Santa Ysabel, California

The best Trails and Outdoor Activities in Santa Ysabel, California, offer a variety of exciting outdoor adventures. One of the top attractions is the Santa Ysabel East Preserve Trail. This 6-mile trail is a must-visit for its scenic views of rolling hills, oak woodlands, and native grasslands. It's a moderate hike with a few steep sections, making it a fun challenge. Another highlight is the Santa Ysabel West Preserve Trail. It's a 4.5-mile trail with a gentle slope, perfect for a leisurely hike. You'll pass through dense forests and open meadows, with views of the Santa Ysabel Creek. For a unique outdoor activity, visit the Dudley's Bakery and Julian Station for local food and wine tasting. It's a great way to relax after a day of hiking.

Top Spots in and near Santa Ysabel

  • Borrego Springs, California

    The Slot

    4.8
    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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  • Poway, California

    Mount Woodson and Potato Chip Rock

    4.7
    6.45 mi / 1965 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...
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  • Poway, California

    Lake Poway

    4.0
    It costs $5 to enter the park and they are open 6am to sunset everyday. There is plenty of parking and this park is huge! This place has so many outdoor recreational activities such as fishing, hiking, running, archery, feeding ducks, or just having a picnic. With so many possibilities in this o...
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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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  • 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 ...
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  • Mount Laguna, California

    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...
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  • 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.
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  • 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...
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  • 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...
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  • Mount Laguna, California

    Big Laguna Trail to Noble Canyon

    5.0
    19.31 mi / 1473 ft gain
    Big Laguna Trail to Noble Canyon is a point-to-point trail that takes you through a nice forest located near Mount Laguna, California.
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  • Mount Laguna, California

    Red Trail Roost and Agua Dulce Trail Loop

    4.0
    4.63 mi / 591 ft gain
    Red Trail Roost and Agua Dulce Trail Loop is a loop trail where you may see wildflowers located near Julian, California.
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  • San Diego, California

    Battle Mountain's Cross

    5.0
    0.45 mi / 256 ft gain
    This is a quick and easy hike for everyday explorers desiring a 20-minute sweat-inducing power walk leading to incredible views of urban development, Iron Mountain, Mt. Woodson, Mule Hill, and The 15. Come enjoy the views while sitting under the beautiful 20ft cross you've been admiring from the ...
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  • Temecula, California

    Dripping Springs Trail

    4.0
    13.68 mi / 3287 ft gain
    The 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...
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  • Poway, California

    Catch a Sunset at Twin Peaks Mountain

    2 mi
    Start by parking at Silverset Park. You will see the trail head for Twin Peaks just behind the park. Park outside of the park if you think you'll be staying past sunset, as the park gates close at dark! Once you spot the trail head, veer left to the path heading up towards the peaks. You will eve...
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  • Aguanga, California

    Vail Lake Loop

    4.0
    7.25 mi / 922 ft gain
    Vail Lake Loop is a loop trail that takes you by a lake located near Temecula, California.
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  • Mountain Center, California

    Cactus Spring Trail

    31.73 mi / 6407 ft gain
    Cactus Spring Trail is an out-and-back trail where you may see wildflowers located near Mountain Center, California.
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