Lakeside, California

Lakeside, California is a must-visit for outdoor adventures, offering some of the best trails and outdoor activities. One of the top attractions is the El Capitan Preserve Trail, a challenging 11.3-mile hike with stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and the Cuyamaca Mountains. This trail is known for its steep inclines and rocky terrain, making it a great choice for those looking for a vigorous workout. Another scenic spot is the Lake Jennings, perfect for fishing and bird watching, with its abundant wildlife and clear waters. For rock climbing and bouldering, head to the Gaskill Peak, a natural rock formation that provides a challenging climb and panoramic views from the top. These are just a few examples of the outdoor adventures waiting for you in Lakeside, California.

Top Spots in and near Lakeside

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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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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Santee, California
Cowles Mountain via Big Rock Trail

4.0

4.86 mi / 1207 ft gain

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...
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Santee, California
Crystal Cave

4.0

0.46 mi / 59 ft gain

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 ...
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Santee, California
Cowles Mountain via Big Rock Road

4.5

4.32 mi / 1109 ft gain

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 sout...
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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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Santee, California
Kwaay Paay Trail

2.4 mi / 846 ft gain

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'...
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Santee, California
Oak Canyon in Mission Trails Regional Park

3.22 mi / 249 ft gain

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 r...
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San Diego, California
Pyles Peak

5.0

6.03 mi / 1706 ft gain

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 h...
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La Mesa, California
Catch a Sunset at Lake Murray

Lake Murray Reservoir provides drinking water to parts of San Diego, and thus is a no swimming lake. This is one of the reasons it is such a great place to photograph! If you are shooting the sunset, use this app to check the time the sun sets, and get to the lake at least 30 minutes prior to set...
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San Diego, California
Visitor Center Loop Trail

5.0

1.46 mi / 148 ft gain

The Visitor Center Loop Trail is a 1.4 mile hike in San Diego that features river views and allows dogs.The Visitor Center Loop Trail is a well maintained, quick hike with shady spots scattered along the path and open year-round. This trail is great for kids and dog owners. There is a great netwo...
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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
Hike to South Fortuna Peak

5.0

5 mi / 1000 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 creep into the canyons.South Fortuna Peak is part of Mission ...
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San Diego, California
Hike 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 indiv...
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Jamul, California
Hike Mt. McGinty

4.8 mi / 1263 ft gain

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 vegetati...
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Ramona, California
Hiking Mount Woodson's East Approach

3.0

4 mi

Mount Woodson is a well know hiking trail in San Diego County. It is know for its breath taking 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 t...
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