Bountiful Bernardo

Hike to the Summit of Bernardo Mountain in North San Diego County

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 that climbs 1,000 feet and starts just off the I-15 in Escondido.

Park in the small lot just off the Via Rancho Parkway exit behind the driving range and just beyond the historic Sikes Adobe Farmhouse. You’ll be starting your approach on the Coast to Crest Trail (which will stretch 71 miles from Julian to Del Mar once completed) in the San Dieguito River Park along a paved path that parallels the busy highway.

The path is also popular with bikers, so stay alert especially on the paved portion. Soon, you’ll pass under the traffic and head into the park along a lakebed portion (often dry) of Lake Hodges. Check out the interpretive signs, the David Kreitzer Lake Hodges bicycle/pedestrian bridge, and the shimmering lake water as you move northwest towards the Bernardo Mountain Summit Trail (always clearly marked by signage!).

Enjoy a brief shaded portion as you dip into the canyon and cross a small, charming footbridge over Felicita Creek and amid vibrant green riparian flora. At the 1.75-mile mark, hop off the Coast to Crest Trail at the junction and head right onto the summit trail. Ignore the next trail on your right and continue up the rocky path wrapping around the mountain. Views are expansive, of both the surrounding chaparral scenery and the luxurious homes. Ignore a spur trail at the 2.5-mile mark and continue south as the ascent gets a little steeper, hugging a fence and water tower as you near the park’s apex.

Push through that final switchback and at roughly the 3.6-mile mark, you have reached Bernardo Mountain’s boulder-lined peak. There are plenty of spots to sit and enjoy a picnic or lie down and bask in the hiking glory. Relish 360-degree views of NoCo, including perhaps the best vista of the impressive Lake Hodges. Sign the guestbook before beginning your descent.

To get to the Bernardo Summit Trail via the Coast to Crest Trail, take the I-15 to the Via Rancho Pkwy. exit and head east. Take the first right at the golf driving range onto Sunset Dr. and take the road 0.1 mile to its terminus and the parking lot. Dog-friendly!

Story and photos by Matt Pawlik (pictured here with his fabulous mom), @mattitudehikes

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Bike the Monterey Coastal Recreation Trail

    To the Lighthouse

    The Monterey Recreation Trail is one of America's most beautiful coastal experiences, accessible to bikers, strollers, rollers, and walkers. This 8-mile (round-trip) bike ride follows premier parts of the trail before detouring to Pacific Grove's storied Point Pinos Lighthouse.

    View
  2. Sponsored

    The Unexpected Wonders of Monterey

    One of the world’s best teachers? Mother Nature. And one of the best destinations to learn from her? The Monterey Bay Aquarium. Spend a few hours at the Aquarium, then take your pick of self-guided walks...

    View
  3. Tombstones and Tarantulas

    Forget black cats; a randy tarantula crossing your path can really get your heart racing. So can spirits in a cemetery! Visit Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve and learn about these misunderstood spiders, plus pay a visit to the Rose Hill Cemetery, where ghosts are said to exist.  

    View
  4. London Calling

    The writer Jack London was known for his adventure stories, and an autumn hike at his namesake state park in Sonoma Valley illuminates more than his career. Eucalyptus, oaks, sprawling vineyards, and brilliant redwoods are part of the autumn magic amid the rich history of the park.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. woman hiking Elkhorn Slough Reserve in Monterey

    Hike Elkhorn Slough Reserve

    Elkhorn Slough Reserve is one of California’s few remaining coastal wetlands. Go on a hike and marvel at one of the state's largest coastal salt marshes, a valued habitat for birds, plant life, sea otters, and marine mammals.

    View
  2. Red Rocks in California

    Colorful badlands, towering buttes, and scenic desert cliffs form a hikers paradise. Red Rock Canyon State Park is a lightly visited desert wonderland where the southernmost tip of the Sierra Nevada converges with the El Paso range.

    View
  3. Woman hiking up to views from Desolation Canyon in Death Valley National Park

    Canyons Calling

    Canyon hikes come in all shapes and sizes in Death Valley, and we’ve got two gems. One requires more rigorous scrambling and navigation, and leads to a dryfall; the other takes you up to a brilliant vista.

    View
  4. Hiking Cobb Estate Haunted Forest

    Welcome to Mr. Cobb's Haunted Forest

    The ruins can be explored on an easy 1.5-mile (round-trip) loop trail. Hike it close to dusk for maximum creepiness (just make sure you're out by dusk, when the park closes).

    View