Palomar Mountain, California
Palomar Mountain, California, is a must-visit destination for outdoor adventurers. The area is home to some of the best trails and activities in the region, offering scenic views and adventures. Popular attractions include Palomar Observatory, the Palomar Mountain State Park, and the Doane Valley Campground. Whether you’re looking for a hike, a picnic, or a campground, Palomar Mountain has something for everyone. So go out and explore this top outdoor getaway.
Top Spots in and near Palomar Mountain
-
Encinitas, California
Encinitas Coastal Rail Trail
2.61 mi / 33 ft gainThe Cardiff/Encinitas Coastal Rail Trail (part of the longer, ongoing project to eventually run 44 miles between Oceanside and San Diego) is a beautiful, mellow, and well-maintained pathway that runs from the corner of Chesterfield Dr. & San Elijo Ave. (right across the street from the Patago...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 -
Palm Springs, California
Winter Climb San Jacinto from the Tram
5.08 mi / 2400 ft gainIntermediate: No snow.Advanced: Lots of snow.Expert: Snow w/ high winds and low temps. GPX: https://www.gaiagps.com/datasu... San Jacinto, at 10,834 feet, is the second-highest peak in the Southern California. It's unique in that it has a rotating tram car (think slow motion disco floor) that r...Read more -
Palm Springs, California
Scramble Cornell Peak
3.5 mi / 1000 ft gainEntering Mt San Jacinto State Park via the Palm Springs Aerial Tram is one of the easiest ways to get into the wilderness area. Purchase your ticket and ride to the station where you'll be able to walk out the backdoor and onto the trail. In order to get to Cornell, your route finding skills wil...Read more -
Palm Springs, California
Climb at the Tramway of Mount San Jacinto
John Muir once wrote, "The view from San Jacinto is the most sublime spectacle to be found anywhere on this earth!" So it's no surprise that this is a sought after destination for hikers and climbers alike. Named after the fact that most climbers use the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway to reach this...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 -
Palm Springs, California
Araby Trail
4.58 mi / 1545 ft gainThis hike takes you up to Bob Hope’s massive mushroom shaped house. The neighborhood also includes a house where Steve McQueen lived and the Elrod House featured in the James Bond film “Diamonds are Forever”. It’s a fairly easy hike up to Bob’s but really climbs after you pass the estate. You c...Read more -
Palm Springs, California
Araby and Berns Trail Loop
4.76 mi / 1293 ft gainThe Araby and Berns Trail Loop in Palm Springs offers a moderately challenging hike with stunning views of both urban and natural landscapes. Hikers begin by passing notable landmarks like the famous Bob Hope house before ascending into more rugged terrain with rocky single-track paths. As you cl...Read more -
Palm Springs, California
Murray Hill via Araby Trail
5.08.85 mi / 2844 ft gainMurray Hill is the highest point in the surrounding trail system. You can access it from Araby Trail or anyone of the others in the area. It's about 9 miles round-trip and a healthy 2,850 vertical feet gain. From the top of the Shannon Trail bear right until you reach the Wildhorse Trailhead. Go...Read more -
Solana Beach, California
Annie’s Canyon via N Rios
4.71.34 mi / 92 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 -
Del Mar, California
Coast to Crest Trail at the San Dieguito Lagoon
4.1Coast to Crest Trail at the San Dieguito Lagoon is an out-and-back trail that begins at its western end on Jimmy Durante Boulevard, where it links up with the River Path Del Mar. Heading east, the trail extends a short distance to the Birdwing Open Air Classroom and passes by the Surf Sports Park...Read more -
Solana Beach, CaliforniaLa Colonia Park
5.0This is such a perfect park in Solana Beach. Great for dogs, kids, and groups. The park has a grass field perfect for pickup games of soccer or lounging, a big playground, a full basketball court, a pickleball court, picnic tables, and bathrooms. This park has plenty of space, easy and free stree...Read more -
Julian, California
Ghost Mountain Trail to Yaquitepec
5.01.29 mi / 443 ft gainGhost Mountain Trail to Yaquitepec is an out-and-back trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Julian, California.Read more -
Palm Springs, California
Skyline Trail to Aerial Tramway Top Station
9.41 mi / 8238 ft gainThe Skyline Trail to Aerial Tramway Top Station is a challenging hike near Palm Springs, known for its dramatic elevation gain and scenic transitions from desert to alpine terrain. Starting from the Palm Springs Art Museum, the trail ascends over 8,200 feet in elevation before reaching the Palm...Read more -
Palm Springs, California
Museum Trail
1.52 mi / 860 ft gainThe Museum Trail is a very steep climb with a 1,000 feet elevation gain in just one mile but has some great views of downtown Palm Springs. The hike starts behind the Palm Springs Art Museum. This trail can also access the Cactus to Clouds Trail that goes all the way to the top of Mt. San Jacinto...Read more -
La Quinta, California
Hike to Lake Cahuilla
4.55.41 mi / 183 ft gainFrom Hwy. 111 take Washington (South) 3 miles to Avenue 52 (Turn Right). Take Avenue 52 a 1/2 mile to Avenida Bermudas (Turn Left). Follow Avenida Bermudas for 2 miles (becomes Calle Tecate). Cove Trailhead & Parking Lot located on the left across from Avenida Ramirez. You'll start heading ou...Read more
