Located just north of Interstate 8 in a heavily populated area near SDSU, Navajo Canyon is one of San Diego’s many open spaces that protects a small island of nature within a sea of development. The canyon is home to a small creek with some large groves of palm trees, with a mix of riparian and chaparral habitats.
We were looking for a quick hike we could squeeze in the middle of a busy day, and Navajo Canyon fit the bill perfectly. Thanks to its central location and proximity to the freeway, it didn’t take us long to get to the trailhead. We found a parking spot just down the street, and walked back to the canyon entrance on the corner. There was an informational kiosk with a trail map posted, but it was in rather poor condition and mostly illegible. I recommend the online version if you want to scope out the route. 
The trail was rocky, but otherwise in good shape and easy to follow. The trail was largely lined with baccharis broom and lemonade berry. 
To the left of the trail was a mostly dry creek bed, where towering Mexican fan palms grew. The traffic noise from I-8 behind us dissipated as we made our way up the canyon. Soon the sound of cars was replaced by the songs of birds as they flew through the brush around us.
Around .4 mile we crossed the dry creek bed, and here we could see some more riparian vegetation like mule fat, willow and rushes. On the far side of the creek the trail forked. We headed right – the left fork led to another access point on Waring Road.
The trail became even rockier, slowing us down a bit as we had to focus on our footing.
The rocks eventually were replaced by hard packed dirt making for easier going.
It was the middle of the day, and the local lizards were out in full force, basking in the sun. They scurried off hurriedly as we approached, but one brave soul held still long enough for us to get a decent picture.
At .8 mile we came to a “Y” junction and headed left. The path to the right appeared to lead a short way up the hill to provide access to the power lines.
We soon encountered yet another creek crossing, and this one actually had a little bit of water remaining. Dragonflies flitted about.
Just beyond the crossing was the first and only hill of any significance we would encounter. So far we had been climbing at such a gentle grade that it was almost unnoticeable, but now we were quickly headed up to the canyon rim.
We paused briefly to admire one of the many blooming prickly pear cacti that lined the trail.
We then made our way up the slope and found ourselves at the canyon’s edge. A preschool, surrounded by a chain link fence lay before us. Turning around we could admire the view of the canyon below.
The trail picked up again on the far side of the school’s parking lot, but after a quick foray we found the trail was rather overgrown. Based on the map, it didn’t go much further and traveled mostly behind some houses, so we didn’t bother to explore and decided to call this our turnaround point. We retraced our route back to the car.
Directions:
From I-8, take the Waring Road exit and head north on Waring Road. Turn right onto Adobe Falls Road, then in approximately .2 miles turn left to stay on Adobe Falls Road – you will see the trailhead on the northeast corner as you make this turn. Find street parking along Adobe Falls Road. map
| Total Distance: | 2 miles |
| Difficulty: | Easy |
| Total Ascent: | 250 feet |
| Dog Friendly?: | Leashed dogs allowed |
| Bike Friendly?: | Bikes allowed |
| Facilities: | None |
| Fees/Permits: | None |
For more information, visit:
Trail Map
View route or download GPX in CalTopo
