A long hike that will show you some incredible landscapes.
We’ll carpool from the Sunrise Trailhead Parking area to Kwaamii Pt. to pick up a northbound segment of the Pacific Crest Trail. The trail skirts the edge of Cottonwood Canyon with an unbroken 3000 foot drop to the desert floor. There are great views into Anza-Borrego Desert State Park as well as the nearby Oriflamme and Chariot Mountains. Along the way back to the cars, you’ll pass through low-growing chaparral consisting of shiny-leaf yerba santa, manzanita, buckwheat, chamise, mountain-mahogany, and scattered scrub oaks This is an intermediate 7-mile hike with an elevation change of 500 feet. The hike is scheduled from 9 AM–2 PM.
(Mount Laguna) From I-8, exit north on Sunrise Hwy. (S-1) and go 20.6 miles. Turn left into the Sunrise Trailhead parking lot. Facilities. (GPS N32.978223, W116.524863)
This scenic walk just north of Lake Poway follows a stream and a woodland canyon of large oaks.
This scenic walk just north of Lake Poway follows a stream and a woodland canyon of large oaks. The tracks of wild animals—including coyotes, mountain lions, and bobcats—attest to the habitats protected within this reserve. The longer hike option will climb to an overlook of Lake Poway. Two hike options will be offered. A shorter easy 3-mile hike with an elevation change of 250 feet, or continue on to complete an intermediate 5-mile hike with an elevation change of 800 feet. The hike is scheduled from 3–5:30 PM or 3–7 PM.
(Poway) From I-15, go east on Rancho Bernardo Rd. for 1.5 miles. Continue on Espola Rd. for 1.6 miles. Turn left into the Reserve's parking lot and drive to the end. Facilities. (GPS N33.017394, W117.024871)
A pleasant walk on level terrain, suitable for kids of all ages.
The trail along the north side of Batiquitos Lagoon in Carlsbad hugs the shoreline, providing great views of shorebirds and plant life. At this trailhead is the compact, but very comprehensive, visitor center with its native plant garden. This is a pleasant walk on level terrain, suitable for kids of all ages. This is an easy 3-mile hike with an elevation change of 200 feet. The hike is scheduled from 8–10:30 AM.
(Carlsbad) From I-5, exit east on Poinsettia Ln. and go 0.3 mile. Turn right on Batiquitos Dr. and go 0.5 mile. Turn right on Gabbiano Ln. and go 0.3 mile. Park at the end of the road. Wheelchair accessible. No facilities. (GPS N33.093746, W117.301354)
An easy stroll through montane chaparral.
Enjoy an easy stroll through montane chaparral on the way to a shady loop trail under a soaring canopy of oaks, pines, and cedars in the northern reach of the Cuyamaca Mountain Range. Deer, wild turkey and other wildlife are often seen on the trail. This is an intermediate 3-mile hike with an elevation change of 850 feet. The hike is scheduled from 9 AM–noon.
(Julian) From the junction of CA-79 & Pine Hills Rd. (1 mile west of Julian), turn south on Pine Hills Rd. for 2.3 miles. Go left (east) on Frisius Rd. for 2 miles to the park entrance. A $5 day use fee or a San Diego County Parks and Recreation Parking Pass is required to park. See https://www.sdparks.org/content/sdparks/en/shop/Discounts.html#Parking for more information. Facilities. (GPS N33.039656, W116.592372)