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Encinitas, California

Looking for the best hiking in Encinitas? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Encinitas. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.

Top Hiking Spots in and near Encinitas

  • Oceanside, California

    Bike or Skate the Strand

    4.0
    1 mi / 0 ft gain
    Oceanside's iconic Strand is a 1 mile long ocean-front road that is perfect for cycling, walking, and running. At various points it is one way or pedestrian only, and is a must-do for any visitors to Oceanside.From the north The Strand begins at Breakwater Way and heads south underneath The Ocean...
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  • San Diego, California

    Explore Chambers Hidden Dam and Waterfall

    3.2
    0.5 mi
    Once you get off on Poway road, turn right onto Sabre Springs Parkway. Take your immediate left onto Creekbridge Road and park right there on the hill. Walk straight down towards the black gate and go down the hill. Turn right on the trail and walk down 1/4 mile to the dam, and another 500 yards ...
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  • San Diego, California

    Battle Mountain's Cross

    5.0
    0.45 mi / 256 ft gain
    This is a quick and easy hike for everyday explorers desiring a 20-minute sweat-inducing power walk leading to incredible views of urban development, Iron Mountain, Mt. Woodson, Mule Hill, and The 15. Come enjoy the views while sitting under the beautiful 20ft cross you've been admiring from the ...
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  • Escondido, California

    Bernardo Mountain Summit Trail

    5.0
    7.15 mi / 1060 ft gain
    Bernardo 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...
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  • San Diego, California

    Hike the Rose Canyon Trail

    3.5
    8.9 mi / 725 ft gain
    This hike is open year-round but is especially beautiful in the spring when the wildflowers are blooming and the spring is running. This trail offers good entry level mountain biking, with mostly flat well maintained trails and a couple of challenging but doable hills. 
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  • San Diego, California

    La Jolla Coast Walk Trail

    5.0
    2.32 mi / 295 ft gain
    La Jolla Coast Walk is a beautiful coastline trail, but is a bit of a heavily trafficked tourist trail. The hike can be started and ended at 3 separate locations. The trail is easily accessible with a small parking lot and tons of restaurants nearby.  The trail begins near another popular touris...
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  • Poway, California

    Catch a Sunset at Twin Peaks Mountain

    2 mi
    Start by parking at Silverset Park. You will see the trail head for Twin Peaks just behind the park. Park outside of the park if you think you'll be staying past sunset, as the park gates close at dark! Once you spot the trail head, veer left to the path heading up towards the peaks. You will eve...
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  • Poway, California

    Blue Sky Ecological Reserve to Ramona Dam

    3.0
    5.3 mi / 984 ft gain
    Starting at the trail head where you park your car, head south along the Green Valley Truck Trail. After less than a mile, you will notice the city and noise start to fade behind you, and a beautiful sight of towering oaks, willows, and sycamores appear as you walk along the Creekside Trail. You ...
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  • Poway, California

    Mount Woodson and Potato Chip Rock

    4.6
    6.45 mi / 900 ft gain
    Mt. Woodson is located in Poway's most eastern region and is one of San Diego's most popular and most iconic hiking trails. Known for its grand photo opportunistic "Potato Chip Rock", Mt. Woodson is a 7.5mi out-and-back trail with amazing vistas, convenient rest stops and breathtaking views. The...
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  • Escondido, California

    Camp at Dixon Lake

    2.1 mi / 295 ft gain
    Dixon Lake is Escondido's best kept secret! A man-made reservoir located right next to Daley Ranch, Dixon Lake offers overnight camping, boat rentals, fishing, and hiking, along with picnic areas, a kids park, and more.  The campground is open year-round and is located next to the lake with a lof...
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  • San Diego, California

    Hike to the Rope Swing in Tecolote Canyon

    4.0
    4.4 mi
    Tecolote Canyon offers a great opportunity to explore nature right in the heart of San Diego, whether it is a hike, run, or bike ride on the trails.  But the best kept secret is perhaps a rope swing over the creek! The main trail starts off at Tecolote Canyon Natural Park & Nature Center, wh...
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  • Ramona, California

    Iron Mountain Peak Trail

    4.1
    5.67 mi / 1030 ft gain
    Iron Mountain is the longest wilderness trail in Poway, CA. The parking lot is free and provides bathroom and water fountain amenities. The distance from the parking area to the summit is approximately 3.2 miles. Beginning with a wide smooth trail, slowly transitioning into semi-technical incline...
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  • San Diego, California

    Mission Trails 5 Peaks

    15 mi
    The 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...
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  • Poway, California

    Hike around Goodan Ranch

    5.0
    3 mi
    Starting 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...
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  • San Diego, California

    South Fortuna Mountain

    5.0
    4.59 mi / 997 ft gain
    Hiking 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...
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  • Ramona, California

    Mount Woodson's East Approach

    3.0
    3.96 mi / 1385 ft gain
    Mount Woodson is a well-known hiking trail in San Diego County. It is known for its breathtaking views and the famous potato chip rock. The Trail on the east side of the Mountain is fairly steep but is about half the distance of the trail on the west side of the mountain. To get to the trail on ...
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