Recently I had the chance to visit San Diego. My brother had been working there for several months, staying in a sweet 2-bedroom condo right next to Petco Park stadium downtown. He invited us to come out for a visit. I thought, why the heck not?
My big dude Soren had a week off school in June, so we flew in for a week to do a little exploring.
While of course we spent time with my brother when he was off work, we had the weekdays to ourselves. We visited multiple Acai bowl and boba tea shops, popped into coffee shops, and even attended a Padres game (highly recommend!).
Being that much of California is a desert, hiking was not on my radar at first. I figured it was too hot. But … as I started the trip planing, I found there are actually quite a few fun walks and hikes, and my timing in early June worked out well with the weather.
And, hoping for at least one hike that was a little challenging, I entered this into my Google search bar: Hardest hike in San Diego.
I received a lot ideas, but one popped up that stood out from the rest. Along with two canyon-like hikes that were coastal and relatively chill, already on my list, I added this challenging one to my proposed itinerary.
And that was it! We completed these 3 unique hikes in San Diego and I have to say, they were all winners. SO different from Washington. These should definitely be on your radar if you are visiting and hiking in San Diego.
Unique San Diego We Visited:
Annie’s Canyon Trail
First on the list, Annie’s Canyon Trail, definitely a unique hike in San Diego. This sweet but short trail is located near Solana Beach, off of I-5N, about 30 minutes from downtown San Diego (highly dependent on traffic, however).
The Trail Basics
Length: About 2 miles, but may vary if you choose a different trailhead to start at.
Difficulty: Easy/Moderate. A few areas within the canyon are moderate due to minor uphill sections and the fact that it’s very narrow in certain sections. Note there is one ladder at the end to take you out of the canyon.
Why this trail is cool: Slot canyons! While the slot canyon area is actually quite short, it’s a pretty neat experience if you’ve never experienced a hike like this. This is a great hike for those that want this unique experience without a very strenuous adventure. Also GREAT for kids!
Directions: See map below
*Google maps will take you to a parking area that feels like you are in someone’s neighborhood. In fact, you are. Don’t worry, you are in the right place. From the map you can see there are actually plenty of places you could start this hike. We started at the spot Google suggested, making this route about 2ish miles round-trip.
Check trail updates and conditions at All Trails before you venture out.
Note that this trail, as well as most in California, gets very hot. It was only 67 degrees the day we ventured out, but it felt like 90 by the time we were done because the whole trail was so exposed. Bring water and sunscreen!
Our Experience
The first part of the trail is pretty flat and sandy, nothing too exciting. I-5 runs close by so it’s not particularly quiet, and you will see quite a few people on the trail walking dogs or trail running.
But don’t let that deter you! The fun is just up ahead. Once you arrive at the turn-off for Annie’s Canyon Trail, take the spur and follow the path in the direction directed. This will take you through the canyon and then up the ladder at the end.
I can’t remember if anything prevents you from going the opposite direction, but going down the ladder doesn’t seem as fun, AND passing by people would be extremely difficult in some sections. It’s very narrow!
You can see from all the sand that it may get quite slippery as well. While you will survive in sandals, I would bring good shoes with decent traction. Avoid going after a rain as I’ve heard this becomes dangerously slick.
After a quick walk-thru of the canyon, which felt like a tiny maze at times, you come to a very sturdy ladder that takes you up and out.
This is a great hike for kids, so if you have littles that need to blow off some steam, consider a quick trip to Annie’s Canyon trail.
In fact, I saw a women having a little snack and rest right outside the canyon while her kids ran up and through the slots all by themselves. I don’t know if that’s the safest idea per say, but no judgments here.
Overall, this is a fun little trail, not very far from downtown San Diego, that gives you a unique taste of a different landscape and unique geology.
Ho Chi Minh Trail (aka the Saigon trail)
If you are looking for another unique canyon hike experience, but this time with a little bit more of a challenge (and adrenaline!), then this is the hike for you.
Similarly tucked within a neighborhood like Annie’s Canyon Trail, the trailhead can be a little tricky to spot at first. We couldn’t quite see the starting point from our, but once we got out and walked up the street a bit, bam, there it was.
The Trail basics
Length: About a mile round trip
Difficulty: Moderate/difficult. While the trail itself is quite short, it can be very slow-going due to slippery sand and narrow pathways. Expect to share the trail with others and be careful in passing.
*Also note, there is a ravine that runs next to the narrow, slippery trail in many places. While a fall is unlikely to be deadly, a misstep could easily result in a sprain or broken bones. Wear appropriate footwear and take it slow.
*Also, avoid this trail after recent rain. The sand becomes extremely slippery, making the trail likely impassible in some places. See more on this in our trail description below.
Why this trail is cool: Even cooler slot canyons and awesome views! Stop and watch paragliders swirl overhead, but then get your eyes back on the trail as you start moving again.
Getting there: See map below. Offstreet parking.
Check trail updates and conditions at All Trails before you venture out
Our Experience
So I’m just going to say right off the bat, this hike really got my heart rate up. No, not because it was strenuous … but because it was legit scary. I realized having that ravine literally bordering some of the narrowest portions of the trail kicked in my moderate fear of heights. Even Soren had a few moments that required some coaxing and even some assistance.
Watching youngsters attempt this trail in sandals was even more stress-inducing. At one point on our way back, the entire trail was blocked by a group brainstorming how to launch their last two friends across a skinny stretch of sand that sat at a slight angle towards the ravine. Any minor slip would send said friend over the edge.
After about a 10 minute wait, most of which I couldn’t watch, their friends make it safely across. Lesson is, don’t be that group without proper footwear.
Once we reached the views of the ocean, I thought alas, we have made it. But the adventure is not yet over, my friends. Previous All Trail reports discuss a rope in this section for the final, muddy descent. Sadly, there was no rope. No. rope.
At several points I almost lost my footing and envisioned a slip n’ slide ride down to the beach, but somehow each time I caught myself before my butt hid the mud. My hands and shoes were a mess, but the rest of me was salvaged. I think this final section is always wet and messy, so just do your best.
The beach was beautiful and quite private. We chilled for a bit, allowing my cortisol levels to even out, and then made the return trip back.
While a bit stress-inducing (for me at least), overall, this adventure is FUN! Take it slow, mind your step, and you will be fine.
El Cajon Mountain Trail
While the previous trails were fun, I was also looking for something more physically challenging, akin to what I hike in Washington. I wasn’t sure I would find much in this desert climate, but I was pleasantly surprised.
When I googled “hardest hike in San Diego,” this trail Northeast of the city kept popping up. Honestly there are probably more picturesque options in the area, some including waterfalls, but this one looked to be the closest, the most accessible, and one of the longest. I added it to my San Diego hiking wish list.
The Trail Basics
Length: 11-12 miles, round trip
Difficulty: Difficult. This trail is not technical by any means, but it’s incredible steep in many sections and VERY exposed. In fact, there is a STOP sign about halfway up warning you to turn around if you have not arrived to that spot by noon. Dehydration ruins many a hikers day, so be prepared and be forewarned.
*As with the others, take caution after recent rain. The trail is probably still doable, but some sections will be very muddy and very slippery. Wet desert sand is no joke.
*Note: This trail closes in August. The heat is too extreme and I suspect they’ve had to rescue too many hikers.
Why this trail is cool: The challenge and the views! This is a butt burner. The return is almost just as challenging as the ascent because the trail is up and down throughout. Expect a quad and glut workout the entire time. The views of downtown and the surrounding valley are worth it though, as well as the unique vegetation and geology.
Getting there: Follow Google maps to El Capitan Preserve. There is large parking lot right off of Wildcat Canyon Road. If you arrive before the gates open at 8am, there are a few street spots you can grab. The Preserve is about an hour drive from downtown San Diego.
Check trail updates and conditions at All Trails before you venture out
Our Experience
I should say “my” experience on this one. Soren opted to sleep in, so I decided to get an early start, with the lofty goal of returning by noon. This meant a 6am wake up, and I actually arrived at the trail by 7:30am. This might be a new record for me!
Because the gates were not yet open (they open at 8am), I took the advice of other bloggers and parked right on the side of the road outside. Then it was a relatively simple walk up the road towards the official trailhead.
You may wish to use the port-a-potty, as I did, conveniently located right at the start, before officially venturing out. But be aware there are actual restrooms just a little further up. Insert sigh. Maybe someone should post a sign.
Anyhow, just past the beautiful restrooms the trail really gets started.
Somewhat deceptive at first, the initial 2 miles or so consist of gentle up and down segments. Nothing too crazy, so I trail ran a bit on these parts. Even met a few trail bunnies. The path is fairly wide yet rocky, so watch your step.
Then it started to get steep. Several stretches were insanely steep. Honestly, if it rained, some sections would be a literal slip n’ slide.
That reminds me, the weather. As mentioned in the trail basics, this entire adventure is VERY exposed. The whole trail closes in August because the conditions are just too extreme. As others advised, I packed 3 liters of water and wore my Outdoor Research Echo Hoodie sunshirt, just in case. Turns out, I got lucky with the temps that day.
As reported to me by locals, this was an unusual June for San Diego. Most day were strangely cloudy and cool. Not ideal for my visit, but it WAS ideal for my hike. Most of the day was overcast and I never needed to apply sunscreen. I did not even exhaust my water supply.
But on “normal” days, which are typically quite sunny, be prepared if you plan to hike the entirety of this 12-mile jaunt (Strava had me at 11.29). Pray for clouds though.
And heed the stop sign above. If you are not halfway by noon, the park advises you to consider attempting this hike another day. The preserve gates close at 6:30pm.
There were many pretty sections to this trail. I really loved the unique, purple flowers pictured above, and views of the valley around. Unfortunately, views beyond that were not in the cards. The trade-off for nature’s sun protection.
Finally, after miles of brown dirt and dust, you come to a trail marker leading you towards the summit. So close .. and yet another mile or so still lies ahead.
This part is fun. The trail gets more narrow and the vegetation becomes more bushy and dense at your ankles. Large, white boulders dot the landscape.
Sometimes all the rocks make staying on trail a bit tricky, but thankfully, tall, green trail markers are strategically placed to keep you moving forward.
And at last, the summit! You guys, my first hike with a funky, wooden trail sign at the end. Oh California, always providing selfie support.
Overall, this was a tough hike. The constant up and down was a good challenge for the butt and the knees. Do not underestimate this trail, especially in full sun.
How long did it take me? I hit the official trailhead around 7:45am and was back to my car about 11:45 am. About 4 hours total. From what I’ve read, this is NOT the average, so please don’t base your time on this.
For starters, I was already in shape for the season thanks to several challenging hikes back home in Washington. I also trail ran several sections …. mostly because I was motivated to get back and spend the day with my son!
So, is this the hardest hike in San Diego? I’d say for the length and elevation, it likely is. There are longer hikes for sure, but as a good day hike, this one will get your legs strong in no time.
If you are up for a challenge (and can get there early), tackle El Cajon Mountain Trail next time you are in San Diego. I give it the Sore Legs Guarantee.
To Sum it Up
If you are looking for interesting hikes in the San Diego area, one of these three just might fit the bill. From easy to challenging, short to long, there’s something for everyone to love.
Have you done any of these hikes? Reach out on Instagram and let me know!
