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

Silvercrest Loop (Palomar Mountain State Park)


Just beyond the entrance to Palomar Mountain State Park lies the Silvercrest Picnic Area, a quaint spot to enjoy a picnic with the family or relax in some quiet solitude. It its also the start of the short but scenic Silvercrest Trail, traversing a ridge along the southern edge of Palomar. You can do this hike as is, or make a longer figure-8 by adding on the Boucher Hill Loop. Continue reading Silvercrest Loop (Palomar Mountain State Park) →

Weekly Update

This Week in San Diego Hiking – May 15, 2017

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Photo: Hellhole Canyon Preserve

Hello Hikers!

I hope you all got out to enjoy the beautiful weekend, it looks like we might have a little bit of wet weather for the start of the week.

Next Sunday, May 21st, 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.

NBC 7 has an article about two women who were attacked by bees on the eastern side of Mission Trails last week, be careful if you’re hiking in that area.

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Have a good week!Photo: La Cima Trail/Soapstone Loop

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

Thunder Spring and Chimney Flats Loop (Palomar Mountain State Park)


There aren’t a lot of areas in San Diego County that really make you feel like you’re in “the mountains,” but Palomar Mountain most certainly qualifies. With nearly 30″ of average annul precipitation, Palomar is a unique and beautiful gem within our otherwise mostly arid county. The Thunder Spring and Chimney Flats Loop takes you through large swathes of Palomar’s cedar, oak, fir, and pine forest, while providing some great wildlife viewing opportunities. Continue reading Thunder Spring and Chimney Flats Loop (Palomar Mountain State Park) →

Weekly Update

This Week in San Diego Hiking – May 8, 2017

Photo: Dyar Spring/Juaquapin Loop at Cuyamaca Rancho State Park

Hello Hikers!

I hope this unseasonable rain didn’t ruin your weekend hiking plans. Remember, some trails may be closed for a day or two while things dry out.

NBC 7 has a report about the shot hole borer beetle which is destroying thousands of trees in the Tijuana River Valley Regional Park. The beetle is not native to San Diego, and authorities believe it may have been inadvertently introduced via a wooden shipping container from Southeast Asia. Scientists are still studying the pest and trying to find ways to stop it from spreading. Some of the damaged trees appear to be growing back, and rangers are replanting 3 trees for every one that needs to be removed. Visitors can help by not removing any wood from the park so that the insect doesn’t spread further.

In happier news, KPBS has an article about the restoration of vernal pools in the Proctor Valley area.

Regular visitors to Lake Hodges may have heard of “Hodgee,” the Loch Ness Monster-like creature that allegedly resides in the reservoir. A wooden sculpture of Hodgee, carved out of a eucalyptus tree which needed to be removed, now graces the northern edge of the lake. The sculpture resides at the intersection of Lake Drive and Date Lane, right near the entrance to Del Dios Community Park. Next time you’re hiking that section of the Coast to Crest Trail, stop by for a look!

Don’t forget, next weekend is the start of the San Diego River Park Foundation’s 14th Annual River Days! There will be educational activities, hikes, bike rides, volunteer projects, bird walks, workshops and much more! Visit www.sdriverdays.org for a full schedule of events.

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Have a good week!

Photo: West Side Road

Canyons of San Diego, Dog Friendly

Ruffin Canyon


If you’re looking for a quiet wilderness experience, but don’t want to leave town, Ruffin Canyon might be the spot for you. The hike begins with a quaint native plant garden and a well defined trail, but soon descends into a rugged, somewhat overgrown canyon. Despite the proximity to major housing developments, Ruffin Canyon offers a surprising amount of quiet solitude. Continue reading Ruffin Canyon →

Uncategorized

This Week in San Diego Hiking – May 1, 2017

Photo: Boucher Hill Loop
Hello Hikers!

It’s certainly starting to get warm out there! As a quick reminder, make sure to check the weather report for the area you’ll be hiking in before you head out. Often times its nice and cool near the coast, but can be dangerously warm further inland, so make sure you know what you’re getting into. Hiking early in the morning or in the late afternoon and evening are also good ways to make sure your trek doesn’t end badly.

Starting today, permits to hike Cedar Creek Falls will now cost $10 (formerly $6). They are still good for up to 5 people.

Mark your calendars for the weekends of May 13-14 and May 20-21, for the San Diego River Park Foundation’s 14th Annual River Days! There will be huge array of educational activities, hikes, bike rides, volunteer projects, bird walks, workshops and much more! Visit www.sdriverdays.org for a full schedule of events.

Next Saturday, May 6th, head on over to Mission Trails Regional Park for a Wildlife Tracking Walk. Join experienced MTRP Tracking Team members for an adventure in wildlife tracking. Learn the art of discovering and identifying tracks and other signs left behind by the park’s seldom-seen wildlife. These easy walks are suitable for the whole family.Don’t forget to wear long pants for kneeling on the ground. Wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes and bring along water. A hat and sunscreen are also recommended. Walks are canceled if raining. Visit the Mission Trails Events calendar for more information.

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Have a good week!
Photo: The Rim Trail at Mission Trails

6-10 miles, Cuyamaca Rancho State Park, Sweetwater River, Trail Write-Ups

Dyar Spring/Juaquapin Loop (Cuyamaca Rancho State Park)


Cuyamaca Rancho State Park is home to an extensive network of trails that can be cobbled together into any number of different hikes. This loop combines several of those trails (Harvey Moore, Dyar Spring, Juaquapin, and the East Side Trail) to visit a variety of different habitats including chaparral hillsides, grassy meadows, and riparian stream sides. There is plenty of opportunity to spot wildlife as well – turkey and deer are quite common, and the occasional coyote might be spotted if you’re quiet. Continue reading Dyar Spring/Juaquapin Loop (Cuyamaca Rancho State Park) →

Weekly Update

This Week in San Diego Hiking – April 24, 2017

Photo: Barnett Ranch Preserve
Hello Hikers!

I hope everyone had a wonderful Earth Day!

With the warmer weather, snake activity has been rising significantly. There have been lots of rattlesnake sightings on local trails, so keep your eyes and ears open while hiking.

The Marines have announced the process required for hikers and mountain bikers who wish to get a permit to access the Stowe Trail. It’s rather involved, requiring two trips to offices at Miramar, so you might want to start the process now if you’re hoping to access the trail anytime soon.

Sad news from Torrey Pines, where a man died last week after he and his companion fell from the cliffs above Black’s Beach.

Highway 78 between Escondido and Ramona will be closed over the next few weekends while workers construct a retaining wall to contain rockslides. Plan accordingly if you’re planning any hikes in the area.

Next Friday, April 28, Adventure 16 San Diego will be hosting a PCT Rendezvous! There will be a special showing of the 2016 PCT Class Video, celebrity guests, manufacturer’s reps, and PCT supporters.

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Birding, Fallbrook, Trail Write-Ups, Under 5 miles

Wilderness Gardens Preserve


Established in 1973, Wilderness Gardens Preserve was San Diego County Parks and Recreation’s first nature preserve. Situated along the flood plain of the San Luis Rey River, the Preserve has a variety of scenic landscapes to enjoy, as well as historical artifacts of interest which illustrate its long history of human habitation. The park is closed on Wednesdays and, due to heat, for the entire month of August, so plan your trip accordingly. Continue reading Wilderness Gardens Preserve →

Weekly Update

This Week in San Diego Hiking – April 17, 2017

Photo: Lake Hodges West

Hello Hikers!

I hope everyone had a good Easter and enjoyed the lovely weather.

It’s National Park Week, and next weekend (April 22-23) there will be free admission to all National Parks!

This Wednesday (April 19) there is yet another opportunity to meet Afoot and Afield co-author Scott Turner and get your book signed, as well as enjoy some awesome food. Head on over to Burger Bench, 237 E Grand Avenue in Escondido to hang out and talk trails from 5-8 pm. Show your book and enjoy 15% off your order (one per person).

Next Friday, April 28, Adventure 16 San Diego will be hosting a PCT Rendezvous! There will be a special showing of the 2016 PCT Class Video, celebrity guests, manufacturer’s reps, and PCT supporters.

Registration for the San Dieguito River Valley Conservancy’s 2017 “Exploring Our Sense of Place” (ESP) program is now open. Participants, or “explorers,” will experience the San Dieguito River Valley and watershed in all seasons. Eight excursions will be held monthly from September through May, including a welcome reception at the Del Mar Powerhouse and seven outings with experts in a variety of topics including: Mammals and Tracking, Native Americans, Birds of Bernardo Bay, and more. Enrollment is limited to 26 to maximize the experience for participants. Enrollment will close on August 10, 2017.

The San Diego Union-Tribune has an article about a recent Ramona Community Planning Group discussion regarding traffic and parking along State Route 67 near the Mount Woodson trail.

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Have a good week!

Photo: Sunset Trail in Mount Laguna

Hiking trails in and around San Diego County