Southern California Trails

Arroyo Tapiado Adventure Weekend!

SoCalTrails — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 23:55:46 +0000

The caves are really amazing, and a lot deeper then I expected them to be. We set out at the big mud cave, and spend 5 or 6 hours crawling around inside it before coming out on top of the caves on the ridge of the hills.

Continue reading Arroyo Tapiado Adventure Weekend!

Lake Poway Loop

SoCalTrails — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 18:56:04 +0000

Find the trail just beyond the lake entrance, to the left of the park office and concession stand. The trail follows the west shoreline to the rock-fill dam, descends to a creek crossing, and soon reaches a dirt maintenance road. Turn left (north) and stay with the that road for about 100 years, where you will see the Lake Poway Loop trail continuing on the right (at this juncture, if you want, you can make a short side trip down to the "Wilderness Campground", a walk in or ride in site for

Continue reading Lake Poway Loop

San Pasqual Hiking Trails

SoCalTrails — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 23:59:13 +0000

The trails are divided into two networks, each with its own trail head. To explore the South Trails, start from the South Trail head, 5.3 miles east of the Wild Animal Park entrance. You begin by zigzagging .6 miles to the first marked trail junction. Choose the right branch for a relatively east climb to a 1550 foot knoll. From this vantage, there is often a rather good ocean

Continue reading San Pasqual Hiking Trails

Crest Canyon

SoCalTrails — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 03:29:11 +0000

Pick up the wide path heading north and gradually downhill. After less then 1 mile, you reach Racetrack View Drive, across from the southern arm of San Dieguito Lagoon. This is also a possible starting point of the hike.

Continue reading Crest Canyon

Woodson Mountain – West Approach

SoCalTrails — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 20:54:32 +0000

Begin at the grassy picnic area on the southwest shore of Lake Poway, and follow either of the two wide trails southeast (they soon merge). After skirting the south shore and dipping to cross Warren Canyon, you come to a trail junction at .8 miles. Turn right on the signed Mount Woodson Trail and climb east on a steep grade through sage and scrub and chaparral.

Continue reading Woodson Mountain – West Approach

Los Penasquitos Canyon – East Approach

SoCalTrails — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 22:46:11 +0000

Take along a picnic lunch and a blanket on this hike. There are many fine places, sunny meadows, oak-shaded flats, and the sycamore-fringed

Continue reading Los Penasquitos Canyon – East Approach

Cowles Mountain – South Approach

SoCalTrails — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 07:28:25 +0000

Precisely on that flat spot, there once existed a circular array of stones crossed by an "arrow" of rocks pointing southeast to the exact point on the horizon where the winter solstice sun rises, typically on December

Continue reading Cowles Mountain – South Approach

Calavera Lake

Matt — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 18:52:01 +0000

From the I5, take the 78 East and exit College Blvd, make a right. Not too far down make a left onto Lake Blvd. After about two miles you will see Old Riparian Park and head into the parking lot and park. Look for the playground and head south towards a trail, you will need to cross a small wooden bridge.

Continue reading Calavera Lake

San Clemente Canyon

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 18:45:04 +0000

San Clemente Canyon - photo via Flickr - driven to capture2

Directions: also called Marian Bear Memorial Park, this trail runs across the

Continue reading San Clemente Canyon

Indianhead Mountain

SoCalTrails — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 23:32:13 +0000

From the trail head proceed up the Borrego Palm Canyon Nature Trail to the first palm grove (1.5 miles). From here you'll pick up an informal path on the south side of the creek and follow it to a rightward

Continue reading Indianhead Mountain

Palomar Observatory Trail

SoCalTrails — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 21:21:20 +0000

Staring from the upper trailhead, walk first through a thicket of chaparral, then past pines, oaks, and incense cedars. About half way down, the trail bends around a ravine, alive with the sound of a stream. Soon after, you come to a wooden platform on the left overlooking Mendenghall

Continue reading Palomar Observatory Trail

Barker Valley

SoCalTrails — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 04:03:32 +0000

Start off on the old roadway, which gradually descends west down a hillside. Hike for 1.7 miles on a gradual descent until the old roadbed switches back sharply to the

Continue reading Barker Valley

Arroyo Tapiado & Arroyo Seco del Diablo Loop

SoCalTrails — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 21:28:28 +0000

Follow the wheel tracks in Arroyo Tapiado north across the low-lying hills. About 2 miles up the wash the canyon walls begin to get huge. Arroyo Tapiado widens after 4 miles and sets up a straighter course northwest. The canyon divides at 6.3 miles; take the right

Continue reading Arroyo Tapiado & Arroyo Seco del Diablo Loop

Rainbow Canyon

SoCalTrails — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 22:59:56 +0000

From your parking spot along Highway S-2, head northeast across a sloping alluvial fan towards a nearby mouth of a rocky canyon. Starting at just .3 miles you're inside the canyon proper. At mile .7 you arrive at a major canyon fork - stay right. At mile 1.1 the canyon bends left, widens and becomes less interesting.

Continue reading Rainbow Canyon

La Jolla Caves

SoCalTrails — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 21:14:06 +0000

South of the wide La Jolla Shores Beach, the sand disappeats and wave-washed cliffs begin. Just offshore, LA Jolla Canyon swallows the sand that normally would migrate down the coast. The western most cave is well-known among tourists and natives alike. It can be reached from above by a long stairway that begins inside the Cave Store and passes through a human-made tunnel. The half dozen or so other grotto's in the series are usually only accessible by water, or very low tides.

Continue reading La Jolla Caves

Sandstone Canyon – South Approach

SoCalTrails — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 22:23:40 +0000

From your parking spot head east for .5 miles, take note of your route so you can follow it back to your car. Proceed up June Wash over sand and rocks for 2 miles until the area assumes a canyon like appearance (you should be roughly at 1800 ft), there is also a small tributary here that joins on the left. Wind sheltered campsites can be found on the flat sands about 100 yards up the

Continue reading Sandstone Canyon – South Approach

Valley of the Moon

SoCalTrails — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 20:02:36 +0000

From the parking area, walk up the road to a saddle at 3830 feet. A 4-wheel drive road branches off to hte left to Smugglers Cave. Proceed another .1 miles south and stay

Continue reading Valley of the Moon

Eagle Crag

SoCalTrails — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 21:43:01 +0000

Start off by descending sharply on the Cutca Trail into the depts of Cottonwood Creek. Climb the saddle at 1.2 miles and then descend to the Aguanga Trail junction at 2.1 miles. Continue on the Cutca Trail through Long Canyon, at 5.0 miles you cross Cutca

Continue reading Eagle Crag

Sweetwater Trail

SoCalTrails — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 21:03:38 +0000

Starting from the North end of Sweetwater Summit Campground, the Sweetwater trail runs east, first passing a fishing access area for the reservoir. After about 1 miles the trail veers sharply right and begins a series of rather tough up's and down's.

Continue reading Sweetwater Trail

Piedras Pintadas Trail

SoCalTrails — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 21:37:01 +0000

From the trail head, the well marked trail swings around Bernardo Bay (the south arm of the lake) passing a small waterfall that splashes happily during the wet

Continue reading Piedras Pintadas Trail

Bernardo Mountain

SoCalTrails — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 20:50:58 +0000

The trailhead on Sunset Drive is a major access point for the Coast to Crest Trail, which when compelted around 2016 will span 70 miles between the ocean and the crest of the Peninsular Ranges. One branch on the trail trends east for about 10 miles through the San Pasqual Valley. The other branch, the one you want to follow begins as a concrete walkway heading south, parallel to the

Continue reading Bernardo Mountain

North Shore Lake Hodges

SoCalTrails — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 20:38:54 +0000

One branch on the trail trends east for about 10 miles through the San Pasqual Valley. The other branch, the one you want to follow begins as a concrete walkway heading south, parallel to the freeway. After about .4 miles, the walkway turns sharply right and passes under the I-15 bridge. After swinging north on the far side of the freeway the Cost to Crest Trail joins for a short time on the crumbling

Continue reading North Shore Lake Hodges

Dripping Springs Trail

SoCalTrails — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 02:39:51 +0000

Dripping Springs Trail

Distance: 14 miles round trip, out and back Hiking Time: 8+ hours Elevation Gain/Loss: 3100′/3100′ Difficulty: Strenuous

From Interstate 15 at Temecula, drive 10 miles east on highway 79 to Dripping Springs Campground.

Continue reading Dripping Springs Trail

Agua Tibia Loop

SoCalTrails — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 01:02:01 +0000

Agua Tibia Loop

Distance: 20 miles, loop Hiking Time: 12-14 hours (over night possible) Elevation Gain/Loss: 4100′/4100′ Difficulty: Strenuous

Directions: From interstate 15 at Temecula, drive 10 miles east on Highway 79 to Dripping Springs Campground

Continue reading Agua Tibia Loop

Rockhouse Canyon & Valley

SoCalTrails — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 00:06:23 +0000

Rockhouse Canyon & Valley

Distance: 19 miles, loop Hiking Time 13 hours (over night) Elevation Gain/Loss 3500′/3500′ Difficulty: Rough

Directions: From Borrego Springs follow Highway S22 generally east for 7.5 miles to miles marker

Continue reading Rockhouse Canyon & Valley

Volcan Mountain

SoCalTrails — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 23:28:07 +0000

Volcan Mountain

Distance: 3.2 miles, loop Hiking Time: 2 hours Elevation Gain/Loss 200′/200′ Difficulty: Moderate

From your car on Farmer Road, hike the gravel access road going easy, and you soon reach the preserves gateway.

An old fire

Continue reading Volcan Mountain

Boden Canyon

SoCalTrails — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 23:12:57 +0000

Boden Canyon

Distance: 11.0 miles out and back Hiking Time: 4.5 hours (round trip) Elevation Gain/Loss 500′/500′ Difficulty: Moderately strenuous

Directions: take the 15 to Escondido and follow the signs to the San Diego Wild Animal Park – on

Continue reading Boden Canyon

Iron Mountain

SoCalTrails — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 22:54:04 +0000

Iron Mountain

Distance: 6.4 miles round trip Hiking Time: 3.5 hours Elevation Gain/Loss 1200′/1200′ Difficulty: Moderate

Continue reading Iron Mountain

East Mesa Loop

SoCalTrails — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 22:45:09 +0000

This is the grand tour of the East Mesa area. From the Sweetwater River Bridge Trailhead, follow the Harvey Moore Trail south and east across a hill side, passing first through a band of oaks and pines and then through a

Continue reading East Mesa Loop

Sill Hill Waterfall

SoCalTrails — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 22:21:57 +0000

Distance: 6.5 miles round trip (out and back) Hiking Time: 4.5 hours Elevation Gain/Loss 1400′/1400′ Difficulty: Moderately strenuous

IMAGE COMING SOON

Directions: Follow highway 79 9.4 miles south from Julian or 13.4 miles north from Interstate 8 at Descanso to reach the trailhead, on the inside of a sharp bend in the road. This trailhead is located

Continue reading Sill Hill Waterfall

Upper Santa Ysabel Creek

SoCalTrails — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 21:35:17 +0000

Kanaka Flat

Distance: 7 miles, loop Hiking Time: 3.5 hours Elevation Gain/Loss: 1200′/1200′ Difficulty: Moderately strenuous

Directions: From Julian, drive 2 miles north on Farmer Road to Wynola Road, jog briefly right, turn left to remain on Farmer

Continue reading Upper Santa Ysabel Creek

Three Sisters Waterfalls

SoCalTrails — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 21:00:14 +0000

[[Show as slideshow]]

Three Sisters Waterfalls

Continue reading Three Sisters Waterfalls

Cedar Creek Falls

SoCalTrails — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 20:44:13 +0000

Cedar Creek Calls

Distance: 4.5 miles round trip (out and back) Hiking Time: 2.5 hours Elevation Gain/Loss 1200′/1200′ Difficulty: Moderately strenuous

This is one of San Diego County’s hidden treasures, tucked back in a tributary of

Continue reading Cedar Creek Falls

Caliente Wilderness

SoCalTrails — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 20:29:49 +0000

Pacific Crest Trail

Distance: 12 miles round trip (out and back) Hiking Time: 7 hours Elevation Gain/Loss 1700′/1700′ Difficulty: Moderately strenuous

This Section of the Pacific Crest Trail, through lands formerly considered for offical wilderness status.

Continue reading Caliente Wilderness

Hot Springs Mountain

SoCalTrails — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 20:04:21 +0000

Distance: 5.5 miles round trip (out and back) Hiking Time: 3.5 hours Elevation Gain/Loss: 1250′/1250′ Difficulty: Moderately strenuous

Hot Springs Mountain, the highest point in San Diego County at 6533 feet.

Pacific Crest Trail Mt Laguna -> South

SoCalTrails — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 02:57:16 +0000

Fun times on the

Continue reading Pacific Crest Trail Mt Laguna -> South

El Cajon Mountain

SoCalTrails — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 04:39:53 +0000

Everything ranging from a easy Class 1 hike to a Class 3 scramble to a large 5.11 wall is found here, and is a jewel for climbers. However, the fact that the mountain is nearly completely surrounded by either private property or an Indian Reservation, the trailhead is difficult to find, the valley below is often quite hot, and there

Continue reading El Cajon Mountain

Palomar Observatory Trail.

SoCalTrails — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 04:18:07 +0000

A hike along Observatory Trail on Palomar Mountain is like a “three-for-one” deal at the supermarket: for the price of sweating out a hike on one beautiful, coniferous, oak-lined trail, you reap the benefits that normally only result from having hiked along at least three other trails: a good aerobic climb, magnificent scenery along mostly good trail, and access to a world-famous observatory.

Continue reading Palomar Observatory Trail.

Black Beach – Torrey Pines State Reserve

SoCalTrails — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 02:47:38 +0000

I-5 to Genesee Ave. exit. Head W at end of exit. L onto North Torrey Pines Rd. R onto Torrey Pines Scenic Dr. Park at dirt lot near Torrey Pines

Continue reading Black Beach – Torrey Pines State Reserve

Pacific Crest Trail: Lake Morena to Mt. Laguna

SoCalTrails — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 21:16:51 +0000

This was a very cool hike, a little hot but very fun. Better review soon, including a trail

Continue reading Pacific Crest Trail: Lake Morena to Mt. Laguna

Blue Sky Nature Reserve

SoCalTrails — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 17:53:44 +0000

This was a great hike. It starts off at a parking lot and quickly gets into a wooded area, with in 10 minutes you can no longer hear the traffic. Just before the climb up the hill is a small rest area with picnic tables and a porta-potty. Ascending the hill is fairly quick, it is well

Continue reading Blue Sky Nature Reserve