Tecolote Canyon Trail is a 6.7 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near San Diego, California that features a river and is rated as moderate. The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.
A relatively flat, easy to walk trail with a few steep inclines (as long as you keep to the west) with a few creek crossings after rains toward Genesee. While this route is an out-and-back, there are plenty of different side routes leading up and out of the canyon to the surrounding neighborhoods offering a choose your own adventure type hike. The trail transitions from a fire road to a single track. The trails surroundings transition from the south end to the north end. At the north end there is great tree cover and shade as you're walking near the creek (not the cleanest). At the south end theres low plants and you'll be exposed to the sun. Keep an ear open for approaching mountain bikes.
At the Via Las Cumbres entrance there are no facilities and street parking only. The Tecolote Community Park that is just over a mile to the west has public restrooms, a nature center, and a large parking lot.
January 24, 2021
January 22, 2021
January 22, 2021Nice trail with fun short side options to explore. Rangers have done a great job posting info and continuing restoration work. Main trail is flat, but side trails get you some elevation.
January 21, 2021Nice clean trail. Tree shade is nice. Birds singing made this urban trail pleasant.
January 18, 2021Awesome!
January 18, 2021great workout but not very scenic for the first half. tecalote creek is beautiful though. combine that with the great workout on the climbs and I'd say its a really solid hike for in the city. will do again.
January 18, 2021Pretty enjoyable, well maintained.
January 17, 2021great work out!!
January 16, 2021Nice even trail for family holes and bikes even
January 15, 2021Definitely glad we stuck to going the route of the hill first where it splits since there were quite a few after, and it makes the way back much easier. Bring lots of water for sure! Not many spots of shade, but gets very cold after the sun disappears behind the hills so watch your timing. Awesome day hike to get some work in while enjoying the heat and sunshine.
January 15, 2021January 15, 2021January 15, 2021Nice amount of inclines, plenty of parking near trail, but stinky bc of the sewers nearby. Sounds of the freeways are kind of a bummer
January 14, 2021January 11, 2021Great workout
January 9, 2021January 9, 2021Nice short trail. Lots of native restoration projects.
January 9, 2021January 8, 2021Challenging hills, no shade. A good quick workout.
January 7, 2021January 4, 2021Good exercise. Low road traffic noise. Views desert.
January 3, 2021January 1, 2021January 1, 2021Good workout, lot of up and down hill
December 31, 2020December 31, 2020December 30, 2020December 25, 2020I have run parts of this a few times now and it’s great! Super steep hills if you want an extra challenge.
December 24, 2020Trail splits making it a loop. One way has very steep inclines and declines and then eventually meets up with the flatter path. If you want to do the inclines and declines recommend hiking shoes for ankle support. Really enjoyed this trail!
December 23, 2020It was a nice day to hike. 3.5 miles hike with some steep hills.
