6-10 miles, Cleveland National Forest, Dog Friendly, Mt Laguna, Pacific Crest Trail, Trail Write-Ups

Indian Creek Loop


The Laguna Mountain area is one of our favorite hiking destinations in San Diego because it has so many interconnecting trails that can be combined into different hikes. The Indian Creek Loop combines segments of several different trails (Noble Canyon, Indian Creek, and the PCT) which we’ve explored before into an 8.7 mile loop with a wonderful variety of landscapes to enjoy. Continue reading Indian Creek Loop →

Weekly Update

This Week in San Diego Hiking – June 19, 2017

The Bayside Trail at Cabrillo National MonumentPhoto: Bayside Trail at Cabrillo National Monument

Hello Hikers!

I hope everyone has been taking it easy during the heat. The Times of San Diego reports that there were 8 rescues at Three Sisters just on Saturday, two of which resulted in helicopter rides and one ambulance ride.

It looks like the warm weather will continue for at least the first half of the week. If you’d like to go hiking and avoid a helicopter rescue, I recommend going very early and finishing by 9 – 10am, or maybe hitting up one of the many great coastal hikes in San Diego.

The San Diego Union Tribune has a good article on the development progress of a hiking and bike path that winds around the San Dieguito Lagoon in Del Mar. When completed, the 2.5 mile trail will extend from Del Mar through the Torrey Pines Reserve.

The San Diego Reader has a good article on a recent forum meeting about the ongoing issues of sewage from Mexico plaguing the Tijuana River Valley.

The Reader also has a great article about local trail angels helping out on the Pacific Crest Trail.

Here’s the latest outdoor and fitness deals from Amazon:

Have a good week!

Photo: Doane Valley Nature Trail at Palomar Mountain State Park

Coast to Crest Trail, Dog Friendly, North County, San Dieguito River, Trail Write-Ups, Under 5 miles

Santa Fe Valley Trail

Someday the Coast to Crest Trail will span a full 71 miles from the San Dieguito Rivers’s headwaters on Volcan Mountain to the Del Mar coast. Currently, about 60 percent of the trail is complete, with the longest segment being the 22-mile section from Highway 78 to Santa Fe Valley. This hike covers the westernmost end of that 22-mile segment through the Santa Fe Valley. Continue reading Santa Fe Valley Trail →

Weekly Update

This Week in San Diego Hiking – June 12, 2017

Photo: Wooded Hill Nature Trail

Hello Hikers!

I hope everyone got out to enjoy the beautiful weekend. It looks temperatures will start to rise this week, so make sure you check the forecast and are properly prepared before you head out.

Good news for Mission Trail hikers – the Big Rock trails leading to Cowles Mountain have been reopened after being damaged in a recent wildfire.

Next Sunday, June 18th at 8am, join Ranger Andrew Miller for a West Sycamore Nature Walk at the West Sycamore section of Mission Trails Regional Park. This will be a 90 minute guided nature walk where we will discuss the animals & plant communities commonly found at West Sycamore. Please wear comfortable shoes, a hat and bring bottled water. If you have any questions please email Ranger Andrew Miller at milleraj@sandiego.gov. Visit the Mission Trails Events Calendar for more information.

There are some temporary trail closures in effect at San Elijo Lagoon. The closures are part of a project to improve and expand the trail system, including work on the North Coast Bike Trail. A map of affected trails is available here.

Here’s the latest outdoor and fitness deals from Amazon:

Have a good week!
Photo: Iron Mountain via Ellie Lane

Cleveland National Forest, Dog Friendly, Pacific Crest Trail, Trail Write-Ups, Under 5 miles, Waterfalls

Kitchen Creek Falls (via Kitchen Creek Road)


One of the best parts about writing this blog is hearing from readers who are just as big of hiking nerds as we are. We have learned considerable amounts of great information from people who take the time to email or leave comments discussing different trails and routes. After our post on the hike to Kitchen Creek Falls from Boulder Oaks Campground last year, we got an email from a reader who basically said, “That looks great, but wouldn’t it be easier to start at Kitchen Creek Road and go south on the PCT?” A quick look at the topo map confirmed that yes indeed, the southbound route would be a mile shorter and have less elevation gain, so another hike was added to our to-hike list! Continue reading Kitchen Creek Falls (via Kitchen Creek Road) →

Weekly Update

This Week in San Diego Hiking – June 5, 2017

Photo: Lakeside Linkage Preserve

Hello Hikers!

Last Wednesday authorities recovered a body found along the popular Iron Mountain trail. The initial call reported a hiker in distress, but according to NBC San Diego’s video report, the body appeared to have been deceased for a while. The Medical Examiner is still determining the cause of death.

In happier news, Freckles, a horse that was lost in Cuyamaca Rancho State Park last weekend after throwing her rider was safely found and returned home.

The annual Anza Borrego bighorn sheep count will occur June 29th through July 1st. First-time counters must attend a mandatory orientation June 17th, and past participants are encouraged to attend as well. Unfortunately, the organization’s mailing list has been lost, so volunteers new and old should contact AB.Sheepcount@parks.ca.gov.

Get Outside San Diego is a great new resource for outdoor enthusiasts throughout San Diego County. This website helps users find parks in the county based on location, features, and available activities. Naturally, we’re a little partial to the “hiking trails” option, but there’s all kinds of great features to search by, so check it out.

Mission Trails Regional Park has closed the Big Rock Park and Big Rock Road trailheads due to the recent fire (click here for map). There’s no estimated opening date at this point, so plan on using the Mesa Road, Barker Way or Golfcrest trailheads if you want to climb Cowles Mountain.

Here’s the latest outdoor and fitness deals from Amazon:

Have a good week!Photo: West Side Road

Palomar Mountain, Palomar Mountain State Park, Trail Write-Ups, Under 5 miles

Doane Valley Nature Trail (Palomar Mountain State Park)


The Doane Valley Nature Trail in Palomar Mountain State Park is a beautiful little interpretive trail in the heart of Palomar. This short little hike takes you along Doane Creek (and across it several times), through towering cedars and pines, and along the edge of a meadow. This is a great choice if you have young children or non-hikers in your group and you want an easy stroll through some spectacular scenery. You can download an interpretive guide with information about various numbered exhibits you will find along the trail.
Continue reading Doane Valley Nature Trail (Palomar Mountain State Park) →

Weekly Update

This Week in San Diego Hiking – May 29, 2017

Photo: Dyar Spring/Juaquapin Loop (Cuyamaca Rancho State Park)

Hello Hikers!

Happy Memorial Day! I hope you’re all enjoying your day off, and taking a moment to remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.

NBC 7 has an story about the work being done by the California Conservation Corps to repair trails at Torrey Pines State Reserve that were damaged by erosion during the extremely wet winter.

The County of San Diego Parks and Recreation Deparment has released their Summer 2017 Activity & Program Guide, full of guided hikes, star gazing events, and all sorts of other great activities.

East County Magazine reports on a proposal by SDG&E and SoCalGas to build a natural gas pipeline from Rainbow to Mission Valley. The initial proposal would route the pipeline through Miramar, however Miramar command wants to route the pipeline through Misision Trails Regional Park and Goodan Ranch instead. Public comments are being accepted through June 12th.

Here’s the latest outdoor and fitness deals from Amazon:

Have a good week!

Photo: Sycuan Peak

Dog Friendly, North County, Trail Write-Ups, Under 5 miles

Del Mar Mesa Preserve

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Del Mar Mesa Preserve offers 8 miles of trails that wind through protected vernal pool habitat, oak riparian woodland, and chaparral covered hillsides. This area seems to be a favorite with local mountain bikers, so you’ll need to be prepared to share the trail, but there’s plenty of scenery to go around. The highlight of this area is the enchanting Tunnel 4 trail, which travels through a dense thicket of scrub oak and manzanita which form a natural tunnel. Continue reading Del Mar Mesa Preserve →

Weekly Update

This Week in San Diego Hiking – May 22, 2017

Photo: Big Laguna Trail

Hello Hikers!

It appears that summer is upon us! I hope everyone has been taking precautions to stay safe during this little heat wave. As always, check the weather report before you head out, go early or late in hot weather, and carry plenty of water. Don’t be afraid to turn around early or just take a couple of days off when its really hot out, the trail isn’t going anywhere. The good news is it sounds like things should start cooling off through the week.

There’s a sizable wild fire burning in the Jamul/Dulzura area. The Gate fire began late Saturday morning and was up to 1500 acres by Sunday. You can check the CalFire web site for the current status of the fire.

With the wet winter, tick populations are on the rise. Visit the CDC website for a refresher course on proper tick removal.

The San Diego Union-Tribune has an interesting article about the problems facing trees throughout the county due to drought and insects, and what’s being done to counteract those threats.

Here’s the latest outdoor and fitness deals from Amazon:

Have a good week!

Photo: PCT to Eagle Rock

Hiking trails in and around San Diego County