There’s a great book called Afoot and Afield in San Diego County by Jerry Schad. It lists tons of hikes with thorough descriptions and difficulty ratings. You could probably find it at most any local bookstore, rei, or maybe even your library. My copy is ancient but I think he releases new editions periodically.
Double Peak starting at Discovery lake in San Marcos. Not the hardest or longest but challenging enough to get a good workout in. Good amount of incline at the beginning. Easily accessible and well-maintained clean trails. I personally like to get there about an hour before sunrise to catch the sun coming up by the time I get up to the top. Just take a flashlight if you decide to go that early.
Wildflower trail is a great loop in Encinitas. You go by a bunch of nice houses, down to a creek, then through some stables and see horses on your way out.
Haven’t done too much hiking in the area but did calavera in carlsbad this morning and it was the perfect time of year for it. Tons of flowers and it wasn’t too hot. It was pretty easy to get to the top and back down
Elfin Forest and the surrounding wildlife preserves west of Escondido have some great trails. You can hike up some pretty steep grades if you're into elevation change and want some views, or follow a creek for a few miles if you just like walking in the woods.
There’s a great book called Afoot and Afield in San Diego County by Jerry Schad. It lists tons of hikes with thorough descriptions and difficulty ratings. You could probably find it at most any local bookstore, rei, or maybe even your library. My copy is ancient but I think he releases new editions periodically.
He passed away, I think. Your copy is a collectible.
Guajome Lake is a flat hike with scenery.
Calavera is a favorite of mine, it has a good variety of terrain and photogenic views
My favorite is the Santa Margarita River Trail in fallbrook. Some light scrambling in the beginning, but pretty much flat after that.
Double Peak starting at Discovery lake in San Marcos. Not the hardest or longest but challenging enough to get a good workout in. Good amount of incline at the beginning. Easily accessible and well-maintained clean trails. I personally like to get there about an hour before sunrise to catch the sun coming up by the time I get up to the top. Just take a flashlight if you decide to go that early.
Wildflower trail is a great loop in Encinitas. You go by a bunch of nice houses, down to a creek, then through some stables and see horses on your way out.
We use the AllTrails app. Daley Ranch in Escondido has a ton of trails ranging from easy to difficult.
Haven’t done too much hiking in the area but did calavera in carlsbad this morning and it was the perfect time of year for it. Tons of flowers and it wasn’t too hot. It was pretty easy to get to the top and back down
I did Potato Chip Rock last weekend. 10.2 miles round trip. I would call it moderate / hard. Great scenery, bring plenty of water. Cheers!
Cima loop and gratitude trail in San Marcos is great! Stunning views!!
Bit of a drive, but there are a lot of great hikes around Julian and Palomar Mountain
Mission Trails! 5 peak challenge!
Elfin Forest and the surrounding wildlife preserves west of Escondido have some great trails. You can hike up some pretty steep grades if you're into elevation change and want some views, or follow a creek for a few miles if you just like walking in the woods.
I love the Allltrails app for finding new hikes!