Pauma Valley, California
Looking for the best hiking in Pauma Valley? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Pauma Valley. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.
Top Hiking Spots in and near Pauma Valley
-
Santee, California
Cowles Mountain via Big Rock Trail
4.04.86 mi / 1207 ft gainStarting 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...Read more -
San Diego, California
Hike the Rose Canyon Trail
3.58.9 mi / 725 ft gainThis 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.Read more -
San Diego, California
Black's Beach via the Ho Chi Minh Trail
4.30.61 mi / 259 ft gainFinding the actual trail is 80% of the adventure. Once you turn down La Jolla Farms Road you will follow it for about 3/4 of a mile and there won't be anything too apparent that you are there, except a few cars parked along the street. Make sure to plug in the directions from the map so you know ...Read more -
Santee, California
Cowles Mountain via Big Rock Road
4.54.32 mi / 1109 ft gainStart 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...Read more -
San Diego, California
Surfing at Black's Beach via the Main Gate
5.01 mi / 650 ft gainWith arguably some of San Diego’s best waves, Black’s Beach can be found in the vicinity of the University of California San Diego campus, at the southern end of Torrey Pines State Beach and north of La Jolla Shores. Stately eight-figure mansions now line the bluffs where pastures and the Black f...Read more -
Mountain Center, California
Lion Peak Trail
9.39 mi / 1722 ft gainLion Peak Trail is an out-and-back trail that is moderately difficult located near Mountain Center, California.Read more -
Santee, California
Crystal Cave
4.00.46 mi / 59 ft gainStarting 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 ...Read more -
Mountain Center, California
Apache Peak Trail
9.4 mi / 2966 ft gainApache Peak Trail is an out-and-back trail where you may see wildflowers located near Mountain Center, California.Read more -
Borrego Springs, California
Hike the Panorama Overlook in Anza Borrego Desert State Park
1.6 mi / 636 ft gainThis 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.Read more -
Julian, California
Hike Stonewall Peak
4.73.82 mi / 820 ft gainThis hike is one of the most popular in the Cuyamaca Rancho State Park. When you reach Stonewall Peak's summit, enjoy the view of the surrounding park and nearby Lake Cuyamaca. The hike up the east side is a popular and relatively easy trail. Although you'll be gaining 800 feet, the hike is relat...Read more -
Julian, California
Hike Cuyamaca Peak
4.55.5 mi / 1700 ft gainThis peak is one of the tallest in the county. Reaching the summit of the peak takes you to an elevation of 6500'. Although this peak isn't as challenging as others nearby, it's located in the center of San Diego, which offers up amazing views, which is the main reason to take this hike. The best...Read more -
Lake Elsinore, California
Hike Bear Canyon Trail to Sitton Peak
6.4 mi / 2200 ft gainA MUST hike for any orange country resident! The hike starts of off Ortega HWY 74 at the Bear Canyon Trail head on the same side of the road as the Ortega oaks candy store. Its recommended you park in the lot across the street from the trail head (tip:there is a working water spicket in the parki...Read more -
Lake Elsinore, California
Sitton Peak
9.36 mi / 2011 ft gainIt's amazing what you can find in your own backyard if you really do you research. In Orange County there are so many awesome hiking options that are often overlooked. The Bear Canyon to Sitton Peak Trail in the San Mateo Wilderness is one of those. Sitton tops out at 3,273 feet and it's a 5 mil...Read more -
Borrego Springs, California
Hike to Maidenhair Falls via Hellhole Canyon in Anza Borrego Desert State Park
5.1 mi / 974 ft gainThis 5.1 mile hike begins near the visitor center of Anza Borrego Desert State Park and gains 974 feet of elevation while climbing up a canyon to a small waterfall. It is an interesting hike as you can see the plant life change as you get closer to the waterfall. There are parts where the trail g...Read more -
San Diego, California
Mission Trails 5 Peaks
15 miThe 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...Read more -
San Diego, California
South Fortuna Mountain
5.04.59 mi / 997 ft gainHiking 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...Read more