The Outside Podcast

This podcast is produced by Outside Magazine, and when it’s great, it’s really truly great. It uses narrative storytelling to craft episodes about running, climbing, kayaking and hiking. It gets first person accounts from the people who went through some exceptional and often harrowing challenge, and weaves it together with narration from the host.

Two of my favorite episodes about hiking are “A Love Story Interrupted by a Bison Attack” and “Alone and Injured in the Wild.” The first is about two people who are newly dating and go on a hiking and trail running date on an island on Utah’s Great Salt Lake. During the afternoon, the couple comes into contact with one of the island’s most famous residents: bison. I won’t spoil what happens next, but it’s worth a listen. 

The other details the story of a woman who made a classic hiking mistake. She went on what she thought would be a quick hike in Joshua Tree without telling anyone where she was going or when she’d be back. When injury struck, she was left alone and unable to call for help. Her story quickly became one of survival and hope that she would soon be saved. 

The Training For Trekking Podcast

For those looking to up their hiking game, The Training For Trekking Podcast is hosted by coach and personal trainer Rowan Smith who offers practical advice on how to build your strength and endurance for hiking. Listeners can expect topics like “How to do interval training while hiking,” “Specific strength training for hiking,” “Nutrition for hot-weather hiking,” and “How to make a pacing strategy for a long hike.” The episodes are easy to listen to and digest.

Backpacking and Blisters Podcast

The Backpacking and Blisters podcast is like a love letter to all the joys—and sometimes less -than-great aspects—of backpacking. The hosts Derek and Carl describe the show as “tips and tales with a sense of humor,” and while they aren’t world-renowned experts (Carl is a teacher and Derek is a father of two special needs children), they have many, many years of experience with backpacking. Still they’re humble. Carl “continues to mess something up on each trip,” according to his website, while Derek brought a fanny pack on his first backpacking adventure.

Episodes include interviews with search and rescue experts, a discussion of controversial hiking gear and whether it’s worth it, and a fun one called “The Worst Backpacker of All Time.”

By Land Podcast

This podcast celebrates all things outdoors that happen on land and mostly includes interviews with experts in different areas. They cover thru-hiking, hunting, mountaineering, nutrition and conservation, personal development, and more.

A recent episode I really liked was “You Carry the Tent, I’ll Carry the Baby with Jack McClure.” It includes a funny and engaging conversation with Jack McClure and his wife, who hiked the Pacific Crest Trail in 2023 from the Canadian border to the Mexico border. And amazingly, they brought along their nine-month-old baby. 

It was a real conversation with some technical details—like the advantages and disadvantages to being a SOBO (hiking southbound) vs NOBO (hiking northbound)—but they also talked about their relationship and how it changed along the way.

The Trail Show Podcast

This podcast just wrapped up production after 12 years, but it has a deep and rich back catalog to go through. The show is based in Boulder, Colorado, and usually features guests who are equally as enthusiastic about hiking and backpacking as its outdoors-loving hosts. The show’s description says it’s “a comedy podcast that sometimes talks about hiking and always talks about beer.” 

The post 5 of the Best Hiking Podcasts to Listen To Right Now appeared first on San Diego Magazine.

But sometimes you just really want a challenge. A butt-busting workout that will leave you panting and make your wearable device very happy with your step count and heart rate.

Luckily, the San Diego region has plenty of these hikes, too. But there are some cautions. Before attempting any of them, make sure you are ready—that you’ve done some easier hikes in the region and have a good base of fitness. Also bring plenty of water, food, sun protection, and go early in the morning on days that will not be as hot.

El Cajon Mountain Trail – 11.6 Miles

For most hikers, the El Cajon Mountain Trail is really the epitome of challenging hikes in the region. Some like to call it El Capitain, or El Cap, not to be confused with the far taller mountain in Yosemite. But this hike still has lots of steep climbs, and it’s not just a steady uphill, but times where you climb down and then up again to make it to the summit. The trail is rocky at times as well, with big boulders to cover. But if you make it to the top, you’ll feel like you really accomplished something significant. And on a clear day, you can see all the way to the ocean.

Even if you don’t make it all the way, you can stop at any of the saddles on the trail and take in the panoramic views. But be prepared, you will definitely feel sore the next day.

• Directions: Start at the parking lot on Wildcat Canyon Road.
• Distance: 11.6 miles roundtrip
• Dogs: Allowed
• Details: The parking lot is open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. The trail is closed in August due to the heat.

Mt Gower Open Space Preserve – 9.8 Miles

Mount Gower Open Space Preserve is a massive space in Ramona, and has a few trails that are very challenging but with seriously stunning views. The open space covers 1,574 acres, and has the trail to Mount Gower summit. The summit itself does not actually fall in the preserve—that’s in Cleveland National Forest. But you can reach it on the trail that goes through the preserve. And the viewpoints along the way make the long journey worth it.

There are multiple routes to take to the top. If you follow the southern trail, you get the best views of the San Vicente Valley below.

• Directions: Start at the parking lot at the end of Gunn Stage Road. 
• Distance: 9.8 miles roundtrip
• Dogs: Leashed dogs allowed
• Details: The parking lot doesn’t open until 9 a.m., but if you want to start earlier, you can park outside the gate. That adds an extra 0.25 miles to your hike. Also, be on the lookout for poison oak, which is sometimes found along the trail.

Black Mountain in Ramona – 14.5 Miles

Another very challenging but rewarding hike in Ramona is Black Mountain. This is not to be confused with the smaller Black Mountain near Rancho Peñasquitos, which is a far easier hike. Sometimes it’s called Big Black Mountain to make the distinction. The trail takes you past a variety of trees and plant life, including oak groves and chaparral, as well one of the biggest growths of Engelmann Oak, a threatened species.

You can start the climb from the Santa Ysabel Truck Trail, which is also open to off-road vehicles, but is always open for hiking. In the rainy months, this road can get very muddy, so be warned.

• Directions: From downtown Ramona, follow Pamo Road to the gated Forest Service Road entrance. Park along Pamo Road.
• Distance: 14.5 miles roundtrip
• Dogs: Leashed dogs allowed
• Details: Be prepared for mud in the winter and spring. There are no bathrooms at the parking lot or on the trail.

The post 3 of the Most Challenging Hikes in San Diego appeared first on San Diego Magazine.

For every massively challenging mountain summit, there’s a gentle, beginner-friendly path through the woods or near the beach. With so many options, it can be tough to choose your next trek—so we surveyed some experts to find 10 of the best hikes in California. Here are their picks.

Oak Canyon Hiking Trail (3.3 Miles)

Mission Trails Regional Park

Todd Linke, a board member at the Mission Trails Regional Park Foundation and a high school science teacher, says this easy trail is great in any season. “The oak trees provide comforting shade in the summer [and turn a] brilliant yellow in the autumn. [There’s] flowing water in the winter and babbling rapids in the spring,” he explains. “The star of the show … is the amazing waterfall, which can be viewed from above or at the water’s edge.” 

You can start the trail at the Old Mission Dam, which once supplied water to San Diego’s Mission de Alcala. “This trail is as fun as you make it,” Linke says. “There are oak trees to climb, rocks to skip across, and mountain vistas all around.” You can hike out of the canyon and return on the Grasslands Loop Trail, passing the Kumeyaay grinding stones and catching a bird’s-eye view of the dam from the overlook.

White Mountain Peak Hike (15.2 Miles)

Mono County

Those who have set out to tackle Mt. Whitney know how challenging it is to score a permit. If you’re running into red tape, shift your focus: White Mountain Peak—which, at only 253 feet lower, is the third-highest peak in California—can give you the summit experience without any paperwork or permits. Cris Hazzard, who runs the website hikingguy.com, says that, though you can see Whitney from White Mountain, the peak is not actually in the Sierras. 

“Instead, it’s in the unique mountain desert of the White Mountains,” he explains. “The hike is 15 miles with approximately 3,500 feet of climbing. The high altitude will make it feel much more challenging.”

White Mountain Peak’s location makes it extra special—it is also the only mountain taller than 14,000 feet in the lower 48 states that’s not part of the Sierras, Cascades, or Rockies. 

Kumeyaay Lake Hiking Trail (1.3 Miles)

Mission Trails Regional Park

At just over one mile, this flat trail is short and sweet, so it’s a great quick hike to do after work or with kids. “It’ll bring you to a peaceful and beautiful place, with minimal time or effort investment,” Linke says. 

Start in the Bushy Hill parking lot along Father Junipero Serra Trail, just off of Mission Gorge Road in Santee. Follow the entrance road to the Kumeyaay Lake Campground and walk around the lake on a mixed dirt and gravel trail. “Although the trail is short, you’ll have multiple opportunities to stop, relax, and enjoy the beautiful view of the lake, as well as the river and a small marsh area east of the lake,” Linke says. “You’d never know the lake was a former quarry, and it speaks to the incredible efforts to regenerate previously disturbed land.”

Dyar Spring/Juaquapin Hiking Loop (6.2 Miles)

Cuyamaca Rancho State Park

This moderately challenging hike covers about seven miles, combining multiple paths in the park, including Harvey Moore, Dyar Spring, Juaquapin, and the East Side Trail. You may spot animals such as turkey, deer, and coyotes.

Philip Erdelsky, the leader of San Diego Day Hikers, says the trail has been one of his favorites since he first trekked it in 1988. “Very little has changed since then,” he adds. “The loop offers a variety of hiking experiences: chaparral, meadows, woods, stream crossings, and impressive views. Since it is a loop, none of it is hiked more than once. Dyar Spring always has water, even on the driest days.”

Sunset Trail to Laguna Meadow Hike (8.2 Miles)

Laguna Mountain Recreation Area and Cleveland National Forest

This trail gives you access to distant mountain vistas and Laguna Meadow, plus views of two small lakes—Water of the Woods and Big Laguna Lake—and an array of water birds, insects, and spring wildflowers.  

“While Southern California is known for its palm trees and ocean waves, our mountains provide a beautiful backdrop of Jeffrey Pines and Coast Live Oaks, along with fresh air and peaceful tranquility, a perfect combination for a relaxing hike,” Linke says. “In summer, the warmth creates the pleasant aroma of pine, while the shade of the forests give hikers and bikers a respite from the blazing sun. Autumn is a time of brilliance, as the air turns crisp and mountain oaks display their golden beauty along the trail and the Sunrise Highway, one of the most beautiful stretches of roadway in California.”

With winter comes snow, and families can bring sleds to slide down short hills.

North Dome Hike (9.2 Miles)

Yosemite National Park

While Yosemite’s Half Dome is on many adventurers’ bucket list, a section requiring a steep ascent with only cables to aid you can cause anxiety. To experience a similar trek without the risk, try hiking to North Dome. The path is 9.5 miles with about 2,100 feet of climbing, which is much less than Half Dome. 

“You don’t need a permit, and enjoying the granite dome and views is relatively tame,” Hazzard says. “I love this hike because it’s not as crowded as the other Yosemite classics, but it still is a quintessential Yosemite experience.”

Palm Springs Tramway to San Jacinto Peak Hike

Mount San Jacinto State Park (10.1 Miles)

San Jacinto towers 10,000 feet over Palm Springs, offering an alpine environment with the Sonoran Desert as its neighbor. While the hike from Palm Springs to the summit—called Cactus to Clouds—is one of the hardest in the country, you can trim about 8,000 feet off the journey by taking the tram to Long Valley.  (Cactus to Clouds is temporary closed due to heat warnings)

“Once off the tram, you’ll hike through the pines and granite boulders to the dramatic summit,” Hazzard says. “It’s still a workout at around 11 miles and 2,600 feet of climbing. John Muir called the views from the summit the ‘most sublime spectacle to be found anywhere on this earth.’”

Garnet Peak Hike (2.3 Miles)

Laguna Mountain Recreation Area and Cleveland National Forest

This hike marries mountain and desert ecosystems—and provides a peak to summit without an overwhelming amount of distance or vertical climbing. If you start at the Garnet Peak trailhead, you can reach the peak in 2.3 miles with an elevation gain of about 500 feet. Or, if you want to start at the Penny Pines trailhead, you can hike four miles and take on an elevation gain of about 700 feet to get to the top. 

Penny Pines takes you along a section of the famed Pacific Crest Trail and gives you a sweeping panorama of the desert near the beginning of the hike. “The final approach to the peak is the steepest part, but don’t worry, it doesn’t last long, and it is 100 percent worth the final climb,” Linke says. “The view from the rocky outcroppings at the top give you an unobstructed 360-degree vista of mountains to the north, south, and west and of the desert to the east … It’s quite amazing that you can bag a peak just an hour’s drive from San Diego.”

Truckhaven Rocks Hiking Trail (1.6 Miles)

Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

Linke says one of the best hiking trails in Anza-Borrego Desert isn’t really a trail at all. “Oddly, even though it feels completely off the grid, it’s clearly visible from the S-22 Highway, about a 10 minute drive outside of Borrego Springs,” he explains. “It’s called Truckhaven Rocks and it affords the confident hiker with amazing views of Vallecito Mountain to the south, Santa Rosa Mountain to the north, and Borrego Valley between them.”

Despite the path’s lack of official trail designation, you can find the map on the AllTrails app. Your hike will vary from two to three miles and the elevation gain will be determined by your interest in scrambling up rocks or dry waterfalls. This trail also features some short slot canyons, small wind caves, and evidence of rockfalls. 

“You can probably guess by now that there won’t be a parking lot or trail signs, so use the AllTrails map or inquire at the visitor center for the best starting point,” Linke says. “You’ll need to park on the highway, but don’t worry, people do it all the time. While it’s an easy hike, it can be easy to get a bit turned around, so use some sort of navigation device. If all else fails, just keep walking north and eventually you’ll run into the highway.”

Palm Wash Hike (3.5 Miles)

South Fork, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

This is a desert hike that is accessible from the highway, but you’ll feel like you’ve discovered a distant and beautiful place. To find the entrance, use the AllTrails app or get advice from the visitor center. The trek covers about three miles with an elevation change of around 500 feet. 

“Once your hike begins, you’ll almost immediately be mesmerized by a large, tilting natural bridge,” Linke says. “Other fun and interesting features along the way include steep cliffs, dry waterfalls, evidence of rockfalls, and short but beautiful slot canyons. The hike will terminate at an overhanging dry waterfall, surrounded by tall sandstone formations … The great part about this hike is that as you retrace your steps, you’ll see the canyon from a whole new perspective, and it will seem like a brand-new and exciting hike.”

The post 10 of the Best Hikes in California, According to Experts appeared first on San Diego Magazine.

Before you head to town for fall-themed snacks, you should take the opportunity to explore some of the area’s spectacular hiking trails. Here are three hikes to try.

Stonewall Peak Trail – 4.2 miles

The Stonewall Peak Trail is named after the Stonewall Mine, which sits just north of the peak and is visible from the hike. After the 2003 Cedar Fire, many of the trees and shrubs were burned up, making the hike open with little cover. But the trail is beautiful—in fact, the hike was included on the original 1946 Sierra Club Hundred Peaks list.

This popular trail in Cuyamaca Rancho State Park is a short drive (about 10 miles) from Julian. It’s relatively low effort with a great payoff. There are stunning views along the way of the surrounding mountains and desert, and the top has panoramic views of Anza Borrego, the Laguna Mountains, the Salton Sea, and Palomar Mountains on a clear day.

• Directions: Start at the Paso Picacho Campground parking lot in Julian and follow the trail.
• Distance: 4.2 miles roundtrip
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Dogs: Not Allowed
• Details: You can use a California State Parks Pass if you have one (or check one out from the library). Otherwise, it’s $10 for a day pass.

Volcan Mountain Trail – 5 miles

It’s not entirely clear how Volcan Mountain got its name—whether it’s because early settlers thought they saw volcanic rock and ash and so named it after a volcano, or because it was named for the Spanish word balcón because it looks like balcony. However it got its name, this trail is a great one to check out in the Julian area.

The trail is clear and easy to follow but has little cover, so be prepared for sun. To start the hike, you’ll pass through the iconic Hubbell gate designed by artist James Hubbell. If you climb the 5,300 feet to the top, you’ll get 360-degree views, and on a clear day can see all the way from the desert to the coast. If you want to extend the hike a bit, you can follow the Five Oaks Trail on the way down.

• Directions: Park at the trailhead on Farmer Road in Julian and follow the signs.
• Distance: 5 miles
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Dogs: Allowed
• Details: Parking is free

Garnet Peak Trail – 2.3 miles

This trail is part of the jaw-droppingly beautiful Sunrise Highway. The road runs through the Laguna Mountains east of San Diego, starting at Interstate 8 at Laguna Summit and extending to State Route 79 near Cuyamaca Lake. It rises from 4,000 feet elevation to just over 6,000 feet with beautiful views of the desert and mountains all along the way.

There are several hikes that start along the highway, and Garnet Peak Trail is one of the easiest but still offers amazing views. It also crosses the famous Pacific Crest Trail after about half a mile, so you can say you’ve hiked along the same path Cheryl Strayed (and then Reese Witherspoone) made famous in the film Wild. Climb the rocky path to the summit and take in views of the Anza Borrego mountains and valleys.

• Directions: Park at the trailhead on Sunrise Highway (just north of the Penny Pines Trailhead).
• Distance: 2.3 miles out and back
• Difficulty: Easy
• Dogs: Allowed
• Details: Parking is free

The post 3 Julian Hikes to Explore This Fall appeared first on San Diego Magazine.

They decided to hike Cowles Mountain in the middle of the day, and, for some reason, Ashley elected not to wear sunscreen. “Long story short, I darn near died on the way up, because yoga shape is not hiking shape,” she says. “He busted out almond Champagne at the top, which was delicious, but I also [almost] died on the way down. I’m a lightweight and dehydration kicked in… I got an epic sunburn… He still gives me a hard time about [it].”

Ashley’s hiking partner, Seung, can still rib her about her sunburn because, well, he’s now her husband. They have three kids together, and Ashley says that, despite the near-death experience, hiking made for a great first date.

 

“You skip all that formality of sitting at a table interviewing each other and sifting through who this person really is versus what they want you to think,” she reflects. “He seemed like a vaguely responsible and spontaneous guy who was very bright and motivated and spoke his mind.”

She says relationships and marriage are hard, and hiking gives you a better glimpse into how someone handles challenges. “You can kick the tires at the coffee shop and think it’s all great, but you are better served on a hike, where the rubber meets the road,” she emphasizes.

I may be biased, given my love for hiking, running, and generally being outside, but if I were dating now, I’d make all my first dates outdoor treks. I said yes to a first date run back when I lived in Berkeley (I thought I was a good runner, but I still got completely winded when my date took me on a jog up the Fire Trail), and I went on hikes and runs early in my relationship with my now-husband.

They really are good ways to get to know people—and can push you to ramble farther than you would otherwise.

Data from the running app Strava seems to support this notion. Its 2022 Year In Sport report found athletes in pairs went longer in both time and distance than when they were solo.

The company also analyzed all the running and hiking done on Valentine’s Day and found that a good chunk of people celebrated the holiday by exercising as a duo. A fifth of winter activities (skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, and snowshoeing) were done in pairs on February 14 over the last four years, while 14% of walks and hikes and 13% of bike rides were two-person trips.

According to Strava, these are the most popular hiking routes for pairs in San Diego County:

• Top Part to Rockhouse (Bonita)
• Get to the Flag (Chula Vista)
• New Trail to Rockhouse (Chula Vista)
• South Fortuna Steps (San Diego)
• Top of Steps to Fortuna Saddle (San Diego)
• Father Junipero Serra Trail Climb (San Diego)
• Top of MTRP (San Diego)
• Quail Mountain Road Climb (Poway)

If you want something with romantic views, try Sunset Cliffs, Torrey Pines, or Kwaay Paay in Mission Trails (which, bonus, is rarely crowded). Meanwhile, local James Hauser says that when he was dating as a student at UCSD, he had a go-to third date: the La Jolla trail.

“[For] the initial first date, you go somewhere on campus. [The] second date might be sushi or somewhere near campus,” he says. “Then I would do this hike around sunset time where you get to see the beautiful ocean. If I did get the opportunity of having a third date, it’s a good way to get to know someone a little bit more than [I would at] a casual dinner.”

Plus, hiking takes a little longer than a typical dinner and can introduce more physical contact, he adds. “‘I need you to hold my hand, I need you to hold on to me,’” he jokes. “And it’s also just very beautiful. I think it’s one of the prettiest places in San Diego overlooking the cliffs. You have the gliders there going back and forth, and then you end up on the beach, and then you can walk back to campus.”

Hauser would tell his dates to wear comfortable shoes, and says he never had bad experiences. “I would be very encouraging [and say] that the hike wasn’t too difficult and any able-bodied person could do it,” he shares.

But one of these third-date hikes became his last—that’s because Hauser took the stroll with a woman who eventually became his wife.

“Maybe two percent of the reason why we’re married is because of the success of that third date,” he says. “She was skeptical at first. She was an L.A. girl who wasn’t into hiking, and I think I sold her on the fact that it was very pretty and I was bringing her somewhere that she hasn’t been before. It’s a little bit sketchy at times when you have to kind of hold on to someone or hold their hand, and so I got to [give] that additional reassurance—’I’m going to be here for you and support you’—and it went very well.”

The post Why Hiking Dates May Help You Find Your Partner appeared first on San Diego Magazine.

The program started two years ago. This spring, it was potentially going to be cut as the state legislature tried to balance a $45 billion budget deficit for the next fiscal year. But advocates across the state spoke up, lobbied for the program, and it was saved. In the most recent budget agreement, the state renewed the program for another year.

It’s a great way to explore hikes in local state parks without needing to pay the sometimes hefty parking fee or buy a yearlong pass. Here’s a list of all the parks that use the pass. And here are three great local hikes to try using the parking pass program:

Torrey Pines State Natural Reserves

Really nothing beats the beauty of Torrey Pines, plus its wonderful ocean breezes and the chance to end your hike at the beach. And to know that you’re parking there for free makes it all the better. There are a huge variety of loopings trails to explore, some less than a mile long with flat paths that are great for kids. The more challenging hike is to go up the hill, then follow the beach loop trail and walk back on the beach.

Directions: Start at the Torrey Pines parking lot

Distance: 2.7 miles for Beach Loop Trail

Difficulty: Moderate

Dogs: Allowed

Details: Check the website for rain closures. The park is open from 7:15 a.m. to sunset. If you don’t have the state park pass, parking ranges from $10-$25.

San Elijo State Beach

An easy and breezy and beautiful hike that starts and ends at San Elijo State Beach is great for walking with kids or older family members, or taking a sunset stroll after dinner. You can also park and do the quintessential San Diego thing and run along the beach, with the ocean waves crashing on your side. Start at the San Elijo State Beach North Parking Lot and follow the beach down to the San Elijo Lagoon, then turn around and head back.

Directions: Start at the San Elijo State Beach North Parking Lot

Distance: 1.4 miles for out and back

Difficulty: Easy

Dogs: Not allowed

Details: If you don’t have the state park pass, parking costs $10.

Border Field State Park

There are lots of trails to explore along the U.S.-Mexico border if you start your journey at Border Field State Park. The trails take you through the Tijuana Slough National Wildlife Refuge, which is a renowned place for bird watching. It’s also a great place to hike in the summer, where you can get cooler temperatures and still avoid the beach crowds. If you want a challenge, try the Imperial Beach, Amsod Farm and Coast Trail, which takes you across the full width of the park.

Directions: Start at the parking lot on 3098 Dairy Mart Rd and follow the Beach Trail until it connects with the Tijuana River.

Distance: 8.3 miles for out and back

Difficulty: Challenging

Dogs: Allowed

Details: If you don’t have the state park pass, parking costs $7.

The post How to Use California’s Free State Parks Pass for Hiking appeared first on San Diego Magazine.

That’s happened to me plenty of times. And while there is something beautiful about hiking the same routes over and over—noticing things you haven’t seen before, or seeing if you can reach a summit in a record time—it’s also important to explore. That’s the whole point of hiking, right?

A great way to explore new trails is to head to a part of the region where you don’t usually go. There are lots of trails in South County that you may not have set foot on before, and many are worth checking out.

So, here are three South County hikes to try.

Hollenbeck Canyon

This 4.7-mile, out-and-back hike takes you through a scenic canyon in Jamul with sweeping green hills on either side. Go in the spring and you’ll have beautiful views of wildflowers, and possibly a few small streams you’ll need to cross (pack a small towel and go barefoot across if you don’t want wet shoes and socks). There are a few steep places along the way, but the trail is well maintained and mostly not too challenging.

Directions: Start at the trailhead on Honey Springs Road off Campo Road.

Distance: 4.7 miles, out-and-back

Difficulty: Moderate

Dogs: Allowed

Details: Buy a California Department of Fish & Wildlife day pass for $5.66 online before you go.

Mother Miguel Mountain

This steep but relatively short climb near Chula Vista is a bit challenging, but the views from the top are totally worth it. On a clear day, you can see mountains to the east, Sweetwater Reservoir, and Chula Vista, plus the ocean and bay along with Mexico, Coronado, and downtown San Diego. The hike is best done before summer months because there’s no shade along the way, and there are steep switchbacks for part of the trail.

Directions: Start at Mount San Miguel Park on Paseo Veracruz.

Distance: 4.4 miles, out-and-back

Difficulty: Challenging

Dogs: Allowed

Details: Parking is free.

Tijuana Estuary

Forget Torrey Pines (OK, don’t forget it, because it’s also beautiful), this wide park along the ocean is way less crowded and still has beautiful views. You can hike along the US-Mexico border, winding your way around as many trails in the Tijuana River Valley as you’d like. Still perfectly pleasant as the weather gets warmer, this estuary is a great spot for bird watching and easy hiking with its flat trails. 

Directions: Start on Imperial Beach Boulevard to follow the North McCoy trail or the full route.

Distance: For the longest hike, follow the 9.2-mile Valley Scenic Route, or do the shorter North and South McCoy trails.

Difficulty: Easy

Dogs: Allowed

Details: Parking is free. A trail map can be found here.

The post 3 South County Hikes to Try appeared first on San Diego Magazine.

But San Diego’s hiking culture stands out because, here, you can hit the trails year-round. Though spring’s typical rains may make us scowl at the sky, they also resurrect our soil, turning once dry and arid places vibrant and vegetated. The rain also replenishes the various waterfalls that pepper San Diego’s landscape, sprucing up the views on some of locals’ favorite hikes. Here are a few of the best trails for spotting waterfalls in San Diego. 

Where to See Waterfalls in San Diego

Los Penasquitos Canyon Trail 

This long but low-effort hike offers a perfect opportunity to psychoanalyze every relationship you’ve ever been in as you reconnect with nature. On the way to the waterfall that trickles over volcanic rock, you’ll meander through one of the most biodiverse regions in Southern California, spotting giant California oak trees and hopefully a few red-tailed hawks and mule deer. Be sure to check the park’s website beforehand to ensure that the trails aren’t closed due to weather conditions.

Length: 6.7 miles 

Estimated time: 3 hours

Price: $3 parking fee (cash only)

Oak Canyon Trail

This moderately difficult trail looks its best after heavy rainfall, when a bubbling creek runs through the canyon and creates many small waterfalls that stream over the jutting, tiered rocks. You can bring your pup, but keep them leashed so as not to disturb the visitors jogging, biking, and bird-watching in the area. Because of the many rocks and uneven terrain, be sure to wear sturdy shoes that you don’t mind getting a little wet. 

Length: 3.3 miles

Estimated time: 1.5 hours

Price: Free

Cedar Creek Falls

Cedar Creek Falls is one of the more well-known San Diego hikes. Studded with massive hills, the trail seems to beckon trekkers into a Lord of the Rings–style quest. You’ll begin by heading downhill to reach the waterfall, so be sure to bring enough water to sustain you on the way back up, especially on hot days. Follow the trailheads, which will lead you past large boulders, small streams, and maybe even some sunbathing snakes (always be on the lookout!) to the falls. The water cascades into a small pool, a perfect spot for swimming and cooling off. 

Length: 5 miles

Estimated time: 3 hours

Price: A $6 reservation permit needs to be purchased before arrival. The permit covers up to five people in a group.

Green Valley Falls

If you want a low-commitment, high-reward trail, the Green Valley Falls provide a relaxed, scenic environment where many locals enjoy picnicking, sunbathing, bird-watching, and swimming in the several chilled pools at the bottom of the waterfalls. Get to the site early, as parking can fill up quickly. Check one of the four “Birds of Cuyamaca Rancho State Park” identification stations and see if you can spot an acorn woodpecker, a northern flicker, or a barn owl. Unfortunately, dogs are not allowed on this trail, so your pup will have to come along on the next adventure. 

Length: 0.5 miles

Estimated time: 20 minutes

Price: $10 parking fee

Three Sisters Falls Trails

Named after the three different waterfalls you will encounter on this moderately intense hike, Three Sisters is for those who want more than just your average flat trek. There are a few areas along the popular path that require descending steep rocks, aided by ropes that have been bolted down, so take all the necessary precautions: Have enough water, shoes with grip, and a courageous attitude. While leashed dogs are allowed, ask your pooch ahead of time if they’re okay with doing some scrambling. The view of the waterfalls makes up for the rigorous journey it takes to get there, so relish in the beauty, splash some fresh water on your face, and stay alert to avoid slipping on wet rocks.

Length: 4.1 miles

Estimated time: 3–4 hours

Price: A California Adventure Pass must be purchased and displayed in the car to cover the cost of parking.

The post The 5 Best Waterfall Hikes in San Diego appeared first on San Diego Magazine.

Stories of Marines on patrol citing trail users with violations were not uncommon, and in January 2016, things came to a tipping point when some 50 mountain bikes were seized. Outrage ensued. Public meetings were held. The decades-long work of former County Supervisor Dianne Jacobs, along with the leadership of San Diego Mountain Bike Association and support from local advocates and elected officials resulted in an agreement with MCAS Miramar in early 2017. It allowed people to use the Historic Stowe Trail, if they had a permit (see how to get a permit below).

At nearly four miles long from end-to-end, the trail morphs between being double track and single track, passing through a copse of oak and sycamore trees. Coyotes wander, quail swoosh, and during wildflower season, a painter’s palette colors the surrounding landscape, highlighted by one area that in some years becomes a California poppy lover’s dream. 

With signage the entire way, it is impossible to get lost while out there. There are trails veering off the Stowe Trail, but officially, they are not part of the permitted areas. On the northern end of the trail, it connects into Goodan Ranch/Sycamore Canyon County Preserve, where you can continue to ride other trails, with Martha’s Grove Trail being one of my favorites in all of San Diego County.

How to Get a Stowe Trail Permit

Begin by going to the Miramar Marines official website and downloading the forms. All parties wanting to access the trail will need a permit which is required for those 10-years-old and older. 

Fill out the forms and drive to MCAS Miramar’s East Gate entrance off of I-15. When you drive up to the security checkpoint, the person on duty will direct you to the transportation office, which is on the right. Proceed to the parking lot there and go inside.

When called, present your documents, along with your driver’s license. If you don’t have one, a U.S. passport will suffice. You also need to provide the person with your Social Security number, but you do not need to show them a social security card. Assuming everything is filled out correctly, they’ll ask you to take a seat and wait while they run a background check. 

If that all checks out okay, you’ll get called up to a window to have your photo taken and then you’ll wait a few minutes while they print your permit to access the Stowe Trail. It is good for only one-year, so you’ll need to renew it annually.

Note: Currently, to access the Stowe Trail in Santee, there is a new temporary entrance. You should park your car along Ganley Rd. and then bike north on Strathmore Rd., about a half mile where it dead ends at a cul-de-sac. Step through the opening in the fence, as is indicated there. Proceed up the slight rise/hill, staying to the left. The trail will connect into Stowe Trail that is down on the left. At that point, turn right and ride north towards Poway via the Stowe Trail, taking in views of the distant Cuyamacas to the east.

The post How to Bike the Once-Restricted Stowe Trail appeared first on San Diego Magazine.