Pauma Valley, California
Pauma Valley, California is a top destination for outdoor adventures. One of the best trails in this area is the Palomar Mountain State Park Trail. This moderate difficulty, 6.7-mile loop trail offers scenic views of beautiful forests, creeks, and a variety of local flora and fauna. The trail also features the famous Boucher Lookout Tower, a must-visit spot for panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. For those looking for a more challenging hike, the Palomar Observatory Trail is a great option. This 4.8-mile trail offers stunning views of the Palomar Observatory and the nearby Lake Henshaw. Other outdoor activities in Pauma Valley include bird watching, camping, and fishing in the nearby Lake Henshaw and Pauma Creek. With its diverse range of trails and outdoor activities, Pauma Valley is a must-visit destination for anyone looking for a scenic outdoor adventure.
Top Spots in and near Pauma Valley
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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 -
Chula Vista, California
Mother Miguel Mountain
5.04.1 mi / 919 ft gainAt 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 ...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 -
Palm Springs, California
North Lykken Trail from W. Crescent Drive
1.67 mi / 906 ft gainNorth Lykken Trail from W. Crescent Drive is an out-and-back trail that takes you past scenic surroundings located near Palm Springs, California.Read more -
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...Read more -
Dana Point, California
Surf Salt Creek
5.0There are two HUGE parking lots off of PCH, so parking isn't an issue (unless it's on a weekend in the summer, then it does get full). This is a paid lot with a few pay stations located around the parking lot, and they take cash and credit/ debit card...you can pay by the hour. Once you find your...Read more -
Dana Point, California
Salt Creek Trail
5.01.6 mi / 95 ft gainStarting from the Salt Creek Beach parking lot (a paid lot that takes cash and credit cards and charges by the hour with pay stations at a few points in the parking lots), you head west towards the ocean...through a tunnel and down the hill towards the beach. Once you get to the basketball court ...Read more -
Cabazon, California
Check Out the Cabazon Dinosaurs
4.4For any fans of Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure or The Wizard, the Cabazon Dinosaurs are instantly recognizable. A roadside attraction off of Hwy 10 - 90 miles east of Los Angeles - the dinosaurs, heralded as the “World’s Biggest Dinosaurs", are a quick adventure.To get to the dinosaurs, you’ll travel on...Read more -
Coronado, California
Coronado Central Beach
5.0Coronado Central Beach in San Diego is a 1.5-mile-long, wide sandy beach set against the backdrop of the iconic Hotel del Coronado. It’s popular for swimming, surfing, sunbathing, and beachcombing. The flat terrain is ideal for skimboarding and walking, attracting families who often spend the ent...Read more -
Coronado, California
Coronado Beach
4.6Photograph the iconic and historic Hotel Del and Coronado Beach on Coronado Island. The Del is a beautiful Victorian resort, which is the second-largest wooden structure in the United States. The Del offers amazing photo opportunities during sunset and during sunrise when it is beautifully backli...Read more -
Mount Laguna, California
Big Laguna Trail to Noble Canyon
5.019.31 mi / 1473 ft gainBig Laguna Trail to Noble Canyon is a point-to-point trail that takes you through a nice forest located near Mount Laguna, California.Read more -
Mount Laguna, California
Red Trail Roost and Agua Dulce Trail Loop
4.04.63 mi / 591 ft gainRed Trail Roost and Agua Dulce Trail Loop is a loop trail where you may see wildflowers located near Julian, California.Read more -
Jamul, California
Hollenbeck Canyon Trail
4.65 mi / 709 ft gainThe 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 ...Read more -
Borrego Springs, California
The Slot
4.82.2 mi / 266 ft gainHiking 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...Read more -
Trabuco Canyon, California
The Luge: Santiago Truck Trail Loop
5.07.46 mi / 1371 ft gainThe Luge: Santiago Truck Trail Loop is a loop trail that takes you through a nice forest located near Lake Forest, California.Read more
