We are fortunate in San Diego to have nearly perfect weather year round, not to mention a plethora of beautiful parks and trails to explore. So why not head outside to get your exercise at one of our county’s many popular hiking destinations? Hiking provides a great cardio workout and also engages multiple muscle groups simultaneously. Plus, its hard to get bored as your surroundings are continuously changing. The intensity of your hiking workout will depend on how far you travel, how much weight you carry, and the terrain you are hiking. Its easy tailor your workout hike to almost any fitness level. Here are five great hikes that will get you moving uphill and your blood pumping.

Torrey Pines

Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve is a beautiful coastal hike among rare Torrey Pine trees and wind sculpted cliffs. Cool coastal breezes will help keep you comfortable as you climb the steep cliffs of the reserve, and you can always get your feet wet at the beach if its an especially hot day. There is an elaborate network of trails available at Torrey Pines that will allow you to customize a trek suitable for almost any fitness level. If you’re looking for the maximum workout, I recommend the following route: Begin by parking at the lower parking area along the beach. Walk up the road, obeying the posted signs to stay out of the way of traffic. Follow the road to the Beach Trail parking area across from the Visitor’s Center. Take the Beach Trail down to the beach, then climb back up via the Broken Hill Trail. Connect to the South Fork Trail and take that to the old Highway 101 paved road. Turn left and follow the road back to the parking area. (Click here for a trail map). This route is just around 4 miles and will maximize your hill climbing.

Note: Unless you arrive super early and manage to score one of the few free parking spots along the road, you’ll find yourself paying between $10 and $15 to park at the Reserve parking lot. Prices vary from season to season and between weekday and weekend. Click here for current parking prices.

Distance: 4.1 miles
Elevation Gain: 350 feet
Directions: From I-5 take the Carmel Valley Road exit. Head west on Carmel Valley Road. Turn left onto S Camino Del Mar (turns into N Torrey Pines Rd). Park for free along the beach if you can find a spot, or continue ahead to the Torrey Pines Reserve on your right and park in the lower lot. map

Cowles Mountain

Cowles Mountain is probably the single most popular hike in San Diego County. The combination of its easily accessible location, fantastic views, and adrenaline inducing inclines make it a frequent destination for people hoping to combine the great outdoors with a great workout. The trail is a steady ascent along chaparral covered hills dotted with reddish boulders. While there are several routes you can take to summit Cowles, the most popular is the trail beginning at Golfcrest Drive and Navajo (directions below).

Distance: 3.0 miles out and back
Elevation Gain: 950 feet
Directions: From I-8, take the College Ave exit. Go north on College Ave for approximately 1 mile. Turn right on Navajo Road and continue for approximately 2 miles. Turn left onto Golfcrest Drive, the parking area will be almost immediately on your right. Note: due to the extreme popularity of this hike, you will probably find the parking lot full and will need to try and find street parking along Golfcrest. map

Iron Mountain

Like Cowles Mountain, Iron Mountain is an extremely popular hike for San Diegans looking to combine their exercise and their outdoor time. The journey starts out as a mostly flat hike, but after the first mile or so the climbing begins. The final half mile to the summit is a seemingly endless series of switchbacks up the boulder strewn mountainside, but you’ll soon be rewarded with a stunning panoramic view and some well worked calf muscles.

Distance: 5.8 miles out and back
Elevation Gain: 1200 feet
Directions: From I-15, take the Scripps Poway Pkwy exit. Head east on Scripps Poway Parkway for approximately 8.5 miles to Highway 67. Turn left (north) on Highway 67, the parking area will be on your right approximately 1.7 miles up Highway 67, right before the intersection with Poway Road. map

Bernardo Mountain

This hike begins as a mostly flat, easy journey along the north shore of Lake Hodges. You’ll pass the world’s longest stressed ribbon bridge, cross the idyllic Felicita Creek, then at 1.5 miles take the turn off to ascend Bernardo Mountain. From here, its a fairly steady ascent around the north and eastern flanks of the mountain as the path winds through chaparral that at some points grows higher than your head. At the top, you’ll enjoy a 360 degree view of North County, with Lake Hodges wrapping around the western side.

Distance: 7.5 miles
Elevation Gain: 1400 feet
Directions: Take I-15 to the Via Rancho Parkway exit. Go east on Via Rancho Parkway 1 block to Sunset Drive. Turn right onto Sunset Drive, follow the road until it dead ends, the trail head and parking area will be on your right. You can park on the street if the lot is full. map

Mount Woodson

Best known for the famous Potato Chip Rock, the hike up Mount Woodson is another great place to get outside and get your blood pumping. There are several routes one can take to ascend Mount Woodson, but the journey starting from Lake Poway is the longest and most strenuous of the possible paths. The path will take you around the edge of Lake Poway, up a steep fire road, then through a maze of white granite boulders as you climb up the mountain. Once at the top you’ll have some great views to enjoy while you await your turn for a photo atop Potato Chip Rock.

Note: Non-Poway residents must pay a $5 parking fee from February 28 – mid-November on weekends and holidays.

Distance: 6.8 miles out and back
Elevation Gain: 2300 feet
Directions:  From I-15, take the Rancho Bernardo Road exit. Head east on Rancho Bernardo Road. Rancho Bernardo Road turns into Espola Road. Continue on Espola Road. Turn left onto Lake Poway Road and follow it to Lake Poway Recreation Area. map

These hikes are all in exposed areas with little shade. Make sure you bring plenty of water and drink it, and wear a hat and sunscreen to protect your skin from the sun’s rays. During hot weather, its best to start these hikes early in the morning so you can be finished before the full heat of the day.

While all the hikes listed here are heavily used and you’ll rarely find yourself alone for long on the trail, its always best practice to hike with a buddy. Barring that, make sure you let someone know where you’re going and what time you expect to return. There isn’t always cell phone coverage available if you get into trouble.

Hiking is a great way to explore different parts of San Diego while getting some fresh air and exercise, so get outside and take a hike!

If you’d like to find even more hiking trails throughout San Diego County, check out our full list of trail write-ups here.

What are some of your favorite hikes for a good workout? Let us know in the comments below!