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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Riverside County, California
San Jacinto Peak via Marion Mountain Trailhead
11.25 mi / 4505 ft gainSan Jacinto Peak is the second highest peak in Southern California which sits at 10,833'. There are several trails to summit San Jacinto, but Marion Mountain is the shortest but also a tough one. You will start the hike at an elevation of 6300' and continuously climb 4500' in less than 6 miles. ...Read more -
San Diego, California
Surf Scripps Pier
5.0Park on La Jolla Shores Drive and make the short walk down the boat ramp north of the pier. This spot often has some of the clearest waters in San Diego, making it a picturesque place to surf. During low tide, check out the tide pools just north of the surf spot to find some awesome sea life.Read more -
San Clemente, California
San Clemente State Beach
4.54.58 mi / 26 ft gainSan Clemente State Beach is an out-and-back trail that takes past scenic surroundings located near San Clemente, California.Read more -
San Diego, California
Watch the Sunset at Windansea Beach
5.0One of San Diego's hidden gems. This beach offers an incredible and beautiful view any time of the day. My favorite time to go to this beach is during the sunset. There is a set of stairs just north of the parking lot that leads down to the cliffs where you can sit, hang out, and relax. It's also...Read more -
Julian, California
Blair Valley Trail
11.4 mi / 873 ft gainBlair Valley Trail is a loop trail where you may see wildflowers located near Julian, California.Read more -
San Juan Capistrano, California
Hike the Pinhead Peak Trail at Ronald W. Caspers Wilderness Park
4.02 mi / 220 ft gainRonald W. Caspers Wilderness Park is the perfect place to getaway from the hubbub of LA. Enjoy the scenic drive north on Ortega Highway before reaching the entrance gate to the park. Parking Fees are currently $3 on Weekdays and $5 on Weekends. Camping Fees vary depending on your group size. The...Read more -
Trabuco Canyon, California
Bell Canyon Trail
3.86 mi / 102 ft gainBell Canyon Trail is an out-and-back trail where you may see wildflowers located near San Juan Capistrano, California.Read more -
Lake Elsinore, California
Explore Walker Canyon
4.3Walker canyon is within easy driving distance from most places in Orange County and San Diego which makes for a great day trip. While there is no official parking lot for the trail you will be able to find parking all along Lake Street and Walker Canyon Road. The trail begins at the corner of L...Read more -
Mountain Center, California
Dunn Road
15.55 mi / 994 ft gainDunn Road is an out-and-back trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Palm Springs, California.Read more -
San Diego, California
Hike to the Rope Swing in Tecolote Canyon
4.04.4 miTecolote Canyon offers a great opportunity to explore nature right in the heart of San Diego, whether it is a hike, run, or bike ride on the trails. But the best kept secret is perhaps a rope swing over the creek! The main trail starts off at Tecolote Canyon Natural Park & Nature Center, wh...Read more -
San Diego, California
Bonfire at Fiesta Island
4.7This island offers scenic views of of mission bay and if you're lucky, you can catch fireworks from Sea World. The bonfire rings are stationed around the island, so make sure you get there early to stake yours out, especially if you're headed there on the weekend. Dogs are allowed off leash at th...Read more -
Palm Springs, California
Palm Canyon Trail
4.51.94 mi / 308 ft gainThe fifteen mile long Palm Canyon, one of the Indian Canyons, is among the most beautiful natural sites in Western North America. Its indigenous flora and fauna, expertly used by the Cahuilla people, and its abundant Washingtonia Filifera (California Fan Palm) stand in breathtaking contrast to th...Read more -
Palm Springs, California
Indian Potrero Loop Trail
8.67 mi / 1247 ft gainIndian Potrero Loop Trail is a strenuous loop trail located near Palm Springs, California.Read more -
Palm Springs, California
Indian Canyon West Fork Trail
5.3 mi / 1545 ft gainIndian Canyon West Fork Trail is a strenuous out-and-back trail located near Palm Springs, California.Read more -
San Diego, California
Old Town San Diego State Historical Park
4.51 miFrom where Father Junipero Serra established the first of 21 California Missions in 1769, this area was the first permanent European settlement in the San Diego region. Today, past and present meet in a preserved historical park located near Downtown San Diego. You can explore life as it was in ...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
