San Diego Hikes
As summer comes sweeping into San Diego so do the opportunities for spending time outside, and one all time favorite outdoor activity is hiking. San Diego county is home to a diverse outdoor environment which means a variety of hiking trails for veterans and newcomers to enjoy. In today’s post we’ll be showcasing some amazing hiking locales in the San Diego area of varying sights and difficulties for all to enjoy. So put on your adventure gear and get ready for some fantastic sights.
Before we get to the hiking sites, a quick reminder. Many trails in San Diego run through nature reserves or zones filled with critters of all sorts. As such there’s some important hiking etiquette to keep in mind before you set out which you can read about here. Hiking can also be a strenuous physical activity if you aren’t prepared. Pack water with you, comfortable shoes and hats, and most importantly, know your limits. Hiking is very enjoyable but also exposes you to greater levels of the outdoors than most activities. With that in mind let’s take a look at some trails!
Mission Beach/Pacific Beach Boardwalk - Easy
While not your typical “hike,” taking a long stroll through the boardwalk and shores of Mission and Pacific beach is a great activity on its own. Plenty of shops and views make spending a day here absolutely worth it. With summer kicking in you can also catch some sports tournaments happening on the beach as well as the yearly sand castle competitions that always impress.
Blue Sky Ecological Reserve - Easy
This trail is truly amazing as it showcases the unique biodiversity that California is known for. Forest corridors, lakes, streams, and varieties of wildlife make this a great location to walk through to immerse yourself in nature. Just make sure you check beforehand to see if the trail is open, and be sure you watch out for the occasional poison oak as you go through the trails.
Iron Mountain - Challenging
Iron Mountain is a frequently visited spot by many hikers and trail runners. It offers stunning views of the Poway area as you climb the mountain. Be sure to bring a hat and water with you on this one as shade is minimal and the trail a bit difficult on the uphill portion.
San Dieguito Lagoon - Moderate
Another water-side hike, this trail offers a lot in wildlife both aquatic and air as many animals make their homes here. Located in the Del Mar area near the fairgrounds, this trail is quite extensive in its entirety but also has many shorter routes for the casual hiker. Be sure to check your trail guides before you embark or you just might end up on a longer trail than expected.
These are just a few locations in the San Diego area that are wonderful places to spend outdoors. If you’re curious about hiking or want to travel with seasoned hikers who would be more than happy to talk to you about the trails, then check out the Natural History Museum’s Canyoneers Program. They offer extensive information on trails all over San Diego and will meet up with you to guide you through the trail. Plan your trip well, set a date, and get ready for some outdoor greatness you can only find here in California. Enjoy your hike!