It was another hot weekend, and we were looking for a shorter coastal trail that we could bring one of the dogs on – The Dust Devil Nature Trail was a perfect choice. Located on the eastern side of the San Dieguito Lagoon, the trail is named in honor of the Dust Devils – a volunteer group started in the 1990’s who were instrumental in building and improving trails in the San Dieguito River Park. The trail consists of three interconnecting loops, which can seem a tad confusing if you’re just looking at the map, but is easy enough to navigate if you just turn right at every junction. Continue reading Dust Devil Nature Trail
Category Archives: Under 5 miles
Annie’s Canyon via N Rios Avenue (San Elijo Lagoon)
Annie’s Canyon, formerly known as the “Mushroom Caves,” in San Elijo Lagoon has quickly become one of San Diego’s “must-do” hikes. For years, the narrow sandstone slot canyon was officially closed to the public, but served as an illicit party spot. Thanks to a generous donation by someone known only as “Annie,” as well as tremendous effort by volunteers, the area has been cleaned up and a new trail known as “Annie’s Canyon Trail” has been established. The hope is that by opening the area to the public it will no longer be a desirable hangout for illegal activities. Continue reading Annie’s Canyon via N Rios Avenue (San Elijo Lagoon)
Tijuana Estuary
The Tijuana Estuary is an internationally known bird-watching destination in our own backyard, home to threatened and endangered species such as the California Least Tern, Snowy Plover, and Ridgway’s Clapper Rail. While over 90% of California’s coastal wetlands have disappeared, the Tijuana River National Estuarine Reasearch Reserve is protected by several government agencies (including California State Parks, US Fish & Wildlife Service, and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) and provides a wonderful opportunity to explore a wetland environment. Continue reading Tijuana Estuary
Felicita County Park
While Felicita County Park may not have the long miles of rugged trails that other hiking destinations in Escondido have, it is a wonderful and scenic spot with much to offer. There are several interconnecting paths and trails throughout the small park, but on a hot summer day this short little loop along Felicita Creek makes for an easy and relaxing stroll. Continue reading Felicita County Park
Crestridge Ecological Reserve – Valley View Truck Trail
Crestridge Ecological Reserve is wonderful oasis between Interstate 8 and the residential development of Crest. The reserve contains approximately 3000 acres of protected habitat, including riparian and oak woodlands, coastal sage scrub, and chaparral. There are numerous, interconnecting trails which connect as far as Flinn Springs County Park and Los Coches Road, allowing one to craft hikes of varying lengths and difficulties. Continue reading Crestridge Ecological Reserve – Valley View Truck Trail
Harper Creek (Cuyamaca Rancho State Park)
Harper Creek in Cuyamaca Rancho State Park is a seasonal stream, generally dry in the summer months. But in the spring, water flows through the creek and over large slabs of polished granite, creating an enticing series of pools where you can cool your feet or just sit and relax. Continue reading Harper Creek (Cuyamaca Rancho State Park)
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
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)
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)
Del Mar Mesa Preserve
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