Top 8 Hiking And Trekking Spots In San Diego, California

hiking in san diego
Louise
Louise 
Published
| 4 min read

Set on the Pacific Coast, San Diego is a breathtaking US City in California that is characterized by its pleasant warm climate, stunning beaches, lovely parks, upscale recreational areas, and exquisite restaurants. San Diego is popular for tourists who long for a quick vacation from the concrete jungle. While in the city, be sure to swing by the vast Balboa Park and explore the San Diego Zoo and marvel at the art exhibits in the plethora of galleries and museums in the area. If its outdoor adventure you’re looking for, you will not be disappointed as there is a side to San Diego that draws nature lovers from around the country. For your guidance, here is a list of top hiking and trekking spots in San Diego, California. Feel free to browse below.

1. Razor Point Trail


A paradise for adventure-seekers, Razor Point Trail is a scenic well-taken route in San Diego California. It stretches 2 miles (3.2km), ideal for jogging, walking, hiking, and trekking. This route is convenient for all types of hikers as it features easy trails with helpful markings. Also, some people like coming to this place to set up a little picnic with their loved ones. The views of the Pacific Ocean from this side of North Torrey Pines Road will surely take your breath away.

Razor Point Trail

Address: San Diego, CA 92037, USA

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2. Double Peak Trail

San Diego from Double Peak Park
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Visitor7 used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Another well-trafficked trail you’ll find in San Diego is Double Peak Trail. It is a lengthy 3.9mi (6.3km) of safe and easy trails that will treat you to picturesque views of nature. This route is perfect for almost all types of hikers as it is categorized as moderate in terms of hiking difficulty. Aside from hiking, trekking, and jogging, people can walk their dogs or enjoy some horseback riding activities in Double Peak Trail. Additionally, this route can be taken from San Marcos - a nearby city in California.

Double Peak Trail

Address: San Marcos, CA 92078, USA

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3. Oak Canyon Trail


Compared to Double Peak Trail and Razor Point Trail, Oak Canyon Trail is less trafficked. On record, this scenic trail is considered moderate. Oak Canyon Trail is ideal for lots of activities. You may enjoy hiking and trekking or go camping with your family, friends, and even romantic partners. You can take the routes any day as it is accessible throughout the year. You will be marveling at the gorgeous views in this side of California, and you will see exotic flora and wildlife in their natural habitat.

Oak Canyon Trail

Address: San Diego, CA, USA

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4. Los Penasquitos Canyon Trail

Field and Trees
Source: Photo by user Chris Palmer used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Imagine exploring nature and marveling at its beauty while basking in the warmth of the sun and indulging in the limitless fresh air. These are life’s mundane joys that await you when you take the Los Penasquitos Canyon Trail. This scenic trail is located in Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve - one of the biggest natural parks in the US. Ideal for trekking and hiking, this trail is also perfect for equestrian, picnics, and bird watching. Additionally, it is perfect for practicing your photography skills as it boasts numerous potential subjects. Los Penasquitos Canyon Trail is lengthy, featuring a 6.8mi (10.9) stretch of well-marked routes.

Los Penasquitos Canyon Trail

Address: 12020 Black Mountain Rd, San Diego, CA 92129, United States

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5. Torrey Pines Beach Trail

Torrey pines state park
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Jon Sullivan used under PUBLIC DOMAIN

Planning to check out the breathtaking Torrey Pines State Beach when you visit San Diego? Surely, you will love the place as it is a paradise and a piece of heaven on earth. After swimming, basking in the warmth of the sun, and building sandcastles with your loved ones, you might want to go for a jog and do your routine cardio at the Torrey Pines Beach Trail. This wonderful trail boasts of magnificent views of the beach. It is heavily trafficked by people who jog, trek, and even enjoy some picnic time with their families. Plus, the place is adorned with stunning wildflowers that add beauty to it.

Torrey Pines Beach Trail

Address: 12600 N Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla, CA 92037, United States

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6. Sunset Cliffs Coastal Trail

Sunset Cliffs
Source: Photo by user Esri Story Maps Demo used under PUBLIC DOMAIN

Perched atop vast bluffs, Sunset Cliffs Coastal Trail is the most magical place to watch the stunning bright cotton-candy-colored sunset in San Diego, California. The views of the Pacific Ocean, the breathtaking skies, and the horizon that join them together will leave you in awe. Before you reach the end, you will trek the Sunset Cliffs Coastal Trail’s 1.7mi (2.7km) of heavily-trafficked scenic routes. Interestingly, the Sunset Cliffs Coastal Trail can cater to all types of hikers with varying skill levels. From San Diego, the most ideal place to start the trek is from 4501 Ladera Street.

Sunset Cliffs Coastal Trail

Address: San Diego, CA 92107, United States

Website: Sunset Cliffs Coastal Trail

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7. The Haunted Trail of Balboa Park


A trail that is not recommended to the faint-hearted, the Haunted Trail of Balboa Park is a popular attraction in San Diego. Set between Balboa Drive and Juniper Road, this thrilling park features routes that are surrounded by haunted woods and creepy figures. Compared to most of the trails on this list, the Haunted Trail of Balboa Park is short, featuring a mile-long (1.6km) stretch. This is a fantastic place to do some cardio while having fun.

The Haunted Trail of Balboa Park

Address: Balboa Dr & Juniper Rd, San Diego, CA 92101, United States

Website: The Haunted Trail of Balboa Park

Opening hours: Tue - Thu: 7:30am - 10:30pm; Fri - Sat: 6:30am - 11pm; Sun: 7am -10:30pm

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8. Cowles Mountain Trail

Cowles Mountain over Lake Murray
Source: Photo by user Bill Rand used under CC BY 2.0

Stretching 3mi (4.8km) of heavily-trafficked routes that will overwhelm you with stunning natural views, most hikers rate this trail as moderate, and is, therefore, ideal for all types of hikers. You can take this route any day as it can be accessed throughout the year. Aside from hiking and trekking, adventure-seekers can also treat their furry best friends to some cardio bonding time, provided that they are leashed. The trail’s highest point nests in San Diego, but parts of it are accessible from San Carlos.

Cowles Mountain Trail

Address: San Diego, CA 92119, USA

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Explore the scenic trails of San Diego

San Diego is a breathtaking city in California that is a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Aside from gorgeous beaches, San Diego is gifted with dramatic landscapes, lush greeneries, and vast rolling plains that are ideal for the outdoorsy type of people. If you are planning a quick vacation in San Diego to relax, unwind, and reconnect with nature, use this list of top hiking and trekking spots in the city as your guide in choosing the best spots for your adventure.

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Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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She is a lover of life and a very optimistic person. She thinks of herself as a vessel of a billion possibilities, which can harness limitless potential. Trying new experiences, going places she's...Read more

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