San Diego, California

Starting on Father Junipero Serra Trail, drive 0.7 miles west to the Old Mission Dam parking lot on the left. The park closes the gates at 7pm, so make sure to park early, or plan your hike in such a way that you don't get locked in! If you think you'll need longer, you can park out on the main r...

Most people who live in San Diego have heard of, if not hiked, Cowles Mountain. At 1591 ft., Cowles is the highest peak in the city of San Diego. It's a hugely popular destination for day hikers and trail runners looking to get in a little trail time and take in the 360 degree views the summit h...

This trail is located in Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, a beautiful area about 20-30 minutes north of San Diego. To access the reserve, park in the lot off of North Torrey Pines Road (pay $10 to park). If you don't want to walk up the huge hill at the beginning (it is steep and long), I beli...

Park your car in the small gravel parking lot at the southwest corner of Father Junipero Serra Trail and Bushy Hill Drive (this is especially important if you plan to take the sunset hike, so you'll be outside the locked park gate when you descend). There will be other hikers parked there, but I'...

The Los Penasquitos Preserve waterfall is a hidden gem of San Diego and a popular spot for locals within the area. The hike to the waterfall lies within a preserve of approximately 4,000 acres. There are many different trailheads that lead to the waterfall all offering a unique experience. I alwa...

Lake Murray Reservoir provides drinking water to parts of San Diego, and thus is a no swimming lake. This is one of the reasons it is such a great place to photograph!  If you are shooting the sunset, use your weather app to check the time the sun sets, and get to the lake at least 30 minutes pr...

Los Penasquitos Canyon Loop After about a five minute hike on the trail you will start to enter into Los Penasquitos Canyon. Every section of the trail is different, one minute you are walking next to a stream with trees arching over the trail and another minute you are walking through an open f...

Start 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...

Starting somewhat near sea-level, Cowles Mountain via the Big Rock Trail climbs about 1000 ft in elevation.  This trail is about 5 miles total, out and back.  Arrive at Big Rock park which has good parking.  At the park you will walk to the left of the tennis courts past the limits (the fence) of...

Starting 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 ...

Sunset Seat: Del Mar's Iconic Carved Tree Bench & Sunset Destination One of the most picturesque locations to watch a sunset in San Diego is Sunset Seat in Del Mar. An old Torrey Pine has been carved into an artistic bench to sit on while watching the sunset. The cliffs and railroad that run...

Once you get off on Poway road, turn right onto Sabre Springs Parkway. Take your immediate left onto Creekbridge Road and park right there on the hill. Walk straight down towards the black gate and go down the hill. Turn right on the trail and walk down 1/4 mile to the dam, and another 500 yards ...

From the park entrance, follow the park road down to the tide pools parking area. From the parking area, follow the trail down to the cliffs, and head north. If it is high tide, this route will be inaccessible, so be sure that you are visiting this area at low tide. Follow the cliff as it wraps a...

Cabrillo National Monument is named after Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo, the first European explorer to reach America's Wet Coast. There are many knowledgable rangers in the park who are eager to share interesting historical facts.  Activities in the park include hiking: the Bayside Trail offers 2 mile...

The Bayside Trail features beautiful spring wild flowers and is accessible year-round. The trail is wide with a few rest stops and benches along the way. The trail is breezy, much cooler than many trails inland, featuring ocean views throughout the duration.  This monument commemorates the landi...

Starting at the trail head at the end of Oviedo way, you will see a power line on top of the small hill across from the rec center, which is the start of the South Point View Trail. Follow this trail about a mile until you see a sign for the 'Little Black Mountain Loop' . This is a 4.1 mile loop ...