Ranchita, California

Ranchita, California offers some of the best trails and outdoor activities for those who appreciate the great outdoors. The Pacific Crest Trail is a must-visit. This challenging hike offers scenic views of the San Felipe Valley, along with unique rock formations that make the journey worthwhile. For a more relaxed outdoor adventure, the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is a top choice. It provides opportunities for bird watching and wildlife spotting, with the backdrop of the beautiful desert landscape. Nearby, you will find the Santa Ysabel Open Space Preserve, where you can enjoy a leisurely walk along the river, surrounded by lush greenery. These attractions make Ranchita a prime location for outdoor adventures.

Top Spots in and near Ranchita

Borrego Springs, California
Hike to Maidenhair Falls via Hellhole Canyon in Anza Borrego Desert State Park

5.1 mi / 974 ft gain

This 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...
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Borrego Springs, California
Hike through Borrego Palm Canyon

5.0

3.25 mi / 450 ft gain

Borrego 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...
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Borrego Springs, California
Camping in Anza-Borrego State Park

5.0

With 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...
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Borrego Springs, California
Hike the Panorama Overlook in Anza Borrego Desert State Park

1.6 mi / 636 ft gain

This 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.
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Warner Springs, California
Eagle Rock via the Pacific Crest Trail

5.0

6.2 mi / 807 ft gain

With doing more hikes in the SoCal area, I've realized half the battle is just trying to find the damn trailhead.Technically you have 2 ways to enter this trail ... Start from 79 and add a very enjoyable extra 3ish miles, or start from the Warner Springs Fire Station, for a total 7 mile hike.We c...
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Julian, California
Volcan Mountain Trail

4.82 mi / 1270 ft gain

Volcan Mountain Trail located near Julian, California is a moderate day hike. This well-maintained trail offers beautiful views, but keep in mind there isn't too much sun protection, so be sure to pack plenty of water and coverage on sunnier days. Dogs are permitted on the trail on a leash.
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Borrego Springs, California
Anza Borrego Metal Sculptures

4.6

Here's a map I made that marks where most of the sculptures are (here). First, you enter the park and drive through the little city of Borrego Springs. There will be a roundabout you can't miss, so you know you're on the right path. There is nowhere to park to get to the sculptures specifically,...
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San Diego County, California
Hike Sheep Canyon

5.0

3 mi / 1000 ft gain

Sheep Canyon is probably the most remote palm canyon in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park in California. While Palm Canyon is easily accessed from the State Park campground, Sheep Canyon is on a dirt road that requires stream crossings and potentially a high-clearance 4WD vehicle. The canyon is nam...
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Santa Ysabel, California
Hiking in Santa Ysabel

3.0

Starting at the trailhead on Hwy 79, enter through the gate and make sure to close it behind you - the preserve is open range area for herds of cows, make sure not to disturb them when hiking. From the gate you'll see the sign with a detailed map of trails that are available for hiking. The trail...
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Julian, California
Blair Valley Trail

11.4 mi / 873 ft gain

Blair Valley Trail is a loop trail where you may see wildflowers located near Julian, California.
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Julian, California
Ghost Mountain Trail to Yaquitepec

5.0

1.29 mi / 443 ft gain

Ghost Mountain Trail to Yaquitepec is an out-and-back trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Julian, California.
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Ramona, California
Explore the Sutherland Dam

2.0

1 mi

Once your on Sutherland Dam Rd, follow it until your right next to the dam. Park on the side of the road where you see a small turn-out. Walk down to the side of the dam and drop down onto the concrete flooring of the dam. Walk on-top where allowed, and check out the views of the lake and the mo...
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Borrego Springs, California
Catch a Sunset at Fonts Point

4.0

4 mi

The best time to go to Fonts point is right before the sun sets. It is located in the desert, so be sure to dress warmly and bring a blanket or two.In order to get to Fonts Point, you'll have to drive through roughly 4 miles of sand and rocks. 4x4 is strongly recommended, but keep an eye on road ...
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Borrego Springs, California
The Slot

4.7

2.2 mi / 266 ft gain

Hiking 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...
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Julian, California
Hike Stonewall Peak

4.7

3.82 mi / 820 ft gain

This 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...
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Julian, California
Hike Cuyamaca Peak

4.5

5.5 mi / 1700 ft gain

This 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...
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