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Vista, California

One of the top outdoor activities in Vista, California is hiking the Buena Vista Park Trail. This 4-mile loop offers a moderate difficulty level and features a scenic lake as a highlight. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, and bird watching. Another must-visit trail is the Rancho Guajome Adobe trail, which is a 2.3-mile loop near a historic adobe house. This trail is suitable for all skill levels and is primarily used for walking and nature trips. For those seeking a bit more of a challenge, the Lake Calavera Preserve trail features a 4.9-mile loop with unique rock formations and a lake. This trail is best for outdoor adventures like trail running and mountain biking. In conclusion, Vista, California offers some of the best trails and outdoor activities for those seeking scenic and enjoyable outdoor experiences.

Top Spots in and near Vista

  • Solana Beach, California

    Annie’s Canyon Trailhead

    4.7
    2 mi / 100 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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  • 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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  • 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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  • 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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  • San Diego, California

    Black Mountain Peak via Miner's Ridge Loop Trail

    2.5
    4.3 mi / 951 ft gain
    The Miner's Ridge Loop Trail is a relatively mild 4.3-mile loop that takes you to the 1554-foot summit of Black Mountain Peak. Even from the parking lot, the views to the east are stunning. Get there early in the morning on a clear day, or arrive just before sunset to get the full experience. T...
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  • San Diego, California

    Black Mountain via Nighthawk Trail

    5.0
    4.05 mi / 764 ft gain
    Starting at the trail head at the end of Oviedo way, you will see a power line on top of the small hill across from the rec center, which is the start of the South Point View Trail. Follow this trail about a mile until you see a sign for the 'Little Black Mountain Loop' . This is a 4.1 mile loop ...
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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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  • Del Mar, California

    Sunset Seat in Del Mar

    3.8
    In a place in our country where you can take an epic sunset picture nearly everyday, its hard say there is one location tin San Diego that is better than another. I'll let you in my new favorite secret spot to take amazing sunset pictures with a cool piece of art work at the location. Visit the t...
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  • San Diego, California

    Los Penasquitos Waterfall via Los Penasquitos Canyon Trailhead

    4.3
    4.15 mi / 115 ft gain
    The 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...
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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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  • Poway, California

    Relax at 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 on...
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  • 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...
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  • San Diego, California

    Guy Fleming Trail

    5.0
    0.76 mi / 95 ft gain
    This trail is located in Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, a beautiful area about 20-30 minutes north of San Diego. To access the reserve, park in the lot off of North Torrey Pines Road (pay $10 to park). If you don't want to walk up the huge hill at the beginning (it is steep and long), I beli...
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  • San Diego, California

    Los Penasquitos Canyon Loop

    3.3
    6.77 mi / 131 ft gain
    Los Penasquitos Canyon Loop After about a five minute hike on the trail you will start to enter into Los Penasquitos Canyon. Every section of the trail is different, one minute you are walking next to a stream with trees arching over the trail and another minute you are walking through an open f...
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  • San Diego, California

    Beach Trail

    5.0
    1.43 mi / 259 ft gain
    I'm stoked for those of you to find this adventure! Torrey Pines is home to a species of tree that is one of the most rare native pines in the United States. Below I have directions on how to get to the trailhead as well as the parking lot to park for the hike. There is a charge to get into the...
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  • San Diego, California

    Razor Point Trail

    1.32 mi / 240 ft gain
    Razor Point Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you past scenic surroundings located near La Jolla, California.
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