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

  • La Quinta, California

    Boo Hoff Trail

    12.7 mi / 2323 ft gain
    Boo Hoff Trail is a loop trail where you may see wildflowers located near La Quinta, California.
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  • San Diego County, California

    Hike Canyon Sin Nombre

    4.0
    5 mi / 750 ft gain
    This slot canyon hike is found deep in the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park in Canyon Sin Nombre. If you have a suitable 4WD vehicle you can drive about 2.2 miles to the start of the slot otherwise you can hike down the sandy unpaved road. The entrance will be on your left and marked by metal posts...
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  • Carlsbad, California

    Hike and Fish at Lake Calavera

    4.0
    6.24 mi
    Lake Calavera Preserve is located in Carlsbad, CA and is home to one of North America's smallest volcanoes. It is the end peak of each trail and is what's known as a "volcanic plug" (cool hardened lava). The northern face of Mount Calavera is that of columnar joints- columns of molded lava. Geolo...
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  • Jamul, California

    Hollenbeck Canyon Trail

    4.65 mi / 709 ft gain
    The trail is wide and well maintained. The first mile of the trail is well shaded by oak trees. You'll see stunning rocky peaks and rolling green hills as the trail continues. There are three creek crossings to be aware of. Cleveland National Forest is dog friendly, but bring a leash! Hunting is ...
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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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  • Del Mar, California

    Coast to Crest Trail at the San Dieguito Lagoon

    4.1
    Coast to Crest Trail at the San Dieguito Lagoon is an out-and-back trail that begins at its western end on Jimmy Durante Boulevard, where it links up with the River Path Del Mar. Heading east, the trail extends a short distance to the Birdwing Open Air Classroom and passes by the Surf Sports Park...
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  • Encinitas, California

    Coastal Roots Farm

    5.0
    Coastal Roots Farm in Encinitas, California provides high quality, freshly picked organic produce with a pay-what-you-can pricing model. If you can afford to, pay their asking price, especially when you consider in return they allow people in need to buy for less than normal market prices. Best p...
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  • Palm Springs, California

    Palm Canyon Trail

    4.5
    1.94 mi / 308 ft gain
    The fifteen mile long Palm Canyon, one of the Indian Canyons, is among the most beautiful natural sites in Western North America. Its indigenous flora and fauna, expertly used by the Cahuilla people, and its abundant Washingtonia Filifera (California Fan Palm) stand in breathtaking contrast to th...
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  • Solana Beach, California

    La Colonia Park

    5.0
    This is such a perfect park in Solana Beach. Great for dogs, kids, and groups. The park has a grass field perfect for pickup games of soccer or lounging, a big playground, a full basketball court, a pickleball court, picnic tables, and bathrooms. This park has plenty of space, easy and free stree...
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  • Solana Beach, California

    Annie’s Canyon via N Rios

    4.7
    1.34 mi / 92 ft gain
    If you're looking for a super short hike, this 10 minute flat walk couldn't be more ideal. Start at 840 N Rios Avenue, Solana beach and walk east towards the FWY 5 where you will see Annie’s Canyon on your right. There is only one way to go up the canyons and it gets pretty tight in places, but y...
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  • Encinitas, California

    Encinitas Coastal Rail Trail

    2.61 mi / 33 ft gain
    The Cardiff/Encinitas Coastal Rail Trail (part of the longer, ongoing project to eventually run 44 miles between Oceanside and San Diego) is a beautiful, mellow, and well-maintained pathway that runs from the corner of Chesterfield Dr. & San Elijo Ave. (right across the street from the Patago...
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  • Encinitas, California

    San Elijo State Beach Campground

    4.5
    This campground is located right next to the beach as well as next to the San Elijo Lagoon. Head to the beach during the day for a swim. This is also a great place to catch a sunset. If you want to stretch your legs and get moving a bit, you can hike around the San Elijo Lagoon to the east of the...
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  • Encinitas, California

    Stonesteps Beach

    Stonesteps Beach is incredibly scenic during every season. In the winter this beach is usually fairly rocky, and in the spring/summer the sand returns.  If you're looking to hang out on this beach just be sure to set up your towel or chair a good ways away from the cliffside as there is a lot of...
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  • Jamul, California

    Hiking Otay Mountain

    5.0
    15.3 mi / 2903 ft gain
    The trek begins on the Otay Mountain Truck Trail at Pio Pico Resort & Campground. You can either park and hike the entire trail, or drive up to a point a couple miles and park before the road becomes steep and rough. The distance on here is if you hiked the whole way. If you have a 4-wheel dr...
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  • Encinitas, California

    Photograph Surfers at Beacons Beach

    5.0
    Pack for a day of fun, and don’t forget your camera! Getting there is easy. You can plug “beacons beach” or Leucadia State Beach right into your gps. You’ll find it right off of Neptune Street, where you can park in the parking lot on top of the sea bluff. Walk down the windy beach trail and you ...
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  • Encinitas, California

    Grandview Beach

    5.0
    3 mi
    Grandview Beach is a great spot for surfing when conditions line up (see Surfline). it's also an ideal spot to kick back and relax (bring your whole fam, dogs too).  If you're looking for a little fitness, you can start at either Grandview Beach and head south along the beach to the San Elijo la...
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