High Peaks and Incredible Hikes
By all accounts, San Diego is a city kissed by sunshine, blessed with beaches, and perpetually posted on someone’s Instagram story. But beyond the flip-flop glamour and taco joints lies a hiker’s trifecta—a trio of dramatically different trails that capture the soul of San Diego County.
One is tucked away on tribal land, requiring determination and a permit just to find it. One stands as a coastal cathedral to the elements, sculpted by sea and time. And one, impossibly narrow and wildly fun, is a slot canyon that feels like it belongs in Utah, not a mile from I-5. These are Hot Springs Mountain, Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, and Annie’s Canyon Trail—and together, they form an unforgettable portrait of San Diego’s hiking diversity.
Hot Springs Mountain: San Diego's Secret Summit
Let’s start at the top—literally. Hot Springs Mountain is the highest point in San Diego County, standing at a proud 6,533 feet. Yet you'd be surprised how many locals have never heard of it. Tucked away in the Los Coyotes Indian Reservation near Warner Springs, the trail to the summit is equal parts journey and discovery. You’ll need a permit (available online or at the ranger station), and you’ll want to show up early—gate hours run from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
The hike itself is about 10 miles round trip with a solid 2,500 feet of elevation gain, making it a moderately strenuous endeavor. The trail begins on a dusty dirt road—Sukat Road—and quickly gains altitude through exposed terrain. Eventually, the scenery transforms into shaded alpine forest, a rarity in Southern California. Near the summit, a weathered old fire lookout offers panoramic views that stretch from the Pacific Ocean to the Salton Sea. Just beyond it lies the true peak, marked by three USGS markers embedded in granite.
This is the hike you do when you want solitude, elevation, and a little bragging rights. You won’t find coffee carts or interpretive signs here. Just silence, wind through the pines, and the sense that you’ve earned something most people never even consider.
Torrey Pines: The Crown Jewel by the Sea
Now let’s flip the script. Where Hot Springs Mountain is rugged and remote, Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve is curated and iconic. Located along the coast just north of La Jolla, this 2,000-acre park draws crowds year-round, and for good reason.
Named for the Pinus torreyana, one of the rarest pine trees in the world, the reserve offers around eight miles of trails that meander through sandstone bluffs, windswept cliffs, and maritime chaparral. It’s family-friendly, visually stunning, and endlessly Instagrammable.
The Guy Fleming Trail is an easy 0.7-mile loop with sweeping ocean views and wildflowers in spring. The Razor Point Trail takes you to dramatic ravines and eroded badlands. And the Beach Trail? A sandy staircase straight to the waves.
Unlike the hot and dusty ascent of Hot Springs, Torrey Pines greets you with ocean breeze and the scent of salt and sage. But it’s not just a postcard. The area is ecologically vital and protected—no dogs, no food above the beach, and definitely no drones. This is a hike for your out-of-town friends, your toddlers, or your Sunday soul.
Annie’s Canyon Trail: The Slot Canyon Surprise
And then there’s Annie’s Canyon Trail, a delightful anomaly tucked into the San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve. If Hot Springs is for the solitude-seeker and Torrey Pines is for the coastal connoisseur, Annie’s Canyon is for the adventurous kid in all of us.
The trail can be approached from several points—Rios Avenue, Solana Hills Drive, or Via Poco. No matter where you start, the prize is the same: a sandstone slot canyon that narrows to just a few feet wide. You'll squeeze through wavy walls, ascend carved steps, and emerge at a panoramic overlook that punches far above its elevation gain.
The hike is short—1.5 to 2.5 miles depending on your route—with only 150 to 300 feet of gain. But it’s dynamic, memorable, and totally different from anything else in the county. The slot canyon is one-way and not suitable for dogs or the claustrophobic, but there’s a gentler switchback alternative for those who’d rather avoid tight spaces.
Annie’s Canyon has a bit of a rebel past—it was once known as “Mushroom Caves” and was closed off due to graffiti and misuse. Thanks to the generosity of a local named Annie and a serious conservation effort, it reopened in 2016 as a model for sustainable recreation.
Three Trails, One County, Infinite Contrast
So which hike is best? That depends on what you’re after.
Want solitude, elevation, and the feeling of conquering the county? Hot Springs Mountain is your Everest.
Need a breathtaking, accessible, and iconic coastal experience? Torrey Pines will never disappoint.
Craving something fun, quick, and unexpectedly dramatic? Annie’s Canyon is your playground.
Together, these trails show the geographical and emotional range of San Diego. From the high peaks of tribal lands to the sea cliffs above La Jolla to the twisting narrows of a sandstone canyon, there’s something here for every type of hiker.
And maybe that’s the real story: you don’t have to leave San Diego County to feel like you’ve crossed three states. You just have to lace up your boots, pick a direction, and start walking.