San Diego Hiking & Trekking Guide 2026

Top trails

Routes worth lacing up your boots for.

1. 1

   Torrey Pines Beach Trail and Razor Point Loop

   About 2 miles (3.2 km) round trip combining Razor Point and Beach Trail1-2 hoursmoderateAbout 300 ft (91 m) of elevation change

   Sandstone-canyon trails on the bluffs of the rare Torrey pine reserve, ending at a beach below. Dogs are not allowed on the trails.

2. 2

   Cowles Mountain Trail

   About 3 miles (4.8 km) round trip1.5-2 hoursmoderateAbout 950 ft (290 m) of gain to a 1,593 ft summit

   The highest point within San Diego city limits, with 360-degree views from downtown to the Pacific and Mexico on clear days.

3. 3

   Potato Chip Rock via Mount Woodson

   About 7.5 miles (12 km) round trip4-5 hourshardAbout 2,100 ft (640 m) of gain

   A long, exposed climb to Mount Woodson summit and the thin granite flake known as Potato Chip Rock, a popular photo stop with a queue on weekends.

4. 4

   Cabrillo Bayside Trail

   About 2.5 miles (4 km) round trip1-1.5 hourseasyAbout 300 ft (91 m) of gradual descent and return climb

   A coastal-sage trail along the east side of Point Loma with views of San Diego Bay, the downtown skyline and Coronado, starting near the Old Point Loma Lighthouse.

5. 5

   Kumeyaay Lake Loop

   About 2.2 miles (3.5 km) loop45 minutes-1 houreasyNearly flat

   A flat, mostly shaded loop around Kumeyaay Lake in Mission Trails Regional Park, good for families and birdwatching.

6. 6

   Los Penasquitos Canyon Waterfall Trail

   About 6.5 miles (10.5 km) round trip to the waterfall2.5-3.5 hoursmoderateAbout 400 ft (122 m) of gain

   A creekside canyon trail through oak and sycamore woodland to a seasonal waterfall; it can be dry after long periods without rain.

7. 7

   Sunset Cliffs Natural Park Coastal Walk

   About 2 miles (3.2 km) round trip along the bluff1-1.5 hourseasyMostly flat with optional steep steps

   A clifftop path above sandstone sea caves and surf breaks; the cliffs are unstable and edge closures are posted, so stay on marked paths.

8. 8

   La Jolla Coast Walk Trail

   About 1 mile (1.6 km) round trip30-60 minuteseasyGentle with a few stair sections

   A short bluff trail from the Coast Blvd area with views over La Jolla Cove, sea caves and the Pacific; sections are narrow and close to eroding cliff edges.

9. 9

   Iron Mountain Trail

   About 6 miles (9.7 km) round trip2.5-3.5 hoursmoderateAbout 1,150 ft (350 m) of gain

   A steady, exposed climb to a 2,696 ft summit with views toward the coast and Mount Woodson; well graded and popular at sunrise.

Trail difficulty levels

Pick a route that matches your fitness and experience.

When to hike

Seasonal conditions in San Diego.

O

c

t

o

b

e

r

t

o

M

a

y

i

s

t

h

e

c

o

m

f

o

r

t

a

b

l

e

s

e

a

s

o

n

f

o

r

i

n

l

a

n

d

s

u

m

m

i

t

s

;

s

p

r

i

n

g

b

r

i

n

g

s

g

r

e

e

n

h

i

l

l

s

a

n

d

w

i

l

d

f

l

o

w

e

r

s

,

a

n

d

w

i

n

t

e

r

s

t

o

r

m

s

c

a

n

f

i

l

l

c

r

e

e

k

s

.

J

u

n

e

t

o

S

e

p

t

e

m

b

e

r

b

r

i

n

g

s

h

i

g

h

h

e

a

t

i

n

l

a

n

d

,

s

o

s

t

a

r

t

a

t

s

u

n

r

i

s

e

o

r

c

h

o

o

s

e

c

o

a

s

t

a

l

t

r

a

i

l

s

w

h

e

r

e

m

a

r

i

n

e

l

a

y

e

r

(

M

a

y

G

r

a

y

a

n

d

J

u

n

e

G

l

o

o

m

)

k

e

e

p

s

m

o

r

n

i

n

g

s

c

o

o

l

.

Local hazards

What to watch out for on the trail.