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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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 -
San Diego, California
Swing on the La Jolla Tree Swings
3.0From Torrey Pines Rd, turn left onto La Jolla Shores Drive. After about 1/4 of a mile down start to look for parking preferably near UCSD Coastal Apartments. Once parked walk along the UCSD apartments until you see Discovery way. Make a left at Discovery where you will then cross the street. You ...Read more -
San Diego, California
Visitor Center Loop Trail
5.01.46 mi / 148 ft gainThe 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...Read more -
San Clemente, California
Beach Day at San Onofre
5.0This spot is no secret but it’s by far one of the best beaches California has to offer and has been regarded since the 1950s as a friendly surfing sanctuary. The beach is divided into three surf spots (named from North to South), known as “The Point,” “Old Man’s,” and “Dogpatch.” To access the be...Read more
