This Los Peñasquitos tributary canyon has varied natural resources and a rich biodiversity of species.
May 22, 2013
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Stories by The Canyoneers
Lopez Canyon, Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve
Stonewall Peak Loop
Follow this switchback trail to granitic 5730-foot-high Stonewall Peak for views of Cuyamaca Reservoir and the nearby peaks of Cuyamaca, Middle, and North.
May 15, 2013
Lute Ridge, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
The largest known fault scarp on the North American continent existing on unconsolidated sediments.
May 8, 2013
Rancho La Costa Habitat Conservation Area
Carlsbad’s high point offers a 360-degree view from the coast to the mountains.
May 1, 2013
Ruffin Canyon Open-Space Preserve
Hike cobbled streambeds with small groupings of palm trees and chaparral plants lining the canyon.
April 17, 2013
Inner Pasture view via Moonlight Canyon
Hike to a viewpoint overlooking an area where Indians once lived and enjoy the silence and isolation.
April 10, 2013
Butler Canyon Loop, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
Visit an old Indian village site and hike down a high-walled serpentine gorge.
April 3, 2013
Tecolote Canyon Natural Park
Enjoy a pleasant walk along the southern section of the Tecolote Canyon Nature Park
March 27, 2013
Black Mountain Open Space Park, Miner's Ridge Loop Trail and East Rim Trail
Inspiring views make this a great hike on cool days.
March 20, 2013
Hiking the Pacific Crest Trail along Agua Caliente Creek
Stands of majestic oaks and sycamores line a bubbling stream along a section of the trail.
March 13, 2013
Indian Gorge to Palm Bowl
Discover a little-known route to one of Anza-Borrego’s remote palm groves
March 6, 2013
Yaqui Well, Anza-Borrego State Park
This historic watering hole is a premier birding site in San Diego County.
February 27, 2013
Cactus Loop Trail, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
This trail provides a great introduction to desert plants.
February 20, 2013
North Shore, Lake Hodges Dam
A walk to the Hodges Dam and back through coastal sage scrub habitat.
February 13, 2013
Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park
Once a mecca for the Hollywood set; includes trails connected to the City of Carlsbad
February 6, 2013
Desert View Trail, William Heise County Park
Hike up to 4927 feet for Glen’s View, with panoramic views that include North Peak, Julian, and the desert.
January 30, 2013
Anza-Borrego's all-access trails
Paved and dirt trails encourage all visitors (including those in wheelchairs) to experience the desert
January 23, 2013
Sunset trail
Montana is not the only state that can boast being “Big Sky Country.” We have the same bragging rights in our own backyard: the Laguna Mountains (locals call it “the Lagunas”). Tucked in the Cleveland …
January 16, 2013
Kate O. Sessions Memorial Park
Explore the wild side of this much-loved neighborhood park with beautiful views and a wide array of native and exotic plants.
January 2, 2013
Pictograph Trail, Little Blair Valley
Discover Indian rock art and grinding areas on this desert hike.
December 19, 2012
Chimney Flats loop from Doane Pond
One of the finest trails in Palomar Mountain State Park is this loop with great surrounding views and interesting plants.
December 12, 2012
Alcoholic Pass Trail
A short, steep desert trail gives bird’s eye view of canyons and mountains.
December 5, 2012
Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve
Up to you: leisurely stroll or heart-pumping workout in the Elfin Forest.
November 28, 2012
Trackin' critters on Fiesta Island
Hike on a man-made island in Mission Bay where invasive plants dominate the landscape.
November 20, 2012
Dripping Springs Trail
This Agua Tibia Wilderness hike has dramatic vistas and a variety of vegetation types.
November 14, 2012
Daley Ranch Pond View Trails
The cooling, welcoming sight of a pond while hiking in the chaparral on a hot day.
November 7, 2012
Palomar Mountain: Observatory Trail
A tree-shaded trail with bucolic vistas leads to a world-class observatory.
October 31, 2012
Seven Bridge Walk
Cross seven access bridges to San Diego’s historical streetcar routes on this downtown loop walk that blends the present with the past.
October 24, 2012
Cabrillo National Monument's Bayside Trail
This spectacular hike showcases San Diego’s skyline, Coronado, and the bay.
October 17, 2012
Clevenger Canyon South
A lofty perch offers impressive views of San Pasqual Valley clear to the ocean
October 10, 2012
Navajo Canyon Open Space
Explore an urban canyon with a riparian area and over 100 palm trees.
October 3, 2012
Jerry Schad Memorial Trail
Guidebook author Jerry Schad’s favorite Balboa Park trail and an opportunity to volunteer service.
September 26, 2012
Cowles Mountain — Mesa Road
On any given day, the main route up Cowles Mountain, the highest point in the city of San Diego, is busy. A route with less traffic and easy parking is the Mesa Trail route that …
September 19, 2012
San Clemente East
Huge sycamores and live oak trees highlight this easy walk in the canyon bottom.
September 12, 2012
Pacific Crest Trail: Kitchen Creek Road to Cibbets Flat
This trek is along a portion of the Pacific Crest Trail, beginning at the junction with Kitchen Creek Road. It starts on a ridgeline with expansive views of backcountry and south toward Mexico and Cameron …
September 5, 2012
Wilderness Gardens Preserve
Chaparral-cloaked hills, a wide river valley with oak woodland vegetation, and sections of lush riparian flora.
August 29, 2012
Iron Mountain's Ellie Lane Loop Trail
The alternate, less crowded trail up Iron Mountain.
August 22, 2012
Crest Canyon Open Space Park
Walk among Torrey pine trees through coastal sage scrub and chaparral plants.
August 15, 2012
Guatay Mountain
This challenging hike combines an opportunity to view rare old-growth Tecate cypress trees and a variety of native plant species.
August 8, 2012
Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve Waterfall Hike
A cascading waterfall is the cool reward.
August 1, 2012
Engelmann Oak Loop Trail — Daley Ranch
View the somewhat rare Englemann live oaks from a relatively secluded trail.
July 25, 2012
San Elijo Lagoon County Ecological Reserve
Multiple plant communities and more than 250 species of shore and water birds.
July 18, 2012
Santa Ysabel Nature Preserve — East
Hike over rolling hills and through oak woodlands, wildflower fields, and seasonal wetlands.
July 11, 2012
Double Peak — San Marcos
Double your pleasure on this hike with inspiring vistas and a remarkable assortment of flowering plants.
July 4, 2012
Noble Canyon
One of the best single-track mountain-bike trails in California is also one of the finest hiking trails. Shuttling required.
June 27, 2012
Kumeyaay Lake
This short, easy hike along a cottonwood and willow-shaded lakeshore is perfect for young children, seniors, and avid birdwatchers
June 20, 2012
Batiquitos Lagoon
View salt-marsh plants year round and shorebirds especially during spring and winter migrations.
June 13, 2012
Sycamore Canyon/Goodan Ranch
Less crowded, unique and beautiful wildlands make this a good place to explore.
June 6, 2012