Vista, California

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

Top Running Spots in and near Vista

  • Laguna Niguel, California

    Kick Back at Laguna Niguel Regional Park

    This is an awesome tucked away little adventure that will have you occupied all day! With plenty of picnic tables you can be sure to have your own privacy tucked into a corner free from other people. Grab a lake side picnic table or even the numerous ones around the grass fields, they are all won...
    Read more
  • San Diego, California

    Bayside Trail

    4.5
    1.99 mi / 397 ft gain
    The Bayside Trail features beautiful spring wild flowers and is accessible year-round. The trail is wide with a few rest stops and benches along the way. The trail is breezy, much cooler than many trails inland, featuring ocean views throughout the duration.  This monument commemorates the landi...
    Read more
  • Laguna Niguel, California

    Dripping Cave in the Aliso & Wood Canyons Wilderness

    4.4
    7.68 mi / 889 ft gain
    Dripping Cave sits tucked away in a corner of Wood Canyon, part of the Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park, and the trail to the cave, while short, requires *at least* a 2.25 mile hike in from the nearest trailhead (West Ridge Trail to Mathis Canyon), though this is less than ideal as that rou...
    Read more
  • 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...
    Read more
  • 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. 
    Read more
  • Laguna Beach, California

    West Ridge to Car Wreck Trail and Mathis Canyon Loop

    4.5
    3.31 mi / 856 ft gain
    There are numerous ways to incorporate the Car Wreck trail into a larger loop through the Laguna Coast Wilderness and Aliso Canyon Park, but a common route is to begin at Alta Laguna Park at "Top of the World" in Laguna Beach. Take the West Ridge Trail .5 miles, bearing right onto the marked Car...
    Read more
  • Laguna Beach, California

    Hike the West Ridge Trail

    5.0
    1.5 mi / 150 ft gain
    Beginning at Alta Laguna Park at Top of the World, the West Ridge Trail is a popular starting (and ending) point for adventures into the Laguna Coast Wilderness, leading to trails and areas like Car Wreck, Big Bend, and Willow Canyon. You can also do it in reverse from the north. The ridge itself...
    Read more
  • Laguna Beach, California

    Water Tank Trail

    4.3
    3.05 mi / 502 ft gain
    There a numerous trails in the Laguna Coast Wilderness that proceed up and along the ridges and down into the canyons (or the reverse), and most are excellent for hiking, trail running, and mountain biking. A classic out-and-back (with many options for loops) begins in Irvine Bowl Park at the en...
    Read more
  • Chula Vista, California

    Mother Miguel Mountain

    5.0
    4.1 mi / 919 ft gain
    At the summit, your work will be rewarded with stunning views from downtown San Diego all the way to Mexico. You can also see the surrounding mountain peaks and the Sweetwater Reservoir.  This is a great hike to do at sunset - but bring a headlamp / flashlight for the hike back down. This trail ...
    Read more
  • Laguna Beach, California

    Trail Run the Boat Road and Laguna Ridge

    4.3
    4 mi / 600 ft gain
    There a numerous trails in the Laguna Coast Wilderness that proceed up and along the ridges and down into the canyons (or the reverse), and most are excellent for trail running, hiking, and mountain biking. A classic out-and-back (with many options for loops) begins at the end of Dartmoor Street ...
    Read more
  • Laguna Beach, California

    Emerald Canyon & Bommer Ridge Loop

    5 mi / 873 ft gain
    There a numerous trails in the Laguna Coast Wilderness that proceed up and along the ridges and down into the canyons (or the reverse), and are quite popular for mountain biking, hiking, and trail running. A great mountain biking loop begins in Emerald Canyon at the end of Emerald Canyon Road an...
    Read more
  • Laguna Beach, California

    B.F.I. Trail in Crystal Cove State Park

    5.0
    0.78 mi / 125 ft gain
    To get to the trailhead, enter Crystal Cove State Park through the Crystal Cove El Moro Campground entrance immediately next to El Moro Elementary School. Follow the road behind the school which leads to the main gate where you will need to pay a day-use parking fee of $15. Drive past the Campgr...
    Read more
  • Laguna Beach, California

    El Moro Canyon Trail

    5.0
    4.94 mi / 814 ft gain
    The trail features a waterfall and is open year-round, but is best used in the spring. Remember to bring $15 cash for the parking fee. The Laguna Beach trail is shared by trail runners, mountain bikers, hikers, and the occasional horseback rider. Dogs are not allowed in Crystal Cove State Park. 
    Read more
  • Orange, California

    Crystal Cove Beach Loop

    5.0
    5.13 mi / 151 ft gain
    This is a favorite morning or evening hike, run or stroll. Park in the lot with a state pass, head down the cliff and back, and you'll get an amazing workout. Tip: Time your outings for low tide as there will be more beach to walk on.
    Read more
  • Silverado, California

    Bedford Peak Trail (CLOSED)

    3.0
    6.78 mi / 1972 ft gain
    The Bedford Peak Trail in Silverado, California is a challenging hike that offers a variety of natural features. The trail spans 6.78 miles round trip and has an elevation gain of 1,972 feet. It is rated as difficult due to its steep inclines and rocky terrain. The trail begins in a dense oak w...
    Read more
  • Newport Beach, California

    Deer Canyon Loop

    5.0
    7.76 mi / 1119 ft gain
    The Deer Canyon Loop Trail is an easy drive from Orange County and Newport Beach. In the spring, wildflowers are abundant along the trial. This is a favorite spot for trail runners, hikers, and mountain bikers. The trail is kept in great condition year-round and is very wide. There is very little...
    Read more