Just like the Ho Chi Minh Trail in Vietnam, the Ho Chi Minh Trail in La Jolla also entails a series of trails that lead to explorers to their desired destinations. Whether this is up a spur trail to get a sweeping view of the Pacific Ocean, or down narrow slot canyons to the famous Black’s Beach, the Ho Chi Minh Trail has something for every avid adventurer. Which is why this trail is one of the most popular trails in San Diego, even receiving the esteemed designation as one of the “ Top 10 San Diego hiking trails ”, and for good reason.
Ho Chi Minh Trail gets its name after the infamous trail in Vietnam, dubbed by UCSD surfers in the 60’s who would take the trail to get to the beach. Today, this tradition holds strong and you can still find many surfers taking this path to reach the beach.
Located in an affluent suburban community of La Jolla, the narrow trailhead for the Ho Chi Minh Trail is easy to miss. Access to the trail is in between two green construction fences, as seen in the picture below. At the start of the trail, you will already get a glimpse of the beauty to come. The sparkling Pacific Ocean will dazzle in the distance and colorful hang gliders will loom above. You’ll also see a spur trail that leads to an ocean overlook worth trekking up.
Trailhead
The trail will begin to descend almost immediately, where you will meet your first obstacle. You’ll need to walk a thin, wooden plank to get to the other side of the trail. The drop from the plank could cause injury, however there are tree branches next to this plank you can hold onto for support. Once you’ve crossed the plank you’ll walk along sandstone edges, which get narrow and technical at times. It is advised to wear shoes with good traction on this hike because there are plenty of opportunities where one could lose their grip and fall into the ravine below.
At 0.6-miles you will reach a slot canyon. Steps carved by erosion from hiker’s feet will guide you down the slot canyon. Once you’ve climbed out of the slot, you will reach the end of a cliff. A rope is tied to a tree here, which you can use to climb down to the beach. Here is where you’ll want to lose your shoes and explore the beach. To your left, during low tide, you can walk to the Mushroom House. To your right, you can explore Black’s Beach, filled with friendly nudists. Once you’re done basking in the sun and getting an eyeful at the beach, retrace your steps back up.
Ho Chi Minh Trail Tips
Tip #1: Wear hiking boots/shoes with good traction. There are many parts of the trail that are slippery and easy to loose your footing.
Tip #2: Black’s Beach is known for nudity. If this is something you don’t want to see, do not walk to the north/right once you get down to the beach.
Tip #3: This hike isn’t for beginners or children. There are portions of the trail where you will be scaling the side of the sandstone walls, climbing across planks, and down a slot canyon.
Tip #4: Avoid hiking this trail after heavy rain. Once slip and you will fall 20-feet down into a ravine.
Tip #5: Street parking here is very easy to find and in general, safe due to the surrounding neighborhood. However, do not leave valuables in your car.
Tip #6: Do not bring unnecessary items, and if you need to, bring a backpack. You’ll need your both hands for climbing and balancing.
Driving Directions
From downtown San Diego, take I-5 North and exit La Jolla Village Boulevard. Continue onto Torrey Pines Road. Turn left left onto La Jolla Shores Drive. Turn right onto La Jolla Farms Road. Nearby street parking is plentiful.
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Total distance: 1.8 miles
Trailhead address: 9883 La Jolla Farms Road, San Diego, CA 92037
Small creek
Hang gliders
