All Stories from San Diego County

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  Viejas Valor

  Pining for something short, sweet, and steep? Head to Viejas Mountain, just 3 miles north of Alpine in the Cleveland National Forest, for a 3.2-mile out-and-back that gains nearly 1,500 feet in elevation and rewards the sweetest of vistas. 

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  Secret Crestridge

  It’s hard to call a 2,800-acre green space a hidden gem, but the Crestridge Ecological Reserve feels like a secret treasure, with a multitude of trails that traverse riparian, oak woodland, coastal sage scrub, and chaparral habitats.

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  All the Wright Stuff

  Next time you visit the picturesque town of Alpine in the foothills of the Cuyamaca Mountains, opt for two accessible trails locals love, featuring Wright's Field and Loveland Reservoir.

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  Santa Ysabel

  Just 7 miles west of Julian, Santa Ysabel has two beautiful preserves to explore, with oak woodlands and grasslands dominating its 4,600-acre landscape. Choose your adventure (or do both) via a 5.5-mile loop through the west preserve or a 4-mile loop starting at the east preserve’s visitor center. Then go eat a pie!

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  Garnet's Grand Vista

  On your next trip to beautiful Julian, get out of town! But only for a day trip to the Laguna Mountains. Located just a few miles east, this area has some of San Diego’s best hiking trails, including two short hikes with perhaps the best vistas in the entire county: the 2.4-mile trek to Garnet Peak and the 1.6-mile out-and-back on the PCT from Kwaaymii Point.

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  Rockin' Clevenger

  North or south? San Pasqual’s Clevenger Canyon in North County San Diego has both south and north trailheads about half a mile apart. We’re going south this time, for a rocking chair good time (read on)! This trail nets you 5.4 miles, over 1,300 feet of gain, and fantastic views.

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  Hey Stanley

  Escondido’s 3,200-acre Daley Ranch is home to one of the largest trail systems in San Diego County. Its prominent point is Stanley Peak, reached via a 6.3-mile lollipop loop that climbs just over 1,000 feet to the 1,975-foot apex of the park.

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  Bountiful Bernardo

  Epic summit views, awesome cardio workout, beautiful lake vistas, accessible trailhead—all signs point to Bernardo Mountain in north San Diego County. Conquer it via a 7.25-mile out-and-back.

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  Grasslands Galore

  At the sprawling 3,521-acre Ramona Grasslands Preserve in northern San Diego County, there are just two loops: the 2-mile Wildflower Loop and the 0.8-mile Meadow Loop. Connect them both on this hike that explores the best features of the park.

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  Hidden Hike, Huge View

  90-acre Luelf Pond County Preserve is a hidden treasure in San Diego County. It's home to a 1.5-mile (out-and-back) trail with a huge vista reward.

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  Dos Picos

  The 1.4-mile loop around Dos Picos County Park is a small yet mighty gem in northern San Diego County. It's gentle and packs a bunch of scenery.

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  Daley Dose of Zen

  Trees, views, and solitude—that’s a top-tier trifecta when it comes to hiking. Get it at Escondido’s Daley Ranch via the 5-mile Engelmann Oak loop, featuring stunning north county vistas and rare sightings of its namesake oaks.

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  Going, Going, Gonzales!

  Find the secret geographical gem that is Gonzales Canyon Open Space and explore its surprisingly large network of trails through two hidden canyons on a 3-mile loop.

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  Turf's Up!

  Crest Canyon Open Space Park is a small and beautiful green space that can be explored on a 2.2-mile loop that features famous flora, lagoon views, and sandstone cliffs. 

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  Masterpiece Marshland + Beers

  San Dieguito Lagoon is one of the biggest wetland habitats in America. Uncover the magical marshland masterpiece on a gentle 3-mile out-and-back urban hike with a pit stop at a brewery.

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  Do Denk

  Denk Mountain is the highest point in Carlsbad, reached via a 3.5-mile figure eight loop that nets 800 feet of elevation and delivers the best views in town.

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  Bobcat to Box Canyon

  Sometimes it’s good to focus on the little joys in life instead of the big picture. At Rancho La Costa Preserve, that means hiking the hidden 2-mile Bobcat loop amid its 500 acres. This petite escape combines small wonders and big views.

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  Copper Creek Serenity

  The journey to Copper Creek Falls in Carlsbad’s Rancho La Costa Preserve is a serene 3.25-mile hike following a peaceful creek with a bit of local history and beautiful canyon scenery.

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  Daley Inspiration

  Phenomenal views? Check. Impressive geology? Check again. Secret ponds? Yep! Sprinkle in a historic home and you’ve got a 5-mile highlight hike at Daley Ranch in Escondido.

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  Encinitas Ranch

  Beautiful Torrey pines, striking sandstone bluffs, mountain and ocean vistas ... find these trademark San Diego features on an unassuming suburban hike at Encinitas Ranch in North San Diego County.

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