Five Great Hikes in East County San Diego

One of the best parts about living in the San Diego area is the temperate climate and all of the unique topography available. Often times, we forget that we have access to some great hiking; so many people miss out on some awesome nature because they don't know about it. But don’t worry; we have you taken care of. Here are five great areas to hike that range from easy to moderate. Come out to East County San Diego to enjoy some fabulous hiking. Just be sure to bring a lot of water and your hiking shoes!

Lake Murray

Lake Murray offers scenic views of the Murray Reservoir and is a popular destination for people to bike, jog, walk, or rollerblade on a paved road. This is a 6.4-mile round trip hike. The trail is flat with small inclines that are not too strenuous, so even your kids can hike it. Along your hike, you can spot people fishing, wading, and enjoying their BBQs. 

After the hike, be sure to stick around and partake in some water activities or enjoy a picnic. But warning alert! If you hike Lake Murray, make sure you exit the area by 8pm so you aren't locked in! Also, if you are not a dog person then be careful because this is a popular trail for people and their pooches. 

Lake Jennings

Lake Jennings has miles and miles of great hiking trails. If you want to start with an easy hike, you can hike around the lake, which is a relatively flat 5.5 mile trip that meanders around back Coves. The north side of the lake gives access to the old "Flume" bench, which is a trail that goes east for five miles and high along the ridge of El Monte Valley. The campground also offers easy hikes during camp and lake hours on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Maintenance teams are continuing to enhance these trails all year so hikers can enjoy moderate elevation hikes that as well as shorter, easier trials for all ages. 

The campground itself can be a great spot for a family staycation. The campground is a bit on the expensive side, but it offers a lot of amenities, such as Wi-Fi, clean restrooms, and group activities. There is a minimum of a two days weekend stay, and they charge extra if you bring your pets, but otherwise this place is a hidden gem. The lake is not available to swim in, but there are other activities to enjoy like fishing or boating.

Father Junipero Serra Trail

Father Junipero Serra Trail and the San Diego River are both great for bird watching and getting some relaxation time in. The trail has informational displays and touchable models of the dam and surrounding terrain so that it is more interactive for users. This trail is part of the Mission Trails Regional Park and is the main trail through the park, which begins at the visitors' center near Santee.

This is a paved trail that is 1.8 miles each way, and it is easy and suitable for all ages. It's even wheelchair accessible! The Father Junipero Serra Trail goes straight through the Mission Gorge with high cliffs that rise up on either side of the trail. The San Diego River can be heard wherever you are, and it can be seen when the water is rushing downhill from the trail. Climbers hang from the top of cliffs on some days as the light peaks over in the late afternoon. There are many animals to see on this trail, including squirrels, rabbits, and the red-tail hawk. Occasionally a deer or coyote can be spotted very early in the morning. 

Oak Canyon Trail

This trail is part of Mission Trails Regional Park and is good for all ages. One of the benefits of Oak Canyon Trail is that it is accessible year round and is only three miles round trip. It is great for beginners or families, but you can take your time exploring dry beds of the streams and creeks during summer or winter to make it more challenging. This trail offers hikers a sycamore and oak-lined paved path winding north from the Mission Dam. 

The rain revived this stream and transformed the hillside vegetation from brown to green. The water is cold and clear, so be sure to drip your feet in! The best time to hike Oak Canyon Trail is in fall or spring so that you can see the little creeks and streams filled with water. Once you cross the foot bridge from the parking lot you are in Oak Canyon proper where California poppies, lupine, and many other plants can be seen on top of the majestic oaks that have been growing in the park for years. 

Cowles Mountain Trail

This three mile loop is called Cowles Mountain trail, and it is moderate, accessible year round, allows leashed dogs, and is located near San Diego. It features gorgeous wild flowers and a great view from the top of the mountain. Starting from the parking lot, hikers can walk south towards the trailhead and step onto the narrow trail. From there, hikers will enter a thick elfin forest of chaparral trees that has chamise, sagebrush, laurel sumac, ceanothus and scrub oak.

The view rivals sights from Cuyamaca, El Cajon Mountain, Iron Mountain, Mt. Woodson, and the canyons of the San Diego River Gorge. This hike is really more of a climb; Cowles Mountain Trail is a three mile hike up, and it can be steep in some areas. It is known for being the highest point within the city of San Diego at 1,592 feet. If that is not enough for you, then continue towards the radio tower and hike Pyle’s Peak. It will add four miles to your hike with some steeper inclines. 

All of these hikes offer San Diegans a chance to enjoy the outdoors and find a little peace in the chaos of our lives. So get out there and take in some fresh air!