I recently enjoyed a handful of wonderful scenic hikes in San Diego County (my former home). These are some of my favorites!
1. Iron Mountain (Poway) – August 2024
Mileage: 5.7 mi; Elevation Gain: 1,122 ft; High Point Elevation: 2,696ft
One of my priorities while visiting San Diego Country in August was solo hiking Iron Mountain near Poway, CA. I had previously hiked here with my husband and friends and remembered how much I enjoyed the scenery. The trailhead is located at the intersection of Highway 67 and Poway Road and includes restroom facilities. There are no fees to park at this trailhead.
I began my weekday solo hike at 7:00 a.m. and finished at 9:00 a.m., with a short break at the summit for photos. Given the beauty of the morning, I enjoyed a quick snack while taking in the vistas.
I selected Iron Mountain as a wonderful scenic San Diego County hike for the following reasons: this is a higher elevation route I feel safe enough to complete solo (there are other people, but it does not feel crowded); this hike is very doable with the subtle switchbacks the second half of the hike; and the scenery of this hike is amazing, with 360-degree views, especially looking east. I just really love this hike!
Notes: If you trek with sunny skies, I recommend starting this hike early. You will find it can get warm with the eastern sun on the exposed ascent. You will increase your odds of having fewer people at the summit by hiking early. Hikers may bring leashed dogs on the trail and park in the good-sized lot or along Highway 67. Finally, be aware that San Diego County is rattlesnake and mountain lion habitat.
2. Cowles Mountain (La Mesa) – August 2024
Mileage: 3 mi; Elevation Gain: 912 ft; High Point Elevation: 1,593 ft
I’ve concluded the western route up Cowles Mountain must be the most frequented hiking trail in San Diego County. The trailhead is located on Golfcrest Drive near Navajo Road in San Diego, and there are restroom facilities. I have also hiked up the access road from the Boulder trailhead. To arrive at this trailhead, park near the intersection of Boulder Lake Avenue and Barker Way. There are no parking fees for at either trailhead.
My close friend joined on this weekday hike. We began our ascent from the western side at 5:45 a.m. and finished by 7:15 a.m.
I selected Cowles Mountain as a wonderful scenic San Diego County hike for the following reasons: the route is easily accessible to city-dwellers because it’s centrally located in the San Diego metro, just north of Interstate-8; the hikes up/down Cowles are easily doable in two hours by anyone in relatively good shape; and there are 360-degree views of beautiful San Diego from the summit, with stunning sunrises and sunsets, if you time your hike right.
Notes: You may want to start early or go later to avoid the heat on these exposed trails. You will find weekend mornings crowded and might have to park farther away. Sunrise and sunset can be breathtaking. You may bring leashed dogs on the trails.
If you get an opportunity, Google the Five Peak Challenge as this may be something you want to pursue. If you like to reward yourself after hiking, try the bakery at the Simple Coffee House nearby off Jackson Drive. It is a wonderful social hangout for Cowles Mountain hikers. Finally, be aware that San Diego County is rattlesnake and mountain lion habitat.
3. Los Penasquitos Canyon Preserve Loop (Rancho Penasquitos) – August 2024
Mileage: 6.8 mi; Elevation Gain: 157 ft
I am drawn to the Los Penasquitos Canyon hike due to the beautiful and historic ranch house at the trailhead. You will find it located off Canyonside Park Road, just west of Black Mountain Road in Rancho Penasquitos. You can also begin the hike at southeast trailhead. There are several mountain biking routes in the canyon, and there are restroom facilities in the ranch house. There are no fees for this trailhead, although you are welcome to donate at the ranch house.
I began my weekday solo hike around 11:00 a.m. and finished around 12:15 p.m. I’ve completed the full loop previously but shortened this day’s hike given the heat of the day.
I selected Los Penasquitos Canyon as a wonderful scenic San Diego County hike for the following reasons: it is a treat to learn about and hike on land of a historic ranch; you will enjoy not only the waterfall midway, but you will have the option of hiking under trees and next to a cooling stream for a good portion of this hike; and the trails here are great options for runners and bikers seeking ample mileage with not much elevation gain.
Notes: Begin your hike earlier or later in the day to avoid the heat. If you like, take some time to read about the ranch history and tour the ranch house. You may even want to relax and take in the westerly views on the covered porch. If you want guaranteed parking closer to the trailhead, you may want to go earlier on the weekends. To avoid the mountain bikers who frequent the sunnier trails, hike closer to tree cover. You may bring leashed dogs on the trails.
As noted above, San Diego County is mountain lion (and rattlesnake) habitat. A mountain lion attacked a young child on this hiking route on Memorial Day in 2019. The child was hiking with a larger group, and his father fought off the cat by throwing stones. The child sustained non-life-threatening injuries.
4. Lake Poway Loop (Poway) – August 2024
Mileage: 2.7 mi; Elevation Gain: 575 ft
I enjoyed a fabulous morning hiking the Lake Poway Loop Trail in the Lake Poway Recreation Area. The trailhead, which also leads to Mt. Woodson (Potato Chip Rock), is located off Lake Poway Road. The park offers scenic water and mountain views, with numerous hiking trails, picnic areas, and various water activities. There are restroom facilities, and there is a $10 parking fee from non-Poway residents on weekends. This location is truly a delight!
I began my weekday solo (counterclockwise) hike at 7:00 a.m. and finished by 8:15 a.m. One could extend the time by taking breaks along the way to enjoy the scenery.
I selected Lake Poway Loop as a wonderful scenic San Diego County hike for the following reasons: you are rewarded with beautiful water and mountain scenery the entire way; this is a shorter hike which is ideal for starting or ending one’s day; and there are benches and picnic areas on the trail and in the park. You may even want to partake in some fun water activities after hiking.
Notes: Begin your hike earlier or later in the day to avoid the heat. I started early but felt warm later in the hike given the sun exposure. Don’t forget the parking fee on weekends, if you are not a Poway resident. You may bring leashed dogs on the trails. While I hiked on a weekday, I imagine parking could become scarce on a warm sunny weekend. Finally, be aware that San Diego County is rattlesnake and mountain lion habitat.
5. Black Mountain (Rancho Penasquitos) – August 2024
Mileage: 3.9 mi; Elevation Gain: 846 ft; High Point Elevation: 1,554 ft
The hike to Black Mountain via the Nighthawk Trail is ideal for suburban and water views. I began my route at the trailhead located in Hilltop Community Park located off Oviedo Way in Rancho Penasquitos. There are restroom facilities in the park, access to other trails, and there is no parking fee.
I began my weekday solo hike at 8:30 a.m. and finished around 10:45 a.m., taking a ten-minute break up top. I sat on a bench at the summit taking in the amazing views, including the Pacific Ocean.
I selected Black Mountain as a wonderful scenic San Diego County hike for the following reasons: this is a great workout away from Mission Trails peaks; one will enjoy 360-degree views from the summit; there are other ways to the summit, and this trail is not overly crowded.
Notes: This trail is exposed, so hike this route during the cooler times of the day. You might encounter mountain bikers on other routes to the summit. You may bring leashed dogs on the trails. The summit includes fencing around radio towers with a bench for taking in westerly views. Finally, be aware that San Diego County is rattlesnake and mountain lion habitat.
6. Other Amazing San Diego County Hikes
Of course, these are just a sampling of wonderful scenic hikes in San Diego County. Following are some other great hiking options:
- National Monument Hike – Cabrillo National Monument
- State Park Hike – Torrey Pines (La Jolla)
- Strenuous Hikes – Mount Woodson (Poway), Three Sisters Falls (Julian), El Cajon Mountain (Lakeside)
- Easy City Hikes – Seven Bridge Walk (Balboa Park area), Tecolote Canyon (Clairemont area), Sunset Cliffs (Ocean Beach area), Rose Canyon (University City area)
- North County Hikes – Annie’s Canyon (Cardiff), Lake Hodges (Escondido), Batiquitos Lagoon (Carlsbad), Coast to Crest (Solana Beach)
- Mission Trails Regional Park – There are extensive hiking trails here. You may even want to challenge yourself by taking the Five Peak Challenge (hiking up and down in one day – Cowles Mountain, Pyles Peak, Kwaay Paay, South Fortuna, and North Fortuna).
- Off the beaten path hikes – Blue Sky Reserve (Poway), Goodan Ranch Sycamore Canyon (Poway/Scripps), Lake Ramona (start at Blue Sky Reserve or Lake Poway), Oak Canyon (Santee), Crestridge Ecological Reserve (El Cajon), Lake Miramar (start in Mira Mesa – technically a five-mile paved loop around a lake)
- Full Disclosure: I have never made it to the Seven Bridge Walk (Balboa Park area), but I hoofed around plenty amidst the park’s museums and gardens. I also never through hiked the Pacific Crest Trail, but I had my picture taken in Campo, where it begins, and hiked a small portion of it near the top of Mount Laguna east of San Diego. I would love to tackle more of it one day! Finally, I never hiked in the San Diego National Wildlife Refuge (in South County), but exploring the trails here are on my list for the future.
As with all hikes, you will want to perform some online research about them prior to hiking. Some areas are closed on certain days, may get very busy (especially on weekends), and may have limited parking and/or parking fees.
Have you experienced some wonderful scenic San Diego County hikes? I’d love to hear from you!
Of course, if beach walks are your thing, you will not be disappointed on a trip to San Diego! I will author a future post on some fabulous San Diego County beach hikes. But for now, stay safe on the hiking trails!