In the days of corona virus, people around the world are itching to simply get outside of their house. Daydreaming about what hike to take next, I compiled my top five favorite hikes in San Diego and the surrounding areas.
Sunset Cliffs
Sunset cliffs is a beautiful winding hike above the waves in west of Ocean Beach, on the west side of San Diego. The rugged terrain is dotted with old structures that have fallen away from the shear cliffs, eroded by the constant barrage of the immense power of the ocean. Even portions of the trail have been rerouted or closed off by chains to keep visitors from venturing too close to unstable conditions.
However, the cliffs are aptly named. The view of the sunset is absolutely phenomenal. If you intend to park, though, be sure to check when the sun is supposed to set and get there early. The parking spots along the ocean front street fill up fast, which might result in a like hike from your car and back.
Mission Trails Park
Mission trails park is a huge expanse of preserved land on the eastern edge of the City of San Diego. I had no idea this park existed, or had such stunning views. There are two entrances to this park, one on the south and one on the north. The road connecting the two entrances is only one way when it’s opened, so plan ahead to know which end you want to park. We parked on the south side and hiked almost all the way to the north end, all the way to Kwaay Peak, then back to our car for a total of seven miles.
The views are stunning, but be prepared for the weather. The hike can be quite long and in the summer could get very hot.
Potato Chip Rock
Potato Chip Rock is a steep trail out in East County, San Diego, near Poway. While a bit of a drive for those who live close to downtown, this hike is definitely worth it.
I have to admit that we never finished the hike to Potato Chip Rock due to the heat, so it’s top on my list of hikes to get back to one day, when the weather is right. This trail was highly traveled with lots of families and dogs, which made our dog very excited. On the hot day, we got halfway through our total water long before we reached the top, so we turned back. At one point, the dog planted himself in the shade and refused to move.
We did eventually make our way back to the car, parked along the road with all the others, which was part of the down side. Due to the street parking and busy day on the trail, our car was parked 1/4 mile away from the trailhead, adding a total of a half mile to our total hike.
The views we could see were amazing, even though we didn’t reach the top, so we plan to re visit and conquer this trail some day. Check the weather and bring plenty of water, especially for your four legged friend.
Coronado
If you like hikes dotted with gelato, coffee, and other snacks and treats, walking the beaches of Coronado Island are definitely for you. With fantastic views of the ocean and the Hotel Del to explore, Coronado is a fun, easy way to spend a summer day when the weather is too hot further inland.
While you’re there, check out the sand dunes built up to spell “CORONADO.” You can just barely make them out if you’re too close, so take a step up on the board walk to check them out.
There’s plenty of beach up and down the strand and usually plenty of volleyball games, surfers, and sand castles to keep you entertained. Pack up some sunscreen, a good hat, and your flip flops to enjoy a stay-cation.
Torrey Pines
Away from the famous golf course and the UCSD campus, Torrey Pines boasts more incredible, rugged cliffs, which you can spend hours exploring. Hiking trails wander up and down the coast line on the top of the cliffs, but several paths down let you get down to the water’s edge. If you get away from the popular beach and hike north, you can get away from the summer crowds to see people fishing, hunting for crabs or clams, or surfing.
From what I remember, N. Torrey Pines Road is built alongside the original road from Orange County to San Diego. Walking along it today, it’s hard to believe that people actually drove cars on the tiny spit of asphalt. It’s a popular ride for bicyclists, even with the steep hill, so much so that it’s included in a couple of Century (100 miles) bicycle routes.
The nature preserve is named after a unique species of pine tree, the Torrey Pine, which is found in the park.
I hope this inspires you to get out and explore a new hike in San Diego once the shelter in place notice is lifted, and remember – keep up your social distancing!
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