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Great Tips for Hiking in San Diego
Breathtaking View in La Jolla
By Marty Dugard
Even the briefest of map studies of San Diego County immediately reveals that the region is ideal for backpacking, climbing and camping. But the colors and swirls of a topo map hardly do it all justice. Camping experiences range from the oceanfront variety a la Torrey Pines State Beach, to the pine forests of Mount Laguna. San Diego is one of those wondrous places where, just a few miles in from the trailhead, the sense of oneness with nature and the peaceful sound of your own footfalls on the dirt trail make it is possible to forget that civilization is so near. Small wonder that the Pacific Crest Trail, that hiker's byway stretching from Mexico to Canada, spends its first 150 miles in San Diego County.
The San Diego Sea to Sea Trail Foundation is taking that experience a step further, leading a drive to dedicate 140 miles of trail from the Salton Sea, a desert wetlands with a high degree of salinity, all the way to the Pacific. Along the way, hikers will experience climate zones ranging from desert heat to mountain cool to coastal bluster. Birds like eared grebes, brown pelicans, red-tailed hawks and great blue herons will showcase the diversity of the journey, as will the ever-present sight (or not) of mule deer, coyote, bobcat, and indigenous rattlesnakes. Hiking San Diego is an adventure, through and through.
Places to Hike
Hot Springs Mountain: This five and a half miler takes place near
Warner Springs, off Highway 79. Follow the signs to Nelson's Camp. Beginning with a steep climb up an old jeep trail, the hike becomes easier as it winds up the south slope of Hot Springs Mountain. Dense forests of black oak, Coulter pine and white fir greet you as you follow the ridge line. Higher, closer to the top, wildflowers beckon from sprawling meadows. Return the way you came.
Mission Gorge: Located within
Mission Trails Regional Park, this climber's paradise - the oldest rock climbing area in San Diego - is perfect for a day of combining hiking and climbing. The miles of rolling terrain are scenic and vary in difficulty, while the climbs themselves are perfect for skill levels from beginner to expert. Over 150 lead and top-rope routes are available on the granite rocks, with the top routes are 5.13.
Valley of the Moon: Down by the Mexican border, an hour east of El Cajon, look for the signs for Old Highway 80. A quarter-mile after turning off, a Bureau of Land Management bulletin board shows the way to San Diego's version of the famed Joshua Tree climbing area. Boulders and technical faces dot the arid desert landscape. Camping is permitted, and there are plenty of places to hike, but this is an area best experienced during a daytime climb&ing jaunt.
Sweetwater Regional Park: Fifteen miles of hiking trails and 53 campsites aren't the only reason to hike in this urban enclave. It's just 10 miles southeast of downtown San Diego, allowing for quick access. The Chula Vista Nature Center is a mere 5 miles away, too. But the park itself is a destination, especially Summit Site, its highest point. After a moderate hike through a scrub and oak landscape, hikers can see the Pacific to the west, and Tijuana to the south.
Agua Caliente: Located within the confines of Anza Borrego Desert State Park, the largest state park in the country, this offbeat hiking and camping experience can be yours by driving 95 miles east of San Diego. Agua Caliente ("hot water" in Spanish) has been compared by many to Yellowstone National Park, owing to its geothermal mineral springs flowing from the desert. Miles of canyon and desert trails beckon, and a lack of ambient light at night makes this a fantastic place to stargaze.
Gear Shop
REI (858-279-4400) in San Diego offers everything for your climbing, hiking, and camping needs, along with a knowledgeable, well-trained sales staff. In Solana Beach, try
A16 (619-755-7662) for the same quality outdoor buying experience.
Where to Eat
150 Grand Cafe (760-738-6868) is the right return to civilization after a weekend of camping and hiking. Serving soups, salads, specialty foods and entrees, with a vegetarian menu also available.
Anthony's Fish Grotto of La Mesa (619-463-9607) is East County's choice for seafood. Anthony's also features a location in Chula Vista (619-425-4200).
Insider's Secret
The camping at
Torrey Pines State Beach is a fine way to enjoy outdoor adventure just a stone's throw from the fine restaurants and shops of La Jolla and Del Mar. For more information on hiking San Diego County, pick up a copy of Jerry Sihad's
Afoot and Afield in San Diego, or Sean O'Brien's
Twelve Short Hikes in the San Diego Mountain Areas.
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Hiking in San Diego
