San Diego combines coast, desert, and mountains in one county, giving you absurd hiking variety within an hour's drive. Torrey Pines' coastal bluffs sit 20 minutes from desert slot canyons in Anza-Borrego. Drive 90 minutes east and you're hiking alpine trails at 6,000 feet in the Laguna Mountains.
This guide covers 10 trails around San Diego, from easy coastal walks to challenging mountain climbs. Each includes accurate distances, elevation data, parking logistics, and honest assessments. Before heading out, get proper merino wool clothing to handle San Diego's sun exposure and temperature swings from coast to mountains.
The trails are organized by drive time from downtown San Diego.
How to Use This Guide
Three tools simplify trail selection:
Trail Picker Table: Filter by difficulty, drive time, season, and dog-friendliness.
Detailed Trail Breakdown: Complete descriptions with mileage, elevation, parking, and conditions.
Logistics Section: Parking availability, permit requirements, and timing.
Match your fitness level to a trail, check parking and permits, then go.
Trail Picker
| Trail | Difficulty | Distance | Elevation Gain | Drive Time | Best Season | Dog-Friendly |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Torrey Pines | Easy | 2-4 miles | 300 ft | 20 min | Year-round | No |
| Cowles Mountain | Moderate | 3 miles | 950 ft | 20 min | Year-round | Yes |
| Iron Mountain | Moderate | 6 miles | 1,100 ft | 40 min | Oct-May | Yes |
| Potato Chip Rock | Moderate-Hard | 7.4 miles | 2,000 ft | 40 min | Oct-May | Yes |
| Three Sisters Falls | Hard | 4 miles | 900 ft (down first) | 60 min | Spring | Yes |
| Cedar Creek Falls | Hard | 4.4 miles | 1,000 ft | 60 min | Spring | Yes (permit required) |
| Annie's Canyon | Easy | 1.5 miles | 200 ft | 30 min | Year-round | Yes |
| Los Peñasquitos Canyon | Easy | 6-7 miles | Minimal | 25 min | Year-round | Yes |
| Stonewall Peak | Moderate | 4 miles | 850 ft | 60 min | Year-round | Yes |
| Sunset Cliffs | Easy | 1.5 miles | Minimal | 15 min | Year-round | Yes |
Decision Framework
How much time do you have?
- Under 2 hours: Torrey Pines, Annie's Canyon, Sunset Cliffs
- Half day: Cowles Mountain, Iron Mountain, Potato Chip Rock
- Full day: Three Sisters Falls, Cedar Creek Falls
What's your fitness level?
- New to hiking: Torrey Pines, Los Peñasquitos Canyon, Sunset Cliffs
- Regular exercise: Cowles Mountain, Iron Mountain, Stonewall Peak
- Experienced hiker: Potato Chip Rock, Three Sisters Falls, Cedar Creek Falls
What season?
- Summer (June-September): Coastal trails only. Inland/mountain trails get dangerously hot (95-110°F).
- Fall/Winter/Spring (October-May): All trails accessible. Best season for inland/mountain hiking.
Logistics
| Trail | Parking | Fee | Permit | Best Arrival Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Torrey Pines | Large lot | $20-25 (or free street) | No | Before 9am weekends |
| Cowles Mountain | Good | Free | No | Before 8am weekends |
| Iron Mountain | Limited | Free | No | Before 7am weekends |
| Potato Chip Rock | Roadside | Free | No | Before 6:30am weekends |
| Cedar Creek Falls | Limited | Free | Yes (advance) | Early (permit time) |
| Three Sisters Falls | Limited | Free | Yes (advance) | Early (permit time) |
Cedar Creek Falls & Three Sisters Falls Permits: Required year-round. Free but must reserve in advance at RecreationGov. Limited daily capacity. Book weeks ahead for spring weekends when waterfalls flow strongest.
Parking notes: Potato Chip Rock parking along CA-67 fills completely by 7am weekends—plan to arrive at 6:30am or earlier. Iron Mountain small lot holds 15 cars and overflows onto streets. Cowles Mountain has ample parking but sees 1,000+ hikers on nice days.
Drive Time from Downtown San Diego
Within 30 minutes:
- Cowles Mountain: 20 minutes via Mission Gorge Rd
- Torrey Pines: 20 minutes via I-5
- Sunset Cliffs: 15 minutes via I-8
- Los Peñasquitos Canyon: 25 minutes via I-15
- Annie's Canyon: 30 minutes via I-5 (Del Mar)
30-60 minutes:
- Iron Mountain: 40 minutes via I-15 (Poway)
- Potato Chip Rock: 40 minutes via I-15 and CA-67
- Stonewall Peak: 60 minutes via I-8 (Cuyamaca)
60+ minutes:
- Three Sisters Falls: 60 minutes via I-8 (Descanso)
- Cedar Creek Falls: 60 minutes via I-8 and Ramona
Trail Breakdown
1. Cowles Mountain
Distance: 3 miles round trip Elevation gain: 950 feet Difficulty: Moderate Trailhead: Golfcrest Dr or Barker Way, San Diego
Cowles Mountain tops out at 1,593 feet—San Diego's highest point within city limits. The trail climbs relentlessly on a wide, rocky path to the summit. No shade, no water, no flat sections—just up.
The summit delivers 360-degree views: Pacific Ocean, Mexico, mountains, downtown skyline. On clear winter days, you see 100+ miles. The views justify the climb.
This trail gets absolutely mobbed. It's San Diego's most popular hike—expect hundreds of people on weekend mornings. The exposure and steady grade make it harder than 3 miles suggests. Start early (before 8am) to avoid crowds and heat.
Summer is brutal. The exposed trail offers zero shade and temps hit 90-100°F. Either go at sunrise or skip it June-September. Fall through spring provides comfortable conditions.
Free parking at both trailheads. Dogs allowed on leash. Bring 1.5-2 liters of water per person—no water sources. The rocky trail surface is tough on knees descending.
2. Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve
Distance: 2-4 miles depending on route Elevation gain: 300 feet Difficulty: Easy Trailhead: 12600 N Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla
Torrey Pines protects rare Torrey Pine trees on dramatic coastal bluffs. Multiple trails wind through the 2,000-acre reserve, offering ocean views, sandstone formations, and protected plant communities.
Popular routes include Guy Fleming Trail (0.7 mile loop, easiest), Beach Trail (0.75 miles down to beach, return climb), and Razor Point Trail (1.3 miles, best views). You can combine trails for longer routes up to 4 miles.
The reserve stays relatively cool year-round thanks to ocean breezes. It's one of few San Diego hikes comfortable in summer. Spring wildflowers (March-May) add color to the bluffs.
Parking lot charges $20-25 depending on season and day. Free street parking exists 0.5 miles north on N Torrey Pines Road—adds walk but saves money. Dogs NOT allowed anywhere in the reserve (state park rules).
The trails are well-maintained and clearly marked. Good for families and beginners. Arrive before 9am weekends when the lot fills. Hiking tips for beginners apply well to this trail.
3. Potato Chip Rock (Mount Woodson Trail)
Distance: 7.4 miles round trip Elevation gain: 2,000 feet Difficulty: Moderate to Hard Trailhead: CA-67 at Archie Moore Rd, Poway
Potato Chip Rock is San Diego's most Instagrammed hike—a thin rock slab jutting from Mount Woodson's 2,881-foot summit. The rock itself is maybe 5 feet long and looks like a giant potato chip balanced on edge.
The trail climbs 2,000 feet on exposed fire road. It's relentless—steady uphill with no shade and no water. The distance and exposure create the difficulty, not technical terrain.
Weekend waits for photos reach 30-60 minutes. People line up to take creative shots appearing to balance on the chip. Weekday mornings see minimal lines. If you don't care about the photo, the summit views alone justify the hike.
Start before 7am in summer or skip it entirely June-September. The exposed climb gets dangerously hot—heat-related rescues happen regularly. Fall through spring provides better conditions but still requires early starts on warm days.
Parking is roadside along CA-67. The shoulder fills by 7am weekends—arrive at 6:30am or earlier. Free parking. Dogs allowed on leash but consider the heat, exposure, and distance. Bring 3+ liters of water per person.
4. Iron Mountain
Distance: 6 miles round trip Elevation gain: 1,100 feet Difficulty: Moderate Trailhead: Ellie Lane, Poway
Iron Mountain offers 360-degree summit views from 2,696 feet. The trail climbs steadily through chaparral with zero shade. It's a straightforward out-and-back on fire road—nothing technical, just sustained uphill.
The summit views span the Pacific to mountains. It's particularly spectacular at sunset, making this popular for afternoon/evening hikes. The exposed west-facing trail catches beautiful evening light.
The small parking lot holds 15 cars and fills by 8am weekends. Overflow parking spreads along residential streets—add 0.5+ miles walk. Get there early or accept the extra distance.
Summer is too hot. The completely exposed trail bakes in direct sun with temps hitting 95-100°F+. Go at sunrise or skip it June-September. Fall through spring provides comfortable hiking.
Free parking. Dogs allowed on leash. Bring 2-3 liters of water—no water sources. The fire road surface is easy on knees but monotonous. Proper layering helps with the temperature swings from morning start to afternoon descent.
5. Three Sisters Falls
Distance: 4 miles round trip Elevation gain: 900 feet (descend first, climb out) Difficulty: Hard Trailhead: Boulder Creek Rd, Descanso
Three Sisters Falls drops into a canyon via three distinct tiers. The trail descends 900 feet in 2 miles to the falls—steep, rocky, and exposed. The climb back out destroys unprepared hikers.
The falls flow strongest March-May after winter rains. Summer reduces them to trickles. The hike's difficulty comes from heat and the brutal climb out, not technical terrain. People underestimate this constantly—multiple rescues occur annually.
Permit required year-round (free, advance reservation at RecreationGov). Limited daily capacity prevents overcrowding. The permit system works well but you must plan ahead—spring weekends book out weeks in advance.
Start early (first permit slot). The canyon traps heat—temps reach 100°F+ by midday even in spring. Bring 3-4 liters of water per person. People get rescued here regularly for heat exhaustion and dehydration.
Small parking lot. Dogs allowed on leash but consider the heat and steep terrain. Swimming in the pools is allowed and recommended after the hot climb. Hiking with your dog requires serious consideration of the conditions.
6. Cedar Creek Falls
Distance: 4.4 miles round trip Elevation gain: 1,000 feet (descend first, climb out) Difficulty: Hard Trailhead: Cedar Creek Falls Trailhead, Ramona
Cedar Creek Falls plunges 80 feet into a deep swimming hole. The trail descends into the canyon before climbing back out—similar profile to Three Sisters but slightly longer.
The falls flow strongest March-May. Summer heat and reduced water flow make this less appealing June-September. The descent is manageable. The climb out is punishing in heat.
Permit required year-round (free, advance reservation at RecreationGov). Popular spring weekends book weeks ahead. The permit prevents overcrowding and ensures parking availability.
The exposed trail offers zero shade. Start with the earliest permit slot. Bring 3-4 liters of water per person. Swimming in the pool is allowed and makes the effort worthwhile.
Limited parking at trailhead. Dogs allowed on leash. The combination of heat, elevation, and exposure makes this genuinely challenging despite moderate mileage.
7. Annie's Canyon Trail
Distance: 1.5 miles loop Elevation gain: 200 feet Difficulty: Easy (with mild adventure) Trailhead: Solana Point Circle, Solana Beach
Annie's Canyon is a narrow slot canyon carved through sandstone near the coast. The 1.5-mile loop includes walking through the canyon—tight passages requiring sideways movement in sections.
The canyon walls rise 20-30 feet, creating dramatic narrow passages. Short ladders help navigate steeper sections. The "difficulty" comes from tight spaces and ladders, not distance or elevation.
This trail is unique for San Diego—desert-style slot canyon minutes from the beach. Spring wildflowers add color to the surrounding hills. The short distance makes it perfect for families with older kids.
Parking at Solana Point Circle. Free but limited spots—arrive before 10am weekends. Dogs allowed on leash but the ladders and tight spaces make it awkward for larger dogs.
Not recommended for claustrophobic hikers. The narrowest sections require turning sideways. It's more adventure than workout—plan 1-2 hours total including photos.
8. Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve
Distance: 6-7 miles Elevation gain: Minimal (under 200 feet) Difficulty: Easy Trailhead: Multiple access points (Highway 56 or Sorrento Valley)
Los Peñasquitos offers easy, flat hiking through canyon with a seasonal waterfall at the turnaround. The wide dirt trail follows the creek through oak woodland and grassland.
The waterfall flows March-May in wet years. Even without water, the canyon provides pleasant walking through relatively wild terrain despite being surrounded by suburbs. This is San Diego's best flat, long-distance hike.
Dogs love this trail—flat terrain, creek access, and space to roam (leashed). It's also popular with trail runners and mountain bikers. The wide trail accommodates all users well.
Free parking at multiple trailheads. The preserve rarely gets crowded except peak spring weekends. Summer gets hot since the trail offers limited shade—go early or choose coastal trails instead.
Good option for building endurance without elevation. The out-and-back format lets you turn around at any point.
9. Stonewall Peak
Distance: 4 miles round trip Elevation gain: 850 feet Difficulty: Moderate Trailhead: Paso Picacho Campground, Cuyamaca Rancho State Park
Stonewall Peak climbs to 5,730 feet in the Laguna Mountains. The trail winds through pine and oak forest before reaching granite summit with 360-degree views.
The final summit scramble includes a railing-assisted section on exposed granite. It's not technical but requires basic comfort with exposure. The views span desert to mountains to distant ocean.
This is mountain hiking—significantly cooler than San Diego (15-25°F difference). The elevation provides pine forest instead of chaparral. It feels like a different climate zone because it is.
Summer offers comfortable temps (70-80°F) when San Diego bakes. Winter can bring snow—check conditions before driving out. Spring and fall are ideal.
$10 day-use fee for Cuyamaca State Park. Dogs allowed on leash. The cooler temps and forest environment make this excellent for summer hiking when lower elevations are too hot.
10. Sunset Cliffs Natural Park
Distance: 1.5 miles Elevation gain: Minimal Difficulty: Easy Trailhead: Sunset Cliffs Blvd, San Diego
Sunset Cliffs follows dramatic sandstone cliffs along Point Loma's western shore. The trail winds along clifftops with ocean views, sea caves, and arch formations.
Multiple access points exist along Sunset Cliffs Boulevard. The trail is more casual walking than hiking—well-worn dirt paths connecting viewpoints. Low tide reveals tide pools below the cliffs (steep, unmaintained paths descend).
It's called Sunset Cliffs for good reason—the west-facing cliffs offer spectacular sunset views. Arrive an hour before sunset for prime viewing. The cliffs can get crowded during sunset on clear evenings.
Free street parking along Sunset Cliffs Boulevard. Dogs allowed on leash. The casual nature and minimal distance make this perfect for easy outings or ending longer days at the beach.
Watch for unstable cliff edges—erosion creates dangerous overhangs. Stay back from edges and watch kids/dogs closely. People fall here occasionally.
Hiking with Kids, Dogs, and Mixed Groups
For families with kids: Torrey Pines, Annie's Canyon, and Los Peñasquitos Canyon work best. All have interesting features (ocean views, slot canyon, waterfall) without excessive difficulty. Sunset Cliffs offers easy coastal walking.
Dog-friendly trails: Most trails allow leashed dogs: Cowles Mountain, Iron Mountain, Los Peñasquitos Canyon, Potato Chip Rock, and Sunset Cliffs. Dogs NOT allowed: Torrey Pines (state park rules). Consider heat carefully—San Diego's dry heat affects dogs faster than people.
Mixed-ability groups: Los Peñasquitos Canyon and Torrey Pines accommodate all fitness levels with flat terrain and multiple route options. Cowles Mountain works if everyone can handle steady climbing.
What to Wear and Pack
San Diego means sun exposure and heat most of the year. Coastal trails stay 15-20°F cooler than inland trails.
Footwear: Trail runners work for most San Diego trails. Use hiking boots for rocky terrain (Potato Chip Rock, Three Sisters Falls, Cedar Creek Falls).
Clothing: Summer: Sun protection essential. Merino wool t-shirts handle heat better than cotton or synthetics. Merino stays cool, wicks sweat, and doesn't hold odor.
Winter/Spring: Layering matters. Morning starts can be 50°F while afternoon hits 75°F. Merino base layers regulate temperature through swings.
Mountain trails (Stonewall Peak): Add 15-25°F temperature drop. Bring extra layers even in summer.
Essential gear:
- Water: 2-3 liters minimum (3-4 for harder trails)
- Sun protection: Hat, sunglasses, SPF 50+ sunscreen
- Snacks
- Merino hiking socks
- First aid kit
- Phone with offline maps
Seasonal Planning
| Month | Best Trails | Conditions | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan-Mar | All trails, waterfalls strongest | Cool (60-70°F), occasional rain | Low-Moderate |
| Apr-May | All trails, wildflowers peak | Warm (70-80°F), ideal | High |
| Jun-Aug | Coastal trails only, mountains | Hot (85-100°F+ inland) | Moderate |
| Sep-Nov | All trails, best season | Warm (75-85°F), clear | High |
| Dec | All trails | Cool (60-70°F) | Low |
Best season: October-May. Avoid inland/mountain trails June-September unless starting by 6-7am.
Safety, Weather, and Trail Etiquette
Weather risks:
| Season | Primary Risk | Severity | Prevention |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Heat exhaustion, dehydration | Critical | Start by 6am, carry 3L+ water, coastal trails only |
| Spring | Heat on exposed trails | High | Early starts, extra water |
| Winter | Rare cold/rain | Low | Check forecast, light layers |
| Year-round | Sun exposure, rattlesnakes | Moderate | Sunscreen, watch step placement |
San Diego heat reality: Inland temps regularly hit 95-105°F June-September. Exposed trails (Cowles, Iron, Potato Chip) become dangerous midday. Either start by 6-7am or choose coastal trails.
Rattlesnakes: Common April-October. Watch foot and hand placement. Most bites occur when people try to photograph or move snakes.
Sample Itineraries
One Day: Torrey Pines (morning, 2 hours) + Sunset Cliffs (afternoon, 1 hour). Easy combination showcasing coast without brutal elevation.
Weekend: Day 1: Cowles Mountain or Iron Mountain (morning). Day 2: Annie's Canyon + La Jolla Shores beach time.
Navigation Tools
AllTrails ($36/year Pro): Essential. Check recent reviews for current conditions—crucial for waterfall flow and heat warnings.
FAQ
What's the best time of year to hike near San Diego? October-May offers ideal conditions. Summer requires coastal trails or 6am starts. Avoid inland trails June-September due to extreme heat.
Do I need permits? Cedar Creek Falls and Three Sisters Falls require advance permits (free, RecreationGov). Most other trails need no permits.
Which trails are best for beginners? Torrey Pines, Los Peñasquitos Canyon, or Sunset Cliffs. All have minimal elevation and good conditions.
Are there dog-friendly trails? Most allow leashed dogs. Not allowed: Torrey Pines. Best for dogs: Los Peñasquitos Canyon (flat, creek access), Sunset Cliffs (easy terrain).
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Underestimating San Diego heat: Summer inland temps hit 100-110°F. Start by 6-7am or choose coastal trails. Heat stroke is serious—carry 3+ liters of water.
Arriving late to popular trailheads: Potato Chip Rock fills by 7am. Cowles Mountain and Iron Mountain fill by 8am weekends. Arrive early or accept long walks.
Skipping permits: Cedar Creek and Three Sisters require advance permits. You cannot hike without them—rangers turn people away.
Wearing cotton: Cotton holds sweat and stays wet. Use moisture-wicking fabrics. Merino wool stays cool and doesn't hold odor.
Conclusion
San Diego combines coastal, desert, and mountain hiking in one county. You can walk ocean bluffs in the morning and summit alpine peaks in the afternoon.
Start with easier options—Torrey Pines, Los Peñasquitos Canyon, or Sunset Cliffs. Build to moderate terrain at Cowles Mountain and Iron Mountain. Save Potato Chip Rock and waterfall hikes for when you're ready for heat and sustained climbing.
Stock up on gear from our men's outdoor collection or women's outdoor collection. Get quality merino wool socks and base layers for San Diego's heat.
Check weather, make required reservations, arrive early, and carry extra water. The trails are waiting.
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