Poway, California
Looking for the best hiking in Poway? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Poway. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.
Top Hiking Spots in and near Poway
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Fallbrook, California
Hike the Santa Margarita River Trail
5.05 mi / 469 ft gainSanta Margarita River Trail is a 5 mile out-and-back hike that takes you near the river in Fallbrook, CA. This trail provides some shade which is helpful on hot days. If you bring your swimsuit you can hop in for a dip on hotter days. Make sure you wear good hiking shoes due to some rocky terrai...Read more -
San Diego County, California
Hike Garnet Peak Trail
3.02.6 mi / 500 ft gainWhile there are a few trail options, the designated Garnet Peak Trail begins off of Sunrise Highway at Mile Marker 27.8. There is a small pull-off on the east side of the road with a sign denoting the trail. An Adventure Pass is required for parking in this area of Cleveland National Forest.The f...Read more -
San Diego County, California
Big Laguna Lake Loop
5.05.9 mi / 400 ft gainBig Laguna Lake Loop is a loop trail that takes you by a lake located near Pine Valley, California.Read more -
Temecula, California
Dripping Springs Trail
4.013.68 mi / 3287 ft gainThe trail immediately begins to climb out of the campground on a well-graded incline. The next mile contains some climbing leading to a set of switchbacks. A long strenuous climb ensues until the 3200' elevation is reached. The trail then makes an easy southward traverse to the basin before resum...Read more -
Aguanga, California
Vail Lake Loop
4.07.25 mi / 922 ft gainVail Lake Loop is a loop trail that takes you by a lake located near Temecula, California.Read more -
Campo, California
Kitchen Creek Falls Trail
4.04.83 mi / 722 ft gainKitchen Creek Falls Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Pine Valley, California.Read more -
San Diego County, California
Hiking the Laguna Hills via the PCT
5.020 mi / 2000 ft gainThis trail is well-maintained, but gets a little rocky on the PCT, and the Chariot Fire burn-zone between Penny Pines and Hayes peak will have a few downed trees and some overgrown grasses. On the other hand, the trail network of the BLT is confusing to follow as the entire network is named "Big ...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 -
Mount Laguna, California
Night Shoot at 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 -
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 -
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 -
San Diego County, California
Camp On the Abandoned Santa Margarita Lookout Helipad
4.3Starting in Murrieta, CA you don't have to venture far to enjoy a beautiful view and less light polluted skies.From Murrieta on the I-15 freeway you're going to want to take the Clinton Kieth Road exit and head west. If you're low on gas make sure to fill up at the 7 Eleven on the left corner. Th...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 -
Borrego Springs, California
Hike through Borrego Palm Canyon
5.03.25 mi / 450 ft gainBorrego Palm Canyon Trail is located just north of the park visitor center, making it a convenient place to begin your exploration of the Anza-Borrego Desert. To reach the trailhead, drive through Borrego Palm Canyon Campground, the largest developed campground in the park, where an $8 day use fe...Read more -
Borrego Springs, California
Camping in Anza-Borrego State Park
5.0With over 600,000 acres, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is the largest state park in the contiguous United States. 500 miles of dirt roads, 12 wilderness areas and miles of hiking trails provide visitors with an unparalleled opportunity to experience the wonders of the Colorado Desert. The park i...Read more -
Campo, California
Photograph the Mexican Border on the PCT Southern Terminus
4.5From San Diego head East on Hwy 8 for roughly 60 miles to Buckman Springs Road (Exit 51). Take a right on Buckman Springs road an drive South for 10 miles. Turn right on CA-94 W (Campo Rd) and drive for 1.5 miles. After crossing the railroad tracks turn left on Forrest Gate Road. Take this road f...Read more