San Diego, California

Looking for the best hiking in San Diego? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around San Diego. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.

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Top Hiking Spots in and near San Diego

  • Julian, California

    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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  • San Diego County, California

    Multi-pitch Climbing at Corte Madera

    5.0
    This is one of San Diego's finest multi-pitch climbing crags. South-facing and standing 500 feet tall, Corte Madera has a history of both traditional and sport routes. The traditional routes will offer adventure with some en-route bushwhacking. The newer sport routes climb the clean faces of this...
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  • Campo, California

    Hike Corte Madera Mountain

    7.75 mi / 2375 ft gain
    From Buckman Springs Road, turn onto Corral Canyon OHV/Morena Stokes Valley Rd and drive almost 5 miles to a green gate with a red heart on it, this is the trailhead. Just past the turn is the parking area that fits 5-6 vehicles. Walk across the road past the locked gate and head up the oak cover...
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  • Fallbrook, California

    Los Jilgueros Preserve Trail

    4.0
    1.25 mi / 72 ft gain
    Los Jilgueros Preserve Trail is a loop trail that is good for all skill levels located near Fallbrook, California.
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  • Fallbrook, California

    Monserate Mountain Loop

    5.0
    4.16 mi / 1247 ft gain
    The Monserate Mountain trail is a 4.2 mile loop hike that takes you through a [stand out feature of the adventure] near Fallbrook, California. This hike can be challenging given the elevation gain, so make sure you pack plenty of water especially on warmer days. 
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  • Julian, California

    Volcan Mountain Trail

    5.0
    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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  • Pauma Valley, California

    Boucher Trail and Palomar Mountain Loop

    5.0
    estled within Palomar Mountain State Park in Pauma Valley, California, the Boucher Trail and Palomar Mountain Loop offers hikers a challenging yet rewarding experience. This 9-mile loop trail is renowned for its lush forests, panoramic vistas, and the historic Boucher Hill Fire Lookout. On aver...
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  • Julian, California

    Upper Santa Ysabel Creek Trail

    4.5
    Experience the serene beauty of San Diego’s highlands on the Upper Santa Ysabel Creek Trail, a moderately challenging 7-mile loop near Julian that blends creek-side tranquility, open meadows, oak groves, and panoramic ridge views. Ideal for hikers, trail runners, and nature lovers, this trail i...
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  • Palomar Mountain, California

    Lower Doane and French Valley

    5.0
    3.03 mi / 344 ft gain
    When it comes to Palomar Mountain State Park, most people stick to Doane Lake and Upper Doane Valley. Yet on the far right of the parking lot at Doane Pond, there is actually a trailhead that will guide you to a completely different section of the park. The Lower Doane Valley trail is, in my opti...
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  • Palomar Mountain, California

    Thunder Spring and Chimney Flat Loop

    3.5
    3.92 mi / 781 ft gain
    Palomar Mountain is the hidden gem of San Diego. Well, not so hidden per se- but most don't know that the little climb up the mountain can transport you from the prevalent brush-filled terrain of SD to a lush, diverse forest. The great thing about Palomar is that every day you visit could be com...
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  • Palomar Mountain, California

    Palomar Observatory Trail

    4.3
    5.09 mi / 768 ft gain
    Situated in the Palomar Mountains of Cleveland National Forest, Palomar Observatory Campground offers many amenities for enjoyable camping and exploring the area.  A portion of the campsites loop has been cleared of trees with level cement pads to allow campers to set up their own telescopes.  Dr...
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  • 32.282543,-116.912770, Mexico

    Cerro el Coronel

    2.87 mi / 1152 ft gain
    Cerro El Coronel, located in Playas de Rosarito, Baja California, Mexico, is a great hike offering panoramic ocean views, rugged trails, and a rewarding summit. This moderate to challenging trek attracts outdoor enthusiasts looking for an adventurous climb with breathtaking scenery. Know Before ...
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  • Campo, California

    Kitchen Creek Falls Trail

    4.0
    4.83 mi / 722 ft gain
    Kitchen Creek Falls Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Pine Valley, California.
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  • San Diego County, California

    Hiking the Laguna Hills via the PCT

    5.0
    20 mi / 2000 ft gain
    This 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 ...
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  • Fallbrook, California

    Hike the Santa Margarita River Trail

    5.0
    5 mi / 469 ft gain
    Santa 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...
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  • Mount Laguna, California

    Sunset and Big Laguna Loop to Big Laguna Lake

    5.0
    4.24 mi / 394 ft gain
    The Sunset and Big Laguna Loop to Big Laguna Lake offers visitors a scenic 4.7-mile loop trail through the Laguna Mountain Recreation Area. This diverse trail system combines sections of the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) with local trails, showcasing mountain meadows, pine forests, and seasonal lak...
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Only-In-Nevada Adventures

Discover the wide-open heart of Nevada. With 60 million acres of breathtaking landscapes, natural hot springs, epic rock climbing, star-studded skies, and so much more—the Silver State is yours to explore. So go on, get a little out there.

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