If you’re in need of a quick weekend hike that’s short in length and not too difficult, Switzer Canyon is the ideal hike for you. Located east of Balboa Park, Switzer Canyon is easily accessible with three different trailheads and two trails. The one I’ll discuss here is the most popular trailhead, located at the […]
Balboa Park Trail #13, Morley Field Gateway | San Diego, CA
There are some weekends I find myself in a pinch for time. No matter how much I want to hop in my car and make the two hour plus drive to the desert, time doesn’t permit. Luckily, there are no shortage of places to hike in San Diego, near and afar. If you have a […]
Copper Creek Trail | San Diego, CA
San Diego’s mining history is rich, and evidence of it can be found on several hiking trails within the county. The Copper Creek Trail is a prime example of this, a trail that leads to an area that was once used to mine copper in the early 1900’s. The mines consisted of three vertical shafts, […]
Canyon Sin Nombre Trail, Anza Borrego | San Diego, CA
Anza Borrego has no shortage of picturesque geological formations, including several slot canyons to explore. I’ve already ventured to “The Slot”, hiking down and through a narrow slot canyon in the middle of this expansive desert. When I heard of yet another slot canyon opportunity on the Canyon Sin Nombre Trail, I knew I had […]
Stonewall Mine, Miners Cabin Trail | San Diego, CA
On the northern end of Cuyamaca Rancho State Park, you’ll find the remains of one of the most prosperous mines in all of Southern California, Stonewall Mine. By 1886, Stonewall Mine was well renowned for producing gold. In 1888 alone, 5,182 tons of gold ore were processed and mined with a total value of $198,666. […]
Twin Peaks Trail | Poway, CA
Despite its affluent, suburban setting, Poway has no shortage of enjoyable trails to hike. From the Lake Poway Loop Trail to the increasingly popular trek up Mount Woodson, there are a number of hikes for all levels of fitness. I first heard of the Twin Peaks Trail through word of mouth. Its short distance, convenient […]
Martha’s Grove Trail, Goodan Ranch | San Diego, CA
Poway hiking trails are generally known for their boulder-strewn landscape. The trails found at the 2,272-acre Goodnan Ranch Sycamore Canyon Preserve are a nice break from the norm. With miles of grassland, riparian, coastal sage, chaparral, and oak woodland, visitors will feel a world away from the busy city life. More than 10 miles of trails […]
East Shepherd Canyon Trail | San Diego, CA
I typically find myself driving long distances to explore San Diego’s best trails. East Shepherd Canyon is a rare and welcome exception. This convenient, easily-accessible hike is in middle of the suburbs of Tierrasanta. Its central location is ideal for hikers looking to get in something quick yet enjoyable. Despite being located in a relatively affluent area […]
Camino Ruiz Trail to Los Peñasquitos Canyon | San Diego, CA
Up until 2009, there was no official trail for accessing the Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve from the south. The creation of the Camino Ruiz Trail not only provided an easy way for residents of Mira Mesa to reach Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve, but also established one of the few nature trails in the area. The […]
Double Peak Trail | San Marcos, CA
On a cloudy, rainy day in the usually sunny San Diego, we made our way to San Marcos to do a bit of hiking. Our trail of choice was the Double Peak Trail, a 4-mile lightly trafficked trek up to Double Peak Park. This relatively short but moderately strenuous hike is known for its sweeping […]