San Diego County’s 10 Best Hidden Hikes

As North County San Diegans have been experiencing many harsh—70 degrees and sunny—winter days lately, this holiday season is a perfect time to get outside, soak in the sun (or a breathtaking December sunset), surround yourself with good company, and take full advantage of this wonderful weather. Here are 10 of the best ‘hidden’ hikes in San Diego County (ordered by proximity to the Cardiff Bungalows).

Annie’s Canyon Trail (formerly known as Mushroom Caves)

These water-carved sandstone canyons offer a short but inspiring hike that ends with a view of the San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve in Solana Beach. The trailhead is accessible from the north end of North Rios Ave.

Rancho Peñasquitos Waterfall

Located in the Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve, the falls are a leisurely jaunt from the trailhead off Black Mountain Road.

Presidio Park Hiking Trails

Located in a park in Old Town San Diego, a short stroll from the Serra Museum, the trails include the site of California’s first mission and the ruins of the first European settlement on the West Coast.

Bridle Trail

Located in Balboa Park, west of state Route 163, the path is accessible at points along Sixth Avenue and Balboa Drive. The natural beauty of the trail provides a stark contrast to the cars and urbanization surrounding it.

Sunset Cliffs Sea Caves

The open-ceiling caves are accessible only during the lowest tides and are located about half-mile north of the parking lot in the Sunset Cliffs Natural Park in Point Loma.

Green Valley Falls

Located in Cuyamaca Rancho State Park along the Sweetwater River, the falls are accessible along a roughly 4.5-mile Green Valley Falls Trail.

The Weir

This 3-mile hike starts from the parking lot of the Doane Valley Nature Trail on Palomar Mountain. Along the path visitors will find an old stone weir constructed along a creek.

Eagle Rock

This 7-mile trek to the rock formation sits along the Pacific Crest Trail, located about 4 miles southeast of Warner Springs. It’s accessible off Camino San Ignacio from state Route 79.

Galleta Meadows Metal Sculptures

Metal sculptures of animals and dinosaurs abound in the Anza-Borrego Desert. One location to take in a bunch of these creatures is Galleta Meadows, located in Borrego Springs off Henderson Canyon Road.

Boulder Park Mystery Caves

Located at the Desert View Tower in Jacumba off Interstate 8 on In-Ko-Pah Road, the boulder park offers a maze of tunnels and funky creatures carved into the rocks.