The Best Hiking in Jamul

Balancing a good workout, gorgeous views, and minimal time commitment, these 4.8-mile steep trail is definitely a San Diego point of interest, and despite its proximity to the city of San Diego, it remains a low trafficked hike. The Hike: Right away the trail weaves you through beautiful vegetation that will really kick the hike off to a good start, and after a quick minute, it will build to th...

The trail is wide and well maintained. The first mile of the trail is well shaded by oak trees. You'll see stunning rocky peaks and rolling green hills as the trail continues. There are three creek crossings to be aware of. Cleveland National Forest is dog friendly, but bring a leash! Hunting is allowed in this area, so stay on the trail and watch for signage.  There are many connecting trails ...

The trek begins on the Otay Mountain Truck Trail at Pio Pico Resort & Campground. You can either park and hike the entire trail, or drive up to a point a couple miles and park before the road becomes steep and rough. The distance on here is if you hiked the whole way. If you have a 4-wheel drive vehicle you can drive most of the way to the top of the mountain. We parked about 4 miles from t...

At the summit, your work will be rewarded with stunning views from downtown San Diego all the way to Mexico. You can also see the surrounding mountain peaks and the Sweetwater Reservoir.  This is a great hike to do at sunset - but bring a headlamp / flashlight for the hike back down. This trail is easily accessible from the greater LA and San Diego areas, and the trail allows dogs. There is no ...

Starting at 8100 Mesa road, you will see parking along the side of the road in a few places, take advantage where you find it. Pass over the trail gate that marks the start of the journey. This will be a quick trip, as the total distance is less than a mile out and back. Head a quarter mile or so before you come across a waterfall and small pond on your right hand side. Depending on the time of...

Most 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 has to offer. What most people don't know, however, is that there is more to see and more trail ahead b...

Starting 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 the park and turn right where you will see a wooden figure with papers on it.  The trail head sign ...

Start 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 south for about a half mile( residential houses will be on your left for this small stretch) then link u...

Park 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've never had any problem finding a spot. Walk a short distance westward along the road (Junipero Ser...

The Visitor Center Loop Trail is a 1.4 mile hike in San Diego that features river views and allows dogs. This trail allows for the practice of a variety of activities: rock climbing, mountain biking, trail running, birding, camping horseback riding, and hiking. There are shady spots available every so often, but bring sun protection and extra water. The trail is well maintained and is open year...

The Visitor Center Loop Trail is a well maintained, quick hike with shady spots scattered along the path. This hike is great for kids and dog owners. There is a great network of connecting trails if you wish to extend the distance! Dogs are allowed on this trail but must be kept on leash. The trail is kept open year-round and features a river (typically a bit more full after it rains). 

Starting 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 road, and walk in.Starting at the parking lot, walk down past the bathrooms to the entrance for Oak C...

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 keep heading past the peak to check out the cliff overlooks. This small detour will only add 2 mile...

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 left. Take the 'Scenic Overlook' trail that veers left for 200 yards or so and takes you to a breathta...

El Cajon Mountain Trail is easily accessible from the greater LA and San Diego areas. The trail is open year-round and allows dogs.  The parking lot is half a mile from the bathrooms and trail head. At the trail head, you'll have the option to take the road or the trail. They are about the same mileage and elevation gain. The trail typically has better views. After 2.2 miles, you'll begin to de...

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 creep into the canyons.South Fortuna Peak is part of Mission Trails Regional Park, and there are several options for gaining access to the peak. The recommended ...