Best Trails near San Diego, California

This is what I refer to as a "Shopping Mall Hike". If you want some serenity, go at 6am on a weekday. Otherwise you'll be surrounded by bobbleheads the whole time. The added benefit however, if you go during the on-peak hours, is to feast your eyes on all the college student eye candy :) If you want to do a real summit trek though, go for the Fortunas a few clicks northwest.

Long, tedious, and boring walk through the woods and grassy meadows to a most epic waterfall. Totally worth it, though next time I'd definitely pick a trailhead closer to the falls themselves. It rivals 3 Sisters in awesomeness, without the white knuckle drive and precarious descent/ascent. If you want to take someone to a waterfall that doesn't have the agility to do the ones out east, this is the spot. If you're with someone who's coordinated, go for a little bouldering jaunt from the top of the falls down to the bottom. Loads of fun. On the weekends I'm sure there's tons of dudes flying past on mountain bikes at mach 10, so I'd pick an off peak time to go, if you march the whole thing out and back from Black Mountain Road. Enjoy!

When I got to the park I decided to do the San Diego River trail. It was pretty mellow. The sign said it was a moderate trail, but I'd consider this one easy in compare to other hikes I've done. The trail doesn't have an end of the trail sign so I kept on hiking until I found myself in a residential area where cars were driving a few feet away from me. So be careful if you do decide to do this trail. I bumped into other hikers who told me were a little lost bc the signs were a lil misleading.

Did this one today in blazing 89F degree heat. Saw very few people out there. Parked by the old dam, and headed up the Oak Canyon trail to the Fortuna Saddle trail, up to the North Fortuna peak, and then back down via the Perimeter trail. About 3 hours in total. First thing: grab a map from the box at the trailhead. This whole area gets a bit confusing, some orienteering is needed at times. Second, bring 2-3 liters of water if it's above 80 degrees, you'll thank yourself. Thirdly, don't let the mere 1,200 feet of elevation gain fool you. The higher summits of nearby Cowles and Woodson pack considerably more gain, but have a series of switchbacks that ease the pain. On this hike, most of your elevation gains occur in a straight line. The trek from Oak Canyon trail up to the saddle is a pretty savage uphill march. Fourth, be advised they shutter all the gates in and out of the parking lot at 7pm, so get an early start. Overall this hike provides a great bit of cardio, tons of gorgeous scenery as you pass through diverse habitats: waterfalls, rocky dry riverbed, grassland flats, wooded areas, and a boulder clad summit. Views abound in all directions from the peak: downtown and Point Loma to the south. The peaks of Black Mountain, Iron Mountain, Woodson, El Cajon Mountain to the north and east. Cuyamaca peak clearly visible as well. This is a gem of a hike, and so close to the city center. I recently did the South Fortuna loop from the Mission Gorge Road trailhead, and I'd say this route was way more enjoyable. I look forward to doing it again and highly recommend it.

Fun hike. Took us 60 minutes on the dot. Lots of rock formations, so wear well tread shoes. Saw a rattle, to be expected. The top is a good hang out spot with lots of areas to relax, have a snack, look at views. Many will bring water and leave it up at the top for dogs. There are bathrooms at the trailhead and a very small parking lot. You can find a spot on the road.

This trail is not what I expected. It is a great challenge.