Mission Trails 5 Peaks
15 miThe 15-ish mile route we took made it a great workout, but it didn’t crush us. We left the apartment at 6 am and were back home with plenty of time to prep cook and eat a big dinner before 5 pm. Although I completed the hike in 1 day(and I highly recommend it)many people completed each hike indi...Read more -
Imperial Beach, California
Catch a Sunset at the Imperial Beach Pier
5.0From San Diego, head South on Hwy 5 for 12 miles. Take a right on exit 5A for Palm Ave/CA-75. Take CA-75 west for 1.6 miles. Stay on Palm Ave as it splits from CA-75. Take Palm Ave for 1 mile until it reaches the coast. Turn left on Seacoast Dr and take it for 1 mile until you reach the Imperial ...Read more
