This short walk has such an array of habitats, insects, and plant species that a longer trek may not reveal much more of nature’s palette in the Cuyamaca Mountains. The loop is a triangle of …
April 13, 2016
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Stories by The Canyoneers
Tunnel of shrubs and countless species in the Cuyamacas
Zigzag, climb, and loop for miles in Crestridge eco reserve
The Crestridge Ecological Reserve is one of 16 California Department of Fish and Wildlife Ecological Reserves in San Diego County. The current 136 statewide ecological reserves provide habitat for a wide diversity of plant and …
April 6, 2016
See more than 100 species of birds at Silverwood
There is something for every nature lover and even those who only want to get a bit of exercise at Silverwood Wildlife Sanctuary. With a network of nearly 5 miles of trails, there are both …
March 30, 2016
Look but don’t touch at Doane Valley’s stinging nettle station
The Doane Valley Nature Trail provides a sampling of the many plants and shrubs that can be found at Palomar Mountain State Park. Taking a hike on this trail is a great way to learn …
March 23, 2016
Take time to smell the lemony leaves off Jasper Trail
The name of this hike hints at the history found here. The Jasper Trail is named after Ranchita cattleman Ralph Jasper, who owned over 5500 acres in portions of Montezuma Valley, Grapevine Canyon, and Yaqui …
March 16, 2016
Park in the hard-packed sand when visiting Bedrock
On the eastern edge of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park lies Split Mountain, the Carrizo Badlands, and a feature known as the Wind Caves. Here, the exposed sandstone of the marine beds from the five-million-year-old Imperial …
March 9, 2016
West Sycamore Open Space
West Sycamore Open Space is an extension of Mission Trails Regional Park that was opened to the public in December 2014. It is adjacent to Gooden Ranch Sycamore Canyon Reserve and has interconnecting trails with …
March 2, 2016
Critters galore along the Sweetwater River Trail
The Sweetwater River is the main artery of the Sweetwater watershed. Its headwaters are in the Cuyamaca Mountains, flowing into Sweetwater Reservoir and emptying into San Diego Bay at the Sweetwater Marsh. The Sweetwater Interpretive …
February 24, 2016
Barker Valley
Barker Valley, sitting at the southern end of Palomar Mountain and between the peak of Palomar Mountain to the north and Lake Henshaw to the south, is one of the most remote and least-visited locations …
February 17, 2016
Ain’t no water in Horsethief Canyon, but poison oak? You bet
Horsethief Canyon is within the 13,480-acre Pine Creek Wilderness area that is managed by the U.S. Forest Service. It is also part of the National Wilderness Preservation System and was so designated a wilderness area …
February 10, 2016
Where Camino Ruíz and Peñasquitos Canyon got their names
Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve is a 4000-acre open-space area that includes both Los Peñasquitos Canyon and Lopez Canyon. Both canyons may be accessed from a western approach. The canyon walls are responsible for its name …
February 3, 2016
Mind the endangered species on McGinty Mountain
McGinty Mountain lies within a collective ecological preserve managed by the Nature Conservancy, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s San Diego National Wildlife Refuge. Several rare and …
January 27, 2016
Behold the roses, beware the bees at Otay Valley Delta
The Otay Delta Habitat Restoration Project is part of a much larger management plan to restore ecosystems and provide necessary habitat corridors for wildlife between San Diego Bay and Otay Mountain along the Otay River …
January 20, 2016
No trailblazers wanted in Parry Grove
The trail begins just north of the Torrey Pines Lodge Visitor Center at the top of the hill with a walk through Whitaker Native Plant Garden, named for Thomas W. Whitaker, a plant scientist and …
January 13, 2016
Inaja Memorial Nature Trail
This short hike explores the transition between forest and chaparral.
January 6, 2016
Tecolote Canyon’s history writ in stone and sediment
Tecolote Canyon, featured on area maps for almost 200 years, is designated a natural park 6 miles in length, .25 to .5-mile wide, with a 2-mile tributary totaling just over 900 acres. Elevations range from …
December 30, 2015
One of the last free-flowing rivers in Southern California
The Santa Margarita River Trails are managed by the newly merged Live Oak Coalition and the Fallbrook Trails Council. Through an agreement with the Fallbrook Public Utility District, which owns the property, the nonprofit group …
December 23, 2015
Wildflowers bloom late on Wilson Peak
Wilson Trail and Peak were named for the rancher, Alfred Wilson, who ran cattle in this area in the first half of the 20th Century. The Wilson Trail goes southeast along Pinyon Ridge for several …
December 16, 2015
Hike or four-wheel-drive on the desert’s edge
Hike the transition from high to low desert on this historic cattleman’s trail.
December 9, 2015
Hike along one of the three rivers that discharge into San Diego Bay
Natives populated Otay Valley 9000 years ago.
December 2, 2015
Tour the Cuyamacas from creek to peak in just one hike
This hike offers an opportunity to experience the beauty and diversity of the Cuyamaca Mountains. The loop travels along Cold Stream Creek under shady, ancient oaks with the sound of water gently flowing over rocks, …
November 25, 2015
On the lookout for buffleheads in Del Mar
Bird watching and scenic views of seasonal ponds are highlights.
November 18, 2015
Panoramic views without the crowds
Put on your sturdiest boots and enjoy this short workout climb near Jamul.
November 11, 2015
Hike in rolling grasslands in this scenic mountain preserve
Santa Ysabel Open Space Preserve is within the San Dieguito River watershed that is the drainage area from the rivers’ headwaters in Volcan Mountain to the Pacific Ocean via the San Dieguito Lagoon in Del …
November 4, 2015
Uphill both ways to El Cap
Take a strenuous hike to enjoy views from the Cuyamacas to the Coronado Islands.
October 28, 2015
Hiking the Hollenbeck Canyon loop
Explore a wildlife area with open grasslands and riparian oak woodlands that once belonged to the last Mexican governor of California.
October 14, 2015
Exercise both your body and spirit in Monserate Mountain Preserve
Monserate Mountain Preserve, located in San Diego’s North County, is the second largest of 11 preserves within the 2700-acre Fallbrook Land Conservancy. The preserve began with an acquisition of 225 acres in 2000; more acreage …
October 7, 2015
Odds-on favorite for the most scenic hike in San Diego
Follow the trail as it winds through old groves of Torrey pines and opens up to wonderful ocean views.
September 30, 2015
Find a return to yesterday in the heart of the city
That dropped Ping-Pong ball song would be the wrentit.
September 23, 2015
Experience dramatic transition in Sloan Canyon
Dry chaparral becomes lush riparian habitat on this East County hike.
September 16, 2015
Your destination is the pigeon roost
Parts of Fry Creek Trail are reminiscent of forests much farther north.
September 9, 2015
Your rewards are amazing views and vigorous exercise
Clevenger Canyon is part of the Coast to Crest Trail of the San Dieguito River Parkway, a 70-mile trail that will eventually connect Volcan Mountain with the ocean at Del Mar. The Clevenger Canyon North …
September 2, 2015
Best to wake up early for this La Jolla Cove walk
Stroll along one of the most picturesque parts of the San Diego coastline.
August 26, 2015
Views of San Pasqual Valley and its agricultural preserve
San Dieguito River Park’s (SDRP) planned Coast to Crest Trail when completed will extend some 70 miles from the coast at Del Mar to Volcan Mountain near Julian. Part of the Coast to Crest Trail …
August 19, 2015
Not the highest peak but maybe the best view
Enjoy a 360-degree view of the San Diego River canyon and its surrounding peaks.
August 12, 2015
Lawson’s popular with peakbaggers and rockclimbers alike
Bushwhack to the hidden cave.
July 29, 2015
Walk the river
Although located in the midst of metropolitan San Diego, this trail segment meanders along a lush wooded watercourse that winds its way to the Pacific Ocean. It is part of the San Diego River Park …
July 22, 2015
At the Loveland Dam, on the Sweetwater River
Loveland Dam, also known as Sweetwater Falls Dam, is a thin arch design of concrete built in 1945. Loveland Reservoir is one of the two manmade lakes made by dams along the Sweetwater River. It …
July 15, 2015
Lake Jennings is a hidden gem for wildlife sightings close to urban areas
Lake Jennings is a manmade 9800-acre-foot capacity reservoir owned by the Helix Water District. In 1962 the Helix Irrigation District built Chet Harritt Dam, which forms the reservoir, storing water that is treated and used …
July 1, 2015
Golfers left, nature right
A hike along a river and golf course for an overview of the San Dieguito River.
June 24, 2015
Off the beaten path in Mission Trails
Start with familiar and popular Cowles, then take a detour for views west to the ocean and east to the Cuyamacas.
June 10, 2015
Del Dios Gorge Trail, a small piece of the Coast to Crest Trail
This trail is part of the Coast to Crest Trail of the San Dieguito River Park. The 70-mile planned Coast to Crest Trail will extend one day from Volcan Mountain near Julian to the shore …
June 3, 2015
Begin where the jeep road ends
Hike through a canyon with towering walls to some old and remote rock-house ruins.
May 27, 2015
Anza-Borrego’s forest of miniature trees
Whale Peak, though not the highest peak in the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, is high enough at 5349 feet to offer spectacular views of much of the park and mountain ranges in Mexico and Arizona. …
May 20, 2015
Waterfall to rocky summit
Hike to the top of this profile that looms 3000 feet above Borrego Springs.
May 13, 2015
Water? In the desert? Yup.
Sheep Canyon has one of the larger streams flowing east out of the San Ysidro Mountains. Its bubbling waters cascade over boulders and down waterfalls into clear pools, and its banks are lined with shady …
May 6, 2015
Find your way to the woodland
One of the highest peaks in Anza-Borrego has fascinating plant life and gorgeous views.
April 29, 2015