Descanso, California

The best Trails and Outdoor Activities in Descanso, California, offer a variety of scenic landscapes and top outdoor adventures. One must-visit is the Cuyamaca Rancho State Park. This park provides a network of hiking trails with diverse natural features, from the lush Green Valley Falls to the sweeping views atop Stonewall Peak. The trails range from easy to challenging, catering to both beginners and seasoned hikers. On your hike, you might spot native wildlife or unique rock formations. For a more leisurely outdoor activity, visit Lake Cuyamaca for fishing or bird-watching. Nearby, the Pacific Crest Trail offers long-distance hiking through varied landscapes. Truly, Descanso offers some of the best outdoor attractions in California.

Top Spots in and near Descanso

Descanso, California
Green Valley Falls

5.0

0.36 mi / 98 ft gain

Green Valley Falls is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Descanso, California.
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Julian, California
Hike Cuyamaca Peak

4.5

5.5 mi / 1700 ft gain

This peak is one of the tallest in the county. Reaching the summit of the peak takes you to an elevation of 6500'. Although this peak isn't as challenging as others nearby, it's located in the center of San Diego, which offers up amazing views, which is the main reason to take this hike. The best...
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Julian, California
Hike Stonewall Peak

4.7

3.82 mi / 820 ft gain

This hike is one of the most popular in the Cuyamaca Rancho State Park. When you reach Stonewall Peak's summit, enjoy the view of the surrounding park and nearby Lake Cuyamaca. The hike up the east side is a popular and relatively easy trail. Although you'll be gaining 800 feet, the hike is relat...
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San Diego County, California
Multi-pitch Climbing at Corte Madera

5.0

This is one of San Diego's finest multi-pitch climbing crags. South-facing and standing 500 feet tall, Corte Madera has a history of both traditional and sport routes. The traditional routes will offer adventure with some en-route bushwhacking. The newer sport routes climb the clean faces of this...
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Campo, California
Hike Corte Madera Mountain

7.75 mi / 2375 ft gain

From Buckman Springs Road, turn onto Corral Canyon OHV/Morena Stokes Valley Rd and drive almost 5 miles to a green gate with a red heart on it, this is the trailhead. Just past the turn is the parking area that fits 5-6 vehicles. Walk across the road past the locked gate and head up the oak cover...
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Descanso, California
3-Sisters Falls

4.9

Although this hike is not very long (in terms of distance) it will be a workout nonetheless...as possibly one of the harder hikes in all of San Diego. Start out earlier in the day for a less strenuous trip and be prepared to drink a LOT of water. The path is fairly well marked and at certain poin...
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San Diego County, California
Hike Garnet Peak Trail

3.0

2.6 mi / 500 ft gain

While there are a few trail options, the designated Garnet Peak Trail begins off of Sunrise Highway at Mile Marker 27.8. There is a small pull-off on the east side of the road with a sign denoting the trail. An Adventure Pass is required for parking in this area of Cleveland National Forest.The f...
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San Diego County, California
Big Laguna Lake Loop

5.0

5.9 mi / 400 ft gain

Big Laguna Lake Loop is a loop trail that takes you by a lake located near Pine Valley, California.
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Mount Laguna, California
Red Trail Roost and Agua Dulce Trail Loop

4.0

4.63 mi / 591 ft gain

Red Trail Roost and Agua Dulce Trail Loop is a loop trail where you may see wildflowers located near Julian, California.
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Campo, California
Kitchen Creek Falls Trail

4.0

4.83 mi / 722 ft gain

Kitchen Creek Falls Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Pine Valley, California.
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San Diego County, California
Hiking the Laguna Hills via the PCT

5.0

20 mi / 2000 ft gain

This trail is well-maintained, but gets a little rocky on the PCT, and the Chariot Fire burn-zone between Penny Pines and Hayes peak will have a few downed trees and some overgrown grasses. On the other hand, the trail network of the BLT is confusing to follow as the entire network is named "Big ...
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Mount Laguna, California
Night Shoot at Mt. Laguna USAF Station

This is a great stop when passing through the Anza Borrego Desert. The drive is very scenic, and passes through Sunrise Highway. Once you turn off the road, it's a very short drive up the hill where you will find a large spot to leave your car. There is a service gate that you can't drive through...
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Ramona, California
Hike to Cedar Creek Falls

4.8

4.2 mi

The trail starts out at a hill in a residential area and ends in an unexpected spot where there is a beautiful waterfall complete with swimming hole. Surrounded by 75-foot high cliffs, a magnificent waterfall splashes into a pool known as the Devil’s Punch Bowl. Hikers have been known to dive fro...
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Lakeside, California
Hike El Cajon Mountain

4.5

12 mi / 4100 ft gain

This challenging trek is a great way to get in shape for that spring or summer trip to the Sierras. You may have heard others tell you how tough the hike is and they're not kidding. You'll be gaining 4100 feet over the 12 miles to the peak and back. If you have the time and the energy, you should...
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Lakeside, California
Hike the Oakoasis Open Space Preserve

2.5 mi / 300 ft gain

Starting at the trail-head, head down towards the oak-lined ravine marking the beginning of the hike. With trees already growing back from the 2003 fire, these sections of the trail are nice and shady, and quite relaxing. About 1 mile in you will start to see the San Vicente Reservoir to your lef...
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Julian, California
Ghost Mountain Trail to Yaquitepec

5.0

1.29 mi / 443 ft gain

Ghost Mountain Trail to Yaquitepec is an out-and-back trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Julian, California.
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