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The Best Hikes in San Diego this Autumn

The Best Hikes in San Diego this Autumn

San Diego is great for hiking all year round, however – that means we sometimes put off hiking and appreciating our awesome outdoors. Take the time to do at least one hike this season – whether it’s one you love or that’s brand new.

To help you pick, here is a guide to the best hikes in San Diego for fall.

The Hidden Gem Hike: Elfin Forest

Nestled up in North County San Diego, find a hidden gem in San Diego: the Elfin Forest. Once you get off the main freeways, the drive alone is very pretty. Cruise through a pathway of trees that eventually leads you to the start of the hike. You’ll cross a stream. Come up through magnificent rolling hills and mountain biking trails.

(Plug in to the GPS :

8833 Harmony Grove Rd
Escondido, CA 92029) 
elfin-forest-san-diego

The Desert Experience: Mission Trails

In the summer especially, Mission Trails can get brutally hot. As the weather cools down (well, as cool as it gets in San Diego) take advantage and hike Mission Trails. Explore the desert fauna and learn more about them at the well-designed Mission Trails Visitor Center.

mission-trails-hiking-san-diego

mission-trails-san-diego

The Ocean Lovers Hike: Torrey Pines

The Torrey Pines State Reserve offers great hiking all year around with trails that give great great ocean views; you can even hike down to the Pacific Ocean. It may be a little cold for swimming now, but it’s still a great spot to take a walk along the ocean.

torrey-pines-state-reserve-entrance

The Getaway Hike: Lake Cuyamaca

Yes, it’s a bit of a drive, but it’s worth it. Lake Cuyamaca offers breathtaking autumnal views – with it’s hypnotizing water and surrounding fauna, it’s a great place to take a day trip or (for overnight adventures) camping. The hike is a little over 3 miles long. You can also fish and go boating. 

lake-cuyamaca

The Nearby, Uphill Hike: Cowles Mountain

For those with a busy schedule, hit Cowles Mountain – located in the San Diego State & La Mesa area. Climb up to the top, snap your Instagram pic and head back down. It is a bit steep, but that makes it a great workout for those who only have about 1 1/2 to 2 hours to spare – not a whole day for hiking.

P.S. In early morning and after work – it does get busy. Be prepared to drive a little ways down the road to find parking.

cowles-mountain-hiking

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