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
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Borrego Springs, California
Anza Borrego's Wind Caves
4.80.9 mi / 260.28 ft gainThe drive to the caves is pretty lengthy, so be prepared. First you will drive through Anza Borrego State Park on Highway 78, then on a Split Mountain road which eventually turns into gravel road, and you need to look out for the entrance to the wash-road (which if you like to off road, is a per...Read more -
Santee, California
Cowles Mountain via Big Rock Road
4.34.32 mi / 1109 ft gainStart 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...Read more -
San Diego County, California
Hike to Mountain Palm Springs, Anza Borrego SP
3 mi / 350 ft gainAt first glance the Anza-Borrego desert appears lifeless, a wasteland of rocky plain peaks rising up from Carrizo Plains covered in Cholla cactus and Ocotillo. But one of the surprises is a mirage of California fan palm groves hidden in a series of canyons.The Mountain Palm Springs oasis loop is ...Read more -
Santee, California
Oak Canyon in Mission Trails Regional Park
5.03.22 mi / 249 ft gainStarting 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...Read more -
San Diego, California
Los Penasquitos Waterfall via Los Penasquitos Canyon Trailhead
4.44.15 mi / 115 ft gainThe 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...Read more -
Jamul, California
Hike Mt. McGinty
4.8 mi / 1263 ft gainBalancing a good workout, gorgeous views, and minimal time commitment, these 4.8-mile steep trail is definitely a San Diego point of interest, and despite its proximity to the city of San Diego, it remains a low trafficked hike. The Hike: Right away the trail weaves you through beautiful vegetati...Read more -
San Diego, California
Pyles Peak
5.06.03 mi / 1706 ft gainMost 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...Read more -
San Diego, California
Visitor Center Loop Trail
5.01.46 mi / 148 ft gainThe Visitor Center Loop Trail is a 1.4 mile hike in San Diego that features river views and allows dogs.The Visitor Center Loop Trail is a well maintained, quick hike with shady spots scattered along the path and open year-round. This trail is great for kids and dog owners. There is a great netwo...Read more -
San Diego, California
Mission Trails 5 Peaks
15 miThe 15-ish mile route we took made it a great workout, but it didn’t crush us. We left the apartment at 6 am and were back home with plenty of time to prep cook and eat a big dinner before 5 pm. Although I completed the hike in 1 day(and I highly recommend it)many people completed each hike indi...Read more -
San Diego, California
South Fortuna Mountain
5.04.59 mi / 997 ft gainHiking at sunset/night is a great way to beat both the heat and the crowds. On a clear day, you can see from Mexico to Catalina Island! If you stay long enough, you can see all of San Diego's city lights turn on, or the marine layer fog creeps into the canyons. South Fortuna Peak is part of Miss...Read more -
Hemet, California
Hike South Fork Trail
5.05.4 mi / 1056 ft gainBegin by following the unsigned but visible trail on the south side of the turnout. You climb steadily through bushes and past granite boulders. At half a mile, you pass over to the western slope of the hill where the trail bends southeast, providing your first look of the river valley far below....Read more -
La Mesa, California
Lake Murray Reservoir
5.06.07 mi / 164 ft gainLake 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...Read more -
Oceanside, CaliforniaLake Calavera via Oak Riparian Park
4.5Lake Calavera via Oak Riparian Park is a loop trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Oceanside, California.Read more -
Oceanside, CaliforniaGuajome Regional Park Trail
5.04.48 mi / 233 ft gainGuajome Regional Park Trail is a loop trail that takes you by a lake located near Vista, California.Read more -
Fallbrook, CaliforniaLos Jilgueros Preserve Trail
4.01.25 mi / 72 ft gainLos Jilgueros Preserve Trail is a loop trail that is good for all skill levels located near Fallbrook, California.Read more -
La Quinta, California
Hike to Lake Cahuilla
4.55.41 mi / 183 ft gainFrom Hwy. 111 take Washington (South) 3 miles to Avenue 52 (Turn Right). Take Avenue 52 a 1/2 mile to Avenida Bermudas (Turn Left). Follow Avenida Bermudas for 2 miles (becomes Calle Tecate). Cove Trailhead & Parking Lot located on the left across from Avenida Ramirez. You'll start heading ou...Read more
