Julian, California

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

Top Hiking Spots in and near Julian

  • Borrego Springs, California

    Camping in Anza-Borrego State Park

    5.0
    With over 600,000 acres, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is the largest state park in the contiguous United States. 500 miles of dirt roads, 12 wilderness areas and miles of hiking trails provide visitors with an unparalleled opportunity to experience the wonders of the Colorado Desert. The park i...
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  • Mount Laguna, California

    Sunset and Big Laguna Loop to Big Laguna Lake

    5.0
    4.24 mi / 394 ft gain
    The Sunset and Big Laguna Loop to Big Laguna Lake offers visitors a scenic 4.7-mile loop trail through the Laguna Mountain Recreation Area. This diverse trail system combines sections of the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) with local trails, showcasing mountain meadows, pine forests, and seasonal lak...
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  • Borrego Springs, California

    Hike the Panorama Overlook in Anza Borrego Desert State Park

    1.6 mi / 636 ft gain
    This is an out and back 1.6 mile round trip with 636 feet of elevation gain. The top has excellent views of Anza Borrego. It is close to the visitor center.
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  • Mount Laguna, California

    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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  • Mount Laguna, California

    Big Laguna Trail to Noble Canyon

    5.0
    19.31 mi / 1473 ft gain
    Big Laguna Trail to Noble Canyon is a point-to-point trail that takes you through a nice forest located near Mount Laguna, 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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  • Escondido, California

    Clevenger Canyon South West Trail

    5.0
    4.39 mi / 1099 ft gain
    Clevenger Canyon South West Trail located in San Diego is a moderately challenging 4.4-mile round-trip hike with expansive views of the San Pasqual Valley and surrounding peaks. Located near the northern edge of the Clevenger Canyon area, the trail takes you through open, exposed terrain with ste...
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  • Julian, California

    Agua Caliente Hot Spring

    5.0
    1.53 mi / 164 ft gain
    Agua Caliente Hot Spring is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a hot springs located near Julian, California.
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  • Lakeside, California

    El Cajon Mountain

    4.6
    11.07 mi / 3337 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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  • 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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  • San Diego County, California

    Hike Sheep Canyon

    5.0
    2.71 mi / 732 ft gain
    Sheep Canyon is probably the most remote palm canyon in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park in California. While Palm Canyon is easily accessed from the State Park campground, Sheep Canyon is on a dirt road that requires stream crossings and potentially a high-clearance 4WD vehicle.  The canyon is na...
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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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  • Borrego Springs, California

    The Slot

    4.8
    2.2 mi / 266 ft gain
    Hiking The Slot From the parking lot, you will take the trail into the canyon that is directly in front of you. This will be the hardest and steepest part of the hike. There are no trail markers for the Slot. You can take the trail to the right of the parking lot very briefly, but make sure or y...
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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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