Top 10 Best Hikes in San Diego: Trails, Tips, and Gear

There’s something about San Diego that makes you want to get outside.

From coastal paths to rugged mountain climbs, San Diego has a trail for every kind of hiker. Whether you’re after a quick morning walk or a weekend challenge, you’re never far from great views and good quiet.

In this guide, I’m sharing ten of the best hikes in and around the city—local favorites and hidden gems alike. You’ll find details on what to expect, when to go, and yes, a few honest notes on what to wear—because the right gear matters when the weather shifts from warm sun to cool wind.

1. Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve — Where Cliffs Meet the Sunset

• Location: 12600 N Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla, CA 92037, United States (about 25 minutes from downtown San Diego)
• Coordinates: 32.9209345, -117.2514443
• Google Maps Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/zcgEbteuAmw7oRBKA
• Rating: 4.8/5
• Difficulty: Easy–Moderate
• Distance: 2–4 miles (loop trail)
• Time: 1–2 hours
• Highlights: Coastal cliffs, ocean views, and unforgettable sunsets
• Best Season: Spring and fall
• Tip: Arrive early or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds. Parking is around $15 per car, and dogs aren’t allowed on the trails.
• Outfit Suggestion: Lightweight layers with a wind-resistant outer shell — something like Alpargali’s Graphene Lightweight Jacket that keeps the ocean breeze comfortable while staying breathable.

If you ask San Diego locals where to clear their head, many will point to Torrey Pines. High above the Pacific, its trails wind through golden cliffs with ocean views. The air is salty and fresh, the sound of waves soothing. The Razor Point and Guy Fleming trails offer short loops that highlight sandstone formations, wind-shaped trees, and stunning sunsets. It’s a hike where you pause often, take photos, and enjoy the changing light.

Mornings can be cool and breezy, while afternoons warm up quickly. Layering is key: a light base layer and a jacket that blocks wind without feeling heavy. Alpargali’s Graphene Lightweight Jacket is perfect — breathable for the trail and refined for a post-hike lunch.

That’s the beauty of Torrey Pines: it’s not about summiting, but slowing down, breathing in the ocean air, and finding a balance between style and comfort.

2. Cowles Mountain Trail — Sunrise Above the City

• Location: 7001 Golfcrest Dr, San Diego, CA 92119, United States (about 25 minutes from downtown)
• Coordinates: 32.8184371, -117.0300978
• Google Maps Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/bAamooq1y9pV2q226
• Rating: 4.8/5
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Distance: 3 miles round trip
• Time: Around 1.5–2 hours
• Highlights: Panoramic city views, sunrise lookout, steady climb
• Best Season: Year-round, early mornings are best
• Tip: Bring water and start early — there’s little shade, and the sun gets strong by mid-morning.
• Outfit Suggestion: Breathable layers with a light insulating core — a Graphene Vest adds warmth at dawn without overheating once the climb begins.

If Torrey Pines is where San Diego slows down, Cowles Mountain is where it wakes up. As the city’s highest point, it’s a rite of passage for locals — a short, steady climb that rewards you with sweeping views from mountains to coast. Before sunrise, you’ll see hikers of all kinds: students, runners, parents with kids. There’s a quiet sense of community in that early light.

The trail is well-marked, climbing gently over rocky terrain. It’s not long, but it keeps your heart rate up without feeling punishing. Near the top, the city spreads out, and on clear mornings, the ocean glints in the distance.

Because it starts cool and ends warm, layering is key. Alpargali’s Graphene Vest traps warmth at sunrise but stays breathable as you climb. Pair it with a moisture-wicking base layer and lightweight pants, and you’re ready for both the summit and a post-hike brunch.

Cowles Mountain isn’t about escaping the city — it’s about seeing it from a different perspective, where the air feels cleaner and your morning coffee tastes better.

3. Cedar Creek Falls — The Wild Side of San Diego

• Location: Ramona, CA 92065, United States, about 1 hour northeast of downtown
• Coordinates: 32.990001, -116.7299657
• Google Map Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/GGGKuSkkuAJjegmE7  
• Rating: 4.9/5
• Difficulty: Moderate–Challenging
• Distance: 6 miles round trip
• Time: 3–4 hours
• Highlights: Canyon views, a dramatic waterfall, and a deep plunge pool
• Best Season: Late spring to early summer (avoid mid-day heat)
• Tip: You’ll need a permit to hike here. Bring at least two liters of water per person and start before 8 a.m. — the climb back is exposed and steep.
• Outfit Suggestion: Go ultralight. A technical tee in merino or TENCEL™ blend (like Alpargali’s Nixcore Aerowool Nexus or Arc’teryx’s Motus Crew) keeps you dry and cool. Pair it with quick-dry shorts and trail shoes with solid grip.

Cedar Creek Falls is a challenging hike wrapped in beauty. The descent offers open sky and canyon views, but the return is when the desert sun hits hardest. By noon, the heat bounces off the rocks.

Avoid cotton and heavy fabrics. You need something breathable and quick-drying, like a merino-TENCEL™ blend tee from Alpargali, Icebreaker, or Smartwool . It stays cool, resists odor, and feels soft even under a pack.

Pair with lightweight shorts, a brimmed hat, and a compact daypack. Some bring a packable rain shell (Patagonia or Outdoor Research) for sun protection.

When you reach the waterfall, it’s all worth it — wild, raw, and refreshing. Comfort here isn’t vanity, it’s survival.

4. Annie’s Canyon Trail — A Short Walk Through Stone and Light

• Location: 2550 Via Poco, Cardiff, CA 92007, United States, about 25 minutes north of downtown
• Coordinates: 33.0048591, -117.2639358
• Google Map Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/3BKRWsNYMEePVquHA  
• Rating: 4.8/5
• Difficulty: Easy
• Distance: 1.5 miles round trip
• Time: 30–45 minutes
• Highlights: Slot canyon, ocean breeze, panoramic overlook
• Best Season: Spring through fall
• Tip: This is a one-way slot canyon — it’s narrow in places, so travel light. Go early if you want photos without the crowd.
• Outfit Suggestion: Lightweight activewear you don’t mind getting dusty — a breathable tee, quick-dry shorts, and neutral trail sneakers. Think comfort first, style second.

Annie’s Canyon Trail proves “easy” doesn’t mean “boring.”

Starting with a flat, sandy path through wetlands, it soon opens into a narrow sandstone canyon. The golden walls glow in the morning light, with a sliver of blue sky above.

It’s a short, photogenic trail popular with locals seeking a quick adventure. Families and photographers flock here, and it’s worth bringing your camera too.

For clothing, keep it light and flexible. A breathable merino or bamboo tee (like Vuori, Lululemon, or Alpargali ) and quick-dry shorts or joggers work well. Trail sneakers with grip are all you need.

After the canyon, enjoy ocean views from the overlook — a perfect place to relax and take in the scenery. Annie’s Canyon is about slowing down and resetting your mood in just 45 minutes.

5. Stonewall Peak (Cuyamaca Rancho State Park) — Pines, Wind, and Wide Horizons

• Location: Stonewall Peak, California 92036, United States, about 1 hour east of San Diego
• Coordinates: 32.9610334, -116.5718872
• Google Map Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/qGpPN3tSTtUmN9T36  
• Rating: 5.0/5
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Distance: 4 miles round trip
• Time: 2–2.5 hours
• Highlights: Forest trails, granite ridgeline, panoramic mountain views
• Best Season: Fall to early spring
• Tip: It can get windy near the summit, especially after 3 p.m. — bring an extra layer. A day-use fee applies at the park entrance.
• Outfit Suggestion: Layer up — a breathable base, an insulating midlayer, and a soft-shell jacket like Alpargali’s CoreShell or something similar from Arc’teryx or Rab will keep you warm and dry.

When the coast feels like summer, Stonewall Peak brings San Diego’s winter.

The drive takes you through golden oaks and pine-scented air. The trail wraps around the mountain’s granite spine, with views to the desert at the top.

At sunset, everything turns copper. It’s more of a peaceful reset than a workout.

Layering is key — start with a wool-blend tee, add a midlayer, and finish with a soft-shell jacket like Alpargali’s CoreShell .

Walk slow, enjoy the quiet, and feel the satisfaction of a mountain hike.

6. Three Sisters Falls — For the Trail-Hardened and the Brave

• Location: Descanso, CA 91916, about 1.5 hours east of downtown San Diego
• Coordinates: 32.971446, -116.68852919999999
• Google Map Link:  https://maps.app.goo.gl/iPuXsVV22DBiQiHr6
• Rating: 4.9/5
• Difficulty: Hard
• Distance: 4 miles round trip (steep and exposed)
• Time: 3–4 hours
• Highlights: Dramatic canyon descent, triple waterfall, rugged terrain
• Best Season: Spring and early summer, avoid mid-day heat
• Tip: Bring more water than you think you’ll need. The hike down is easy — it’s the climb back that makes people wish they’d started earlier. Permits are required.
• Outfit Suggestion: Durable and protective layers — a breathable T-shirt, tough hiking pants, and a weatherproof shell like Alpargali’s All-Weather Outdoor Jacket or similar options from Outdoor Research or Marmot.

Three Sisters Falls isn’t a quick hike. It’s raw, steep, and humbling — switchbacks that drop into a canyon before leading to three stunning waterfalls.

The descent is exciting, but the climb back up is tough, with heat, incline, and loose gravel testing your limits. But there's beauty in its challenge. The sound of the falls grows louder, and reaching the pools makes you want to sit, dip your hands in the cold water, and breathe.

For gear, prioritize protection. A moisture-wicking tee, like Alpargali’s, Icebreaker, or Patagonia, keeps you dry. Pair it with rugged trail pants and a weatherproof jacket. Alpargali’s All-Weather Outdoor Jacket is perfect for the hike — light, durable, and ready for anything.

Three Sisters Falls isn’t easy, but the reward — the view framed by three waterfalls — makes it unforgettable.

7. Los Peñasquitos Canyon Trail — Everyday Nature, Just Close Enough

• Location: North San Diego, CA 92130, between Mira Mesa and Sorrento Valley
• Coordinates: 32.906494099999996, -117.2060776
• Google Map Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/RmQLmvpAboHBmi38A
• Rating: 4.6/5
• Difficulty: Easy
• Distance: Up to 7 miles round trip (flat terrain)
• Time: 2–3 hours, depending on how far you go
• Highlights: Shaded creek crossings, small waterfall, wildlife sightings
• Best Season: All year, especially spring
• Tip: This trail can get crowded on weekends. Bring a hat, water, and dog leash if you’re walking with a pet.
• Outfit Suggestion: Light, comfortable layers. A moisture-wicking tee and a vest for cool mornings — like Alpargali’s Graphene Vest, or something simple from Patagonia or Uniqlo Outdoor.

If you live in San Diego long enough, you’ll eventually find yourself on the Los Peñasquitos Canyon Trail. It’s the kind of place that doesn’t need to impress — it simply welcomes you back every time. The trail winds through tall grass and shady oaks, following a creek that flows most of the year. No rush, no steep climbs, just the sound of water and the occasional hawk overhead.

It’s a laid-back hike where comfort is key. You don’t need heavy gear — just a breathable tee and light vest to stay comfortable. Alpargali’s Graphene Vest is perfect for this, light and flexible. Patagonia’s Nano Puff or REI’s Trailsmith vest are also great alternatives.

By the time you reach the waterfall halfway through, you’ll realize this hike isn’t about reaching a destination. It’s about being outside, unhurried, and at peace.

8. Balboa Park Urban Trail — Culture, Coffee, and a Bit of Green

• Location: San Diego, CA, United States
• Coordinates: 32.7341479, -117.144553
• Google Map Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Z8rUPpD8tEBHiqtj9  
• Rating: 4.8/5
• Difficulty: Easy
• Distance: 3–4 miles depending on route
• Time: 1–2 hours
• Highlights: Museums, gardens, Spanish architecture, city skyline views
• Best Season: Year-round
• Tip: Go early for soft morning light, or late afternoon for golden hour photos. Bring a bottle of water — shade comes and goes.
• Outfit Suggestion: Urban hiking wear — comfortable yet refined. Try a breathable button-up or tech T-shirt with tailored joggers. A minimalist jacket like Alpargali’s Graphene Lightweight Jacket or something similar from Aether or Arc’teryx Veilance works perfectly.

Balboa Park isn’t just a park — it’s San Diego’s cultural heartbeat.

Start your hike through rose gardens, palm canyons, art museums, and plazas with live music. It’s not a wilderness trail, but it carries the same sense of discovery, just with espresso instead of trail mix.

Locals use these paths for moving meditation, whether during lunch or an afternoon stroll. The Balboa Park Urban Trail winds through manicured gardens, shaded paths, and glimpses of the city skyline.

Since you’re in the city, comfort and style meet here. A breathable technical T-shirt or light button-up with stretch joggers works well. Alpargali’s Graphene Lightweight Jacket is perfect for a breeze, looking sharp enough for coffee afterward.

Hiking here is less about pushing limits and more about appreciating the mix of nature, architecture, and city life. You finish refreshed, with new photos of light through old stone arches.

9. Palomar Mountain High Point Trail — Where Clouds Rest Beneath Your Feet

• Location: Palomar Mountain State Park, CA 92060, about 1.5 hours northeast of San Diego
• Coordinates: 33.3390844, -116.9067302
• Google Map Link: https://share.google/Vpm9g6UkXAv4iqkiM
• Rating: 4.8/5
• Difficulty: Moderate–Challenging
• Distance: 13 miles round trip
• Time: 5–6 hours
• Highlights: Dense pine forest, panoramic summit, frequent cloud cover
• Best Season: Late fall through spring
• Tip: Temperatures can drop fast — sometimes below freezing at night. Bring layers and check weather conditions before heading up.
• Outfit Suggestion: Cold-weather layers — a thermal base, fleece midlayer, and an insulated jacket like Alpargali’s Aerogel Graphene Puffer Jacket, or equivalent high-performance down from Arc’teryx or The North Face Summit Series.

Climbing Palomar Mountain feels like leaving Southern California for the Pacific Northwest. The road winds through mist and pines, with the air cooling and scenting of sap. The High Point Trail rises through dense forest, opening into sweeping views of the desert below. On cloudy days, the valleys vanish, replaced by fog.

It’s quiet here — just wind in the trees and the crunch of boots on frost. Early morning light gives the forest a blue glow; by afternoon, the sun warms the clearings but not the shadows. It’s a trail for those seeking solitude or a moment of silence.

For these conditions, staying warm without bulk is key. Alpargali’s Aerogel Graphene Puffer Jacket is feather-light but designed for sub-zero temperatures, with enough style to wear in town. Other options like Arc’teryx’s Cerium Hoody or Mountain Hardwear’s Ghost Whisperer are great alternatives.

At the summit, the forest clears, and you’re greeted by the vast desert. The air is thin, cold, and clean — a quiet stillness you can’t find near the coast.

10. Border Field State Park — Where Land Ends and the Sea Begins

• Location: Southernmost tip of San Diego, near Imperial Beach, CA 92154, United States
• Coordinates: 32.542691, -117.1247102
• Google Map Link:  https://maps.app.goo.gl/VwofjL9CU3hjUrGv8
• Rating: 4.4/5
• Difficulty: Easy
• Distance: Around 5 miles round trip (mostly flat)
• Time: 1.5–2 hours
• Highlights: Coastal dunes, ocean horizon, U.S.–Mexico border view
• Best Season: Fall through spring, avoid midday heat in summer
  
• Tip: Parts of the park may close after heavy rain due to flooding. Check park updates before visiting.
• Outfit Suggestion: Light and wind-resistant outerwear — a shell jacket like Alpargali’s CoreShell, Patagonia’s Torrentshell, or Fjällräven’s High Coast Wind Jacket keeps ocean wind and salt spray off while staying breathable.

Few hikes remind you of where you are quite like Border Field State Park. The trail starts with wide, open sand paths lined with coastal brush and the sound of crashing waves. As you walk south, the horizon blends into endless blue, and soon, the border fence appears, stretching into the Pacific. It’s sobering, beautiful, and peaceful all at once.

You’ll see migratory birds, photographers, and cyclists on the sand. The ocean breeze never stops, carrying salt and stories from both sides of the border.

For clothing, less is more. You need protection without overdoing it. A soft-shell or windbreaker, like Alpargali’s CoreShell Jacket , is perfect — light, windproof, and easy to clean after a sandy walk. Patagonia’s Torrentshell or Fjällräven’s High Coast jackets are great alternatives.

Standing on the shore, it’s hard not to reflect — how every trail, no matter where it starts, ends somewhere unexpected. The wind here doesn’t just cool you; it clears your head, leaving you with a little piece of that horizon.

Hiking San Diego by Season — How the City Changes With the Weather

Every season gives San Diego’s trails a different personality — from desert blooms to cool mountain air. Knowing the best time to hike in San Diego can turn a good trail into a great one.

Spring — Wildflowers in the Desert (Anza-Borrego Desert)

Spring turns the Anza-Borrego Desert into a brief explosion of color — yellow brittlebush, purple verbena, and soft green hills. It’s warm but pleasant. Bring water, sunscreen, and your camera; mornings and evenings offer the best light.

Summer — Coastal Cool-Downs (Torrey Pines, Lake Murray)

Summer hiking belongs to the coast. Torrey Pines and Lake Murray stay breezy with ocean fog. Start early or walk near sunset, and skip inland trails like Three Sisters Falls during mid-day. A light T-shirt and breathable shorts are perfect.

Fall — Forest Colors and Crisp Air (Stonewall Peak)

In Cuyamaca Rancho State Park, fall brings golden leaves and clear air. Trails like Stonewall Peak feel peaceful and cool. Layer up with a soft-shell jacket and enjoy the slower rhythm — autumn is for quiet, thoughtful walks.

Winter — Clear Skies and Mountain Calm (Palomar Mountain)

Winter means high-country hikes. Palomar Mountain stays cold and misty but offers unbeatable views. Pack warm layers and good boots — the silence and clarity make it worth it.

What to Wear for San Diego Hikes

Hiking in San Diego isn’t about surviving the weather — it’s about enjoying it. From ocean breeze to mountain chill, what you wear should move as easily as you do. The key is layering : base for comfort, mid for balance, outer for protection.

1. Base Layer — Comfort Starts Next to the Skin

The base layer is where your comfort lives. It keeps moisture away, regulates body temperature, and sets the tone for everything you wear on top.

Patagonia Capilene Cool Trail Shirt:

A reliable option for warm days and long climbs. It’s soft, quick-drying, and made from 100% recycled polyester with HeiQ® odor control. Perfect if you’re hiking light, staying mostly in the sun, and want something you can wash and rewear on the same weekend.

Alpargali Nixcore Aerowool Nexus T-Shirt :

For those who care about feel as much as function. This tee blends TENCEL™ Modal, merino wool, and spandex , giving you the breathability of natural fiber with the stretch of performance wear.

It regulates body heat naturally — cool under the sun, warm when the wind picks up — while resisting odor thanks to merino’s antibacterial properties.

The result is a base layer that feels luxurious yet works harder than most synthetics. Whether you’re on a steep canyon trail or grabbing coffee after the hike, it just works.

2. Mid Layer — Lightweight Warmth, Effortless Adaptability

The mid layer bridges comfort and climate control. In San Diego’s unpredictable mornings, this is the piece you’ll reach for the most.

Arc’teryx Atom LT Vest:

A minimalist essential with synthetic Coreloft™ insulation that holds warmth even when damp. It’s light, compressible, and sharp-looking — great for layering over a base tee when temperatures hover between mild and cool.

Alpargali Graphene Vest :

Designed for motion and microclimate control. This vest uses graphene-infused insulation to distribute and retain heat evenly, while the Sorona® eco-fill keeps it soft and sustainable.

Its Teflon™ water-repellent coating handles mist and light rain, and the slim fit slips easily under or over other layers.

The Graphene Vest isn’t just about warmth — it’s about control: one piece that adapts from morning chill to afternoon stride without ever feeling heavy.

3. Outer Layer — Your Shield Against Wind, Rain, and Change

Outer layers aren’t only about weather protection — they define how you move through it.
Whether you’re chasing a coastal sunset or climbing toward cold mountain air, these shells keep you ready without compromising comfort or style.

Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Jacket:

The benchmark of lightweight rain protection: durable 3-layer H2No® fabric, fully waterproof and breathable, made with recycled nylon. It’s simple, trusted, and perfect for sudden drizzle or gusty coastal winds.

Alpargali CoreShell Jacket :

Built around versatility. Its Core Lock™ thermal system and 10K waterproof / 10K breathable membrane deliver a precise mix of warmth, airflow, and weather resistance.

With 13 functional pockets, recycled materials, and 20,000-cycle abrasion testing, it balances urban refinement with trail durability.

It’s the kind of jacket that feels as good on a forest ridge as it looks in a café afterward.

Alpargali Graphene Lightweight Jacket :

Perfect for milder weather or as a mid-layer. Its graphene-infused fabric provides lightweight warmth while maintaining breathability, ideal for coastal hikes or early spring mornings.

The jacket’s Teflon™ coating  adds water resistance, making it ideal for damp conditions or light drizzle. It’s not as heavy as the Aerogel Puffer but offers enough protection against chilly winds or cool evenings after your hike.

Alpargali All-Weather Outdoor Jacket :

The most advanced shell in the lineup — 15K waterproof / 15K breathable nylon, DWR coating, and over 30 functional details including RFID-protected pockets and reflective safety prints.

It’s made for those who move between worlds: city, mountain, airport, trail.

A single jacket that can handle sudden rain, cold wind, or an unplanned adventure — and still look like something you’d wear downtown.

Hiking Tips for San Diego Trails

Before You Hike

• Check the Trail : Know the trail’s difficulty, distance, and elevation before heading out.
  
• Pack Light : Bring enough water, snacks, sunscreen, and a portable charger.
  
• Weather Check : San Diego’s weather can change quickly, so check the forecast before you go.
  
• Choose the Right Shoes : Wear comfortable, grippy hiking shoes suitable for the terrain.
  

During the Hike

• Stay Hydrated : Drink water regularly to stay hydrated, especially on longer hikes.
  
• Pace Yourself : Keep a steady pace that suits you to avoid fatigue.
  
• Layer Up : Use layers so you can adjust to the changing weather as you hike.
  
• Respect Wildlife : Keep a safe distance from animals and don’t disturb them.
  

After the Hike

• Stretch & Recover : Do some light stretching to relax your muscles.
  
• Wash Your Gear : Clean and dry your clothes after the hike to maintain their performance.
  
• Snack & Recharge: Eat something with protein and carbs to replenish your energy.

Conclusion

Whether you're hiking the cliffs of Torrey Pines or tackling the rugged terrain of Palomar Mountain, the right gear can make all the difference. By following our hiking guide and layering smartly, you can enjoy San Diego’s beautiful trails comfortably and safely, no matter the season.

At Alpargali , we believe that the best hikes are the ones where you feel at your best. That’s why we’ve designed high-performance hiking apparel that’s built to withstand the elements, without compromising on style or comfort. Whether you need a breathable base layer, a versatile mid-layer, or an all-weather jacket to face the unpredictable trails, our collection has you covered.

So, gear up for your next adventure with Alpargali and experience the perfect balance of function and fashion. Explore our full range of hiking essentials today and make your next hike your best one yet.

FAQ About Hikes in San Diego

What are the best hiking trails for beginners in San Diego?

For beginners, Annie’s Canyon Trail and Los Peñasquitos Canyon Trail are great choices. These trails are easy, scenic, and offer a relaxed hiking experience without too much challenge, perfect for newcomers to hiking.

Which trails are suitable for families or pets?

Los Peñasquitos Canyon Trail and Balboa Park Urban Trail are ideal for families and pet owners. Both trails allow pets and feature gentle terrain, making them perfect for a family outing or a casual walk with your dog.

Do I need a permit for hiking?

Certain trails, like Cedar Creek Falls, require a permit. Most public trails, such as Torrey Pines and Cowles Mountain , do not require permits, but it’s always a good idea to check ahead for any special requirements.