Hike part of the California Riding and Hiking Trail to an overview of Shelter Valley.
May 7, 2014
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Stories by The Canyoneers
Hedgehog, teddy bear, staghorn
Movement, pressure, and force
The Narrows Earth Trail, located at the “Narrows” where San Felipe Creek turns abruptly northeast just east of the junction with Pinyon Wash, is the perfect place to observe geology and earth movement in action. …
April 30, 2014
Layers of history in Bow Willow
Visit a historic line shack made of rock on the vigorous Bow Willow-Rockhouse Canyon desert loop hike.
April 23, 2014
Exploring a rare commodity in Anza-Borrego
Make your way through a lush riparian area and loop back to an overview of a historic spring.
April 16, 2014
The treasures of Ocean Beach
Visit Dog Beach, take a bicycle ride on the Ocean Beach Bike Path to Mission Valley and back, or check out the waves on the pier.
April 9, 2014
Black Canyon’s riparian habitat of waterfalls and pools
Cascading waterfalls, pools, and an historic three-hinge bridge built in 1913 make this an interesting canyon to explore.
April 2, 2014
Waterfalls, boulders, and beaches in Cougar Canyon
Cougar Canyon is one of the delights of Coyote Canyon. It has willows, sycamores, and cottonwood trees in a lush riparian oasis where waterfalls cascade into deep pools surrounded by huge boulders and sandy beaches. …
March 26, 2014
Schist and intrusions in Cool Canyon
Colorful walls of metamorphic schist and intrusions of granite and quartz make this an interesting canyon hike.
March 19, 2014
Bow Willow to Mountain Palm Springs
Hike from a Kumeyaay seasonal village site to an elephant tree “forest” and palm groves.
March 12, 2014
Elephant Tree Trail, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
The elephant tree (Bursera microphylla) is rarely found in the United States. It is found in the Gila Range of Arizona and, more commonly, in Baja California and Sonora, Mexico. For many years it was …
March 5, 2014
Ironwood Wash and Canyon
Ironwood Wash and Canyon are not on any map prior to March 11, 2010. That was the date that the U.S. Board on Geographic Names unanimously approved the official naming of this wash and canyon, …
February 26, 2014
Coast to Crest Trail — Old Coach Staging Area to Raptor Ridge
Kumeyaays’ “valley of the eagles” still worthy of the name.
February 19, 2014
Morteros Trail (Anza-Borrego Desert State Park)
The Morteros Trail is part of the 4757-acre Little Blair Valley Cultural Preserve that was created in December 2010 in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. The area was a seasonal home for the Kumeyaay people who …
February 12, 2014
Sunset Mountain, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
Sunset Mountain takes its name from the last rays of sunshine that enshroud the top with the setting sun. The 3657-foot peak is located south of SR-78 between Pinyon Wash and Harper Canyon. From the …
February 5, 2014
Lower Santa Ysabel trail to Boden Canyon
The Lower Santa Ysabel Trail, now reserved for hikers and equestrians, takes you beside a lush riparian forest of towering sycamores, willows cottonwoods, and spreading oaks, draped with native grape vines as it travels beside …
January 29, 2014
Lake Ramona via Lake Poway
Lake Poway Recreation Area is a convenient starting point since it provides abundant free parking during much of the year. The lake also provides numerous additional recreational opportunities. The hike to Lake Ramona offers a …
January 22, 2014
Middle Peak
In 1907, General Land Office (GLO) survey records note “Mid Peak” as the peak between North and Cuyamaca peaks. It was not until 1970 that “Middle” Peak appeared on forest maps. Middle Peak used to …
January 15, 2014
Corte Madera Mountain
Bring friends, as this is a trail less traveled. The route averages a 7 percent steady climb with short sections of 60 percent (stairs) at the 4588 peak before reaching the plateau to Corte Madera …
January 8, 2014
East Shepherd Canyon
East Shepherd, or Greenbelt, trail is interesting in all seasons, with a combination of native coastal sage scrub and nonnative plants in the canyon. Walk north on Santo Road for about 160 feet, where the …
December 30, 2013
West Butte, Borrego Mountain
This is one of the most popular hikes in the Anza-Borrego Desert. From the top, there is an almost 360-degree view that includes a major part of both the state park and the state vehicular …
December 25, 2013
Moonlight Trail, Agua Caliente County Park
This is one of the most popular hiking trails in the Anza-Borrego Desert. Where else can you camp in comfort with full facilities, including hot showers, and soak in pools of geothermally heated mineral water …
December 18, 2013
San Dieguito River Park, Highland Valley Trail
The Highland Valley Trail is part of the San Dieguito River Park trail system. Eventually it will extend 55 miles from Volcan Mountain near Julian to the Pacific Ocean at Del Mar. The Highland Valley …
December 11, 2013
Los Peñasquitos Canyon, Camino Ruiz Trailhead
This is the only trail that accesses Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve from the south rim between Black Mountain Road and the West End parking lot off Sorrento Valley Blvd. Before the Camino Ruiz Trailhead was …
December 4, 2013
Wild Horse Trail, Agua Tibia Wilderness
You are unlikely to encounter any horses, wild or tame, on this trail, but it offers a chance to hike through beautiful oak and sycamore-shaded canyons and lush chaparral that can be ablaze with color …
November 27, 2013
Old Banner Road, Julian
Julian’s Old Banner Road, now a hiking trail, starts in a suburban-like setting among Coulter pines and black oaks and descends through lush chaparral, providing a chance to explore a fascinating bit of San Diego’s …
November 20, 2013
Coyote Mountain's South Shoulder, Anza-Borrego
Take this hike for dramatic views of the Anza-Borrego Desert and a different view of Borrego Valley.
November 13, 2013
Coronado Bike Loop
This ride offers scenic views of San Diego Bay from downtown to the South Bay, and up to Coronado. There are sweeping views of the ocean along the Silver Strand and of downtown San Diego …
November 6, 2013
Airplane Monument
Hike this year-round trail through chaparral and oak woodland to stunning views and to see a mounted 12-cylinder aircraft engine.
October 23, 2013
Kwaay Paay Peak, Mission Trails Regional Park
Kwaay Paay Peak is a good alternative to Cowles Mountain for anyone who wants a good climbing hike without a crowd. It is the fourth highest peak in Mission Trails Regional Park, at an elevation …
October 16, 2013
A view back into geologic time at La Jolla Shores
Encounter several natural habitats and an Indian acorn-grinding area on this short trail.
October 9, 2013
Mission Trails, Visitor Center Loop
Encounter several natural habitats and an Indian acorn-grinding area on this short trail.
October 2, 2013
Mission Trails, Oak Grove Loops
The highlights of this short hike include the transition from grasslands and coastal sage scrub habitats to small shaded oak woodland with majestic coast live oaks and rare Engelmann oaks found along a stream where …
September 25, 2013
Tijuana Estuary
Reddish egrets and yellow-headed night herons are sometimes seen in this section of the Pacific Flyway.
September 18, 2013
Coast to Crest Trail, Del Mar
Early morning or late afternoons are the best times for birding on this section of the Pacific Flyway.
September 11, 2013
Viejas Mountain
Enjoy great views of San Diego all the way up to the top of Viejas Mountain, which is green again after the Cedar Fire in 2003.
September 4, 2013
Mt. Woodson via the Blue Sky Reserve
Stroll through one of San Diego’s more scenic oak woodlands and experience a diversity of vegetation types on your way up to the top of Mt. Woodson where rock climbers may be seen.
August 28, 2013
Sunrise Trailhead, Soapstone Loop
Anza-Borrego’s high elevation multiuse trails appeal to hikers, bikers, and equestrians.
August 21, 2013
Gonzales Canyon, Torrey Pines Loop
Find two rare plants on the Torrey Pines Loop Trail — bush rue when descending into Gonzales Canyon and Torrey pine trees when ascending to the mesa top.
August 14, 2013
Living Coast Discovery Center Trail
This short hike and visitor center are perfect introductions to coastal birds and marsh habitat.
August 7, 2013
Green Valley Falls Loop
Easily accessible falls and multiple crossings of the Sweetwater River through chaparral, riparian, and meadow habitats.
July 31, 2013
Mt. Gower Open Space Preserve, South Route
Unusual rock formations, views, and a variety of landscapes and habitats make this one of the better hikes in the county.
July 24, 2013
Lakeside Linkage Preserve and Whitaker Trail
This ridge climb to a historic site has panoramic views of Lakeside and East County mountains.
July 17, 2013
Dos Picos Regional Park, Ernie Pantoja Memorial Trail
Discover a hidden treasure in the heart of Ramona.
July 10, 2013
Palomar Mountain: Weir-French Valley Loop
This hike includes trails beneath an old oak canopy, morteros, open meadows, two creeks, and a small pond with a stone weir.
July 3, 2013
Louis A. Stelzer County Park Trails
The varied topography and ecosystems of Louis A. Stelzer County Park make this 420-acre reserve a delight to visit. It is situated along Wildcat Canyon Creek and includes the rocky hillsides, ridgeline, and a peak …
June 26, 2013
Indian Creek Trail Loop
Indian Creek Trail does not give up surprises easily. Hike this trail for woodlands, streams, and panoramic views in the Laguna Mountains.
June 19, 2013
Big Laguna-Gatos Spur
Pines, oaks, and incense cedar on this six-mile loop of the Gatos Big Laguna Trail Spur.
June 12, 2013
Miramar Reservoir
Water birds on the lake and chaparral vegetation on the slopes make this a pleasant walk.
June 5, 2013
Lakeside's River Park
This hike features the work of a local conservancy to restore this section of the San Diego River.
May 29, 2013