Outbound Collective logo

Santa Ysabel, California

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

Top Hiking Spots in and near Santa Ysabel

  • Palomar Mountain, California

    Hike to French Valley

    5.0
    3.8 mi / 450 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...
    Read more
  • 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.
    Read more
  • San Diego County, California

    Hike Garnet Peak Trail

    3.0
    2.6 mi / 500 ft gain
    While 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
  • Ramona, California

    Mount Woodson's East Approach

    3.0
    3.96 mi / 1385 ft gain
    Mount Woodson is a well-known hiking trail in San Diego County. It is known for its breathtaking views and the famous potato chip rock. The Trail on the east side of the Mountain is fairly steep but is about half the distance of the trail on the west side of the mountain. To get to the trail on ...
    Read more
  • San Diego County, California

    Big Laguna Lake Loop

    5.0
    5.9 mi / 400 ft gain
    Big Laguna Lake Loop is a loop trail that takes you by a lake located near Pine Valley, California.
    Read more
  • Escondido, California

    Camp at Dixon Lake

    2.1 mi / 295 ft gain
    Dixon Lake is Escondido's best kept secret! A man-made reservoir located right next to Daley Ranch, Dixon Lake offers overnight camping, boat rentals, fishing, and hiking, along with picnic areas, a kids park, and more.  The campground is open year-round and is located next to the lake with a lof...
    Read more
  • Lakeside, California

    Hike El Cajon Mountain

    4.5
    12 mi / 4100 ft gain
    This challenging trek is a great way to get in shape for that spring or summer trip to the Sierras. You may have heard others tell you how tough the hike is and they're not kidding. You'll be gaining 4100 feet over the 12 miles to the peak and back. If you have the time and the energy, you should...
    Read more
  • Lakeside, California

    Hike the Oakoasis Open Space Preserve

    2.5 mi / 300 ft gain
    Starting at the trail-head, head down towards the oak-lined ravine marking the beginning of the hike. With trees already growing back from the 2003 fire, these sections of the trail are nice and shady, and quite relaxing. About 1 mile in you will start to see the San Vicente Reservoir to your lef...
    Read more
  • Ramona, California

    Iron Mountain Peak Trail

    4.1
    5.67 mi / 1030 ft gain
    Iron Mountain is the longest wilderness trail in Poway, CA. The parking lot is free and provides bathroom and water fountain amenities. The distance from the parking area to the summit is approximately 3.2 miles. Beginning with a wide smooth trail, slowly transitioning into semi-technical incline...
    Read more
  • 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...
    Read more
  • Poway, California

    Mount Woodson and Potato Chip Rock

    4.6
    6.45 mi / 900 ft gain
    Mt. Woodson is located in Poway's most eastern region and is one of San Diego's most popular and most iconic hiking trails. Known for its grand photo opportunistic "Potato Chip Rock", Mt. Woodson is a 7.5mi out-and-back trail with amazing vistas, convenient rest stops and breathtaking views. The...
    Read more
  • Poway, California

    Blue Sky Ecological Reserve to Ramona Dam

    3.0
    5.3 mi / 984 ft gain
    Starting at the trail head where you park your car, head south along the Green Valley Truck Trail. After less than a mile, you will notice the city and noise start to fade behind you, and a beautiful sight of towering oaks, willows, and sycamores appear as you walk along the Creekside Trail. You ...
    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

    Agua Caliente Hot Spring

    5.0
    1.53 mi / 164 ft gain
    Agua Caliente Hot Spring is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a hot springs located near Julian, California.
    Read more
  • Escondido, California

    Bernardo Mountain Summit Trail

    5.0
    7.15 mi / 1060 ft gain
    Bernardo Mountain is located on the Coast to Crest Trail in San Dieguito River Park. The 7.15-mile out-and-back trail to the 1060 ft. summit starts on the east side of I-15. It's a relatively easy hike all the way to the top. It picks up a little once you make it to the Summit Trail junction, wh...
    Read more
  • Poway, California

    Hike around Goodan Ranch

    5.0
    3 mi
    Starting at the Sycamore Canyon Trail head, you will see the sign and gate that leads to Goodan Ranch. Head down the gravel road for 1.1 miles, until you reach a 3-way directional split. Heading straight for another .5 miles will take you directly to the ruins of the old Goodan house. Here you wi...
    Read more