El Cajon, California
El Cajon, California, offers some of the top outdoor adventures for those seeking fresh air and scenic landscapes. One must-visit is the Flinn Springs County Park, a hiking trail that takes you through a variety of terrain, including grasslands, oak forests, and rocky paths. The trail is moderately difficult, making it suitable for those looking for a bit of a challenge. Along the trail, you'll find a creek and a small waterfall, adding to the natural beauty of the area. Other outdoor activities in El Cajon include fishing at Lake Jennings and rock climbing at Mission Trails Regional Park. These are some of the best trails and outdoor activities in and near El Cajon, offering a range of options for those looking to explore the scenic outdoors.
Top Spots in and near El Cajon
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San Diego, California
Torrey Pines Beach Trail Loop
4.72.15 mi / 374 ft gainThe beach trail brings you from the parking lot across the lodge from the bluff down to the beach. You can choose to visit the Red Butte, the Razor Point, and the Yucca Point trails along the way. Of the other trails, this trail seems to provide a complete walkthrough of geological features; it a...Read more -
San Diego, California
Razor Point, Beach Trail, & Broken Hill Trail Loop
5.03.21 mi / 440 ft gainThe parking area for all of Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve is located right off North Torrey Pines Road (where the location is for this hike), about 20-30 minutes north of San Diego. It's $10 to park, and there was also a smaller parking lot at the top of the hill if you want to avoid the ini...Read more -
San Diego, California
Razor Point Trail
1.32 mi / 240 ft gainRazor Point Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you past scenic surroundings located near La Jolla, California.Read more -
San Diego, California
Beach Trail
5.01.43 mi / 259 ft gainI'm stoked for those of you to find this adventure! Torrey Pines is home to a species of tree that is one of the most rare native pines in the United States. Below I have directions on how to get to the trailhead as well as the parking lot to park for the hike. There is a charge to get into the...Read more -
San Diego, California
Guy Fleming Trail
5.00.76 mi / 95 ft gainThis trail is located in Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, a beautiful area about 20-30 minutes north of San Diego. To access the reserve, park in the lot off of North Torrey Pines Road (pay $10 to park). If you don't want to walk up the huge hill at the beginning (it is steep and long), I beli...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 -
Escondido, California
Bernardo Mountain Summit Trail
5.07.15 mi / 1060 ft gainBernardo Mountain is located on the Coast to Crest Trail in San Dieguito River Park. The 7.15-mile out-and-back trail to the 1060 ft. summit starts on the east side of I-15. It's a relatively easy hike all the way to the top. It picks up a little once you make it to the Summit Trail junction, wh...Read more -
Del Mar, California
Sunset Seat in Del Mar
3.8In a place in our country where you can take an epic sunset picture nearly everyday, its hard say there is one location tin San Diego that is better than another. I'll let you in my new favorite secret spot to take amazing sunset pictures with a cool piece of art work at the location. Visit the t...Read more -
Santa Ysabel, California
Three Sisters Falls
4.93.42 mi / 906 ft gainThree Sisters Falls is by far the best hike, for the most reward, that I've gone on in the close vicinity of San Diego. Only a short hour and a half drive from downtown San Diego, the hike offers all the draws of a National Park: remote wilderness, strenuous hiking, scenic mountain views, and ama...Read more -
Escondido, California
Lake Hodges Overlook
4.66.73 mi / 1407 ft gainElfin Forest is one of the most beautiful and unique trails in all of San Diego, CA. The parking is free as well as the overflow parking area. There is an Interpretive Center located in the staging area where you can speak to park rangers, learn about the wildlife and trail locations. The parking...Read more -
Solana Beach, California
Annie’s Canyon Trailhead
4.72 mi / 100 ft gainIf you're looking for a super short hike, this 10 minute flat walk couldn't be more ideal. Start at 840 N Rios Avenue, Solana beach and walk east towards the FWY 5 where you will see Annie’s Canyon on your right. There is only one way to go up the canyons and it gets pretty tight in places, but y...Read more -
Descanso, California
Green Valley Falls
5.00.36 mi / 98 ft gainGreen Valley Falls is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Descanso, California.Read more -
San Diego County, California
Multi-pitch Climbing at Corte Madera
5.0This 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...Read more -
Campo, California
Hike Corte Madera Mountain
7.75 mi / 2375 ft gainFrom 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...Read more -
Encinitas, California
San Elijo State Beach Campground
4.5This campground is located right next to the beach as well as next to the San Elijo Lagoon. Head to the beach during the day for a swim. This is also a great place to catch a sunset. If you want to stretch your legs and get moving a bit, you can hike around the San Elijo Lagoon to the east of the...Read more -
Ramona, California
Explore the Sutherland Dam
2.01 miOnce your on Sutherland Dam Rd, follow it until your right next to the dam. Park on the side of the road where you see a small turn-out. Walk down to the side of the dam and drop down onto the concrete flooring of the dam. Walk on-top where allowed, and check out the views of the lake and the mo...Read more
