Tecolote Canyon is one of many canyons and open space areas within the City of San Diego. Tucked away behind houses, businesses, and golf courses, these canyons provide refuge to both humans who want to escape the city atmosphere for a morning jog or afternoon stroll, as well as countless birds and other wildlife seeking a suitable habitat in our increasingly urban world. Continue reading Tecolote Canyon (South)
Category Archives: Trail Write-Ups
Lakeside River Park
Lakeside River Park is a small, yet scenic stretch of the San Diego River. This trail is something of a work in progress. The original groundbreaking took place in 2006, and since then workers and volunteers have built a nice little trail and restored a substantial amount of native vegetation along the river. Future plans include additional removal of invasive plants and planting of natives, as well as extending the trail in both directions. We visited the trail on a warm summer evening shortly before sunset, and found the trail provided a pleasant little stroll with lots of birds and other wildlife. Continue reading Lakeside River Park
Monument Peak (via Desert View Picnic Area)
One of the most effective ways to beat the heat while hiking is to get an early start. So when we decided we were going to hike Monument Peak, we figured why not get the earliest start possible, and enjoy a scenic sunrise? It just so happens that there is an awesome view point just a couple miles south of Monument Peak at the Desert View Picnic Grounds, right along the Pacific Crest Trail. Thus, our plan began to emerge: get to the picnic area for sunrise, then pick up the PCT and head north to the unsigned use trail that led to Monument Peak. Continue reading Monument Peak (via Desert View Picnic Area)
Daley Ranch – Engelmann Oak Loop
Daley Ranch is a 3000 acre preserve in north eastern Escondido. It has over 25 miles of trails open to hikers, mountain bikers, equestrians, and leashed dogs. The preserve contains a variety of habitats including oak woodlands, coastal sage scrub, chaparral, grasslands, and riparian areas. It holds several ponds, and sits adjacent to Dixon Lake. You can view a map of the Ranch’s trails here. Continue reading Daley Ranch – Engelmann Oak Loop
Tijuana Estuary/Tijuana Slough National Wildlife Refuge – North Coast Trail
We had recently hiked the coast on the southern side of the Tijuana River in our visit to Border Field State Park, and decided today that we’d check out the north side. The North Coast trail is part of the Tijuana Slough National Wildlife Refuge, which, along with Border Field State Park and some county owned land to the east, make up the the Tijuana River National Estuarine Research Reserve (TRNERR). Continue reading Tijuana Estuary/Tijuana Slough National Wildlife Refuge – North Coast Trail
Ramona Grasslands Preserve
The Ramona Grasslands Preserve is a relatively new addition to San Diego’s roster of County Parks. Originally acquired by the Nature Conservancy, the land was later given to the County and a portion was opened to the public in 2011. In addition to hikers, the Preserve is a popular destination for horseback riders (we encountered quite a few equestrians on our visit) and is open to mountain bikers as well.
Winter may be the best time to visit the preserve, as numerous hawks and other large birds overwinter in the area. But the trail is an easy hike with views of wide plains and rolling hills topped with oak trees and boulders that can be enjoyed year round, although it does get rather hot during the summer. Continue reading Ramona Grasslands Preserve
Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve
Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve is one of the most well known hiking destinations in San Diego. It is home to the rare Torrey Pine tree, which grows only in San Diego and Santa Rosa island. The Reserve was originally established in 1899 as a public City park, and throughout the years has been expanded and received increased protection for the unique and diverse plants and creatures living there.
There are a number of short trails at Torrey Pines, all of which provide some spectacular views of the geological artistry and uniquely shaped trees that permeate the area. You can view the Reserve’s trail map and devise your own route, or follow the route I describe below to hit most of the major highlights. Continue reading Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve
Cabrillo National Monument Bayside Trail
Cabrillo National Monument is San Diego’s only National Park property. Originally established in 1913, it memorializes the landing of Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo at San Diego Bay on September 28, 1542 – the first time a European expedition landed on the west coast of the United States. Continue reading Cabrillo National Monument Bayside Trail
Stonewall Peak (Cuyamaca Rancho State Park)
Stonewall Peak is one of the most popular hikes in Cuyamaca Rancho State Park. It is a relatively short and easy climb with a great payoff in the form of sweeping views of large swathes of the park, including a clear view of Lake Cuyamaca to the north. Although the area suffered tremendous damage during the 2003 Cedar fire, thick chaparral has regrown over the hillside and the path actually has some decent shade. Continue reading Stonewall Peak (Cuyamaca Rancho State Park)
San Elijo Lagoon
San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve is a 1000 acre reserve situated between Solana Beach and Encinitas. The Reserve has seven miles of interconnecting trails passing through diverse ecological habitats including a riparian creekside, dry coastal sage scrub, boggy marshes, open grasslands, and coastal wetlands. San Elijo is home to numerous species of plants and animals, and provides an important stopover point for migrating birds. Continue reading San Elijo Lagoon