Autumn Hikes
Everyone Likes Just because our long summer is temporarily over doesn’t mean you have to go cozy up inside. Fall into the habit of seeing the cool side San Diego’s trails.
O
ur area’s mild weather makes the county a yearround destination for outdoor lovers. On warm summer days, many of our inland trails can get challengingly hot, which doesn’t seem to ward off boisterous tourists and their tell-tale plumes of trail dust. But after the high season crowds go home, autumn rewards savvy locals with quiet trails, friendly weather, and long, crisp views of rugged beauty. Don’t waste this golden opportunity — get your boots on while we’ve got the place to ourselves! With so many great area parks and trails to choose from, where to start? Heck, you could almost throw a stone with your eyes closed and hit half a dozen trailheads. Why not skip the stone strategy, and get started with this variety pack of our favorite hiking experiences for all tastes.
THE SEVEN B R I D G E S WA L K
Choose Your Own Adventure: Balboa Park
Did you know San Diego’s most famous park is crisscrossed with 65 miles of trails? Start at one of the five Trails Gateway points and build your own route,
5-6 MILES E A S Y & K I D - F R I E N D LY URBAN & POPULAR YEAR ROUND CENTRAL SAN DIEGO
from quick loops that are literally a walk in the garden to wide-ranging routes with all the terrain you can shake a walking stick at.
Our favorite Balboa Park hike is the Seven Bridges Walk, a scenic loop rambling over (you guessed it) seven bridges through the park and its historic neighborhood. Try our counterclockwise variation, The Seven Brunches Trail — coffee at Spanish Village, a snack or two in Hillcrest, leisurely brunch at the Corner Drafthouse, and dessert back at the starting line.
Build-a-Birdwatch Walk:
Tijuana Estuary & River Valley Trail System The Tijuana River crosses into the U.S. for its last five miles, mingling with ocean tides in SoCal’s largest coastal wetland. A salt marsh that sits below a major migration route known as the Pacific Flyway, the estuary is a prime stopping point for traveling birds who aren’t normally seen in San Diego as well as a regular stop for familiar local species. Our favorite hike is a leisurely tootle along the Visitor Center Trail, River Mouth Loop, and South McCoy Trail, aimlessly searching for birds. This is a great hike for curious kids — bring binoculars and a camera with a good zoom.
Mid Range:
Mission Trails Regional Park Yet another shining gem in San Diego’s crown of parks, this rugged 7,000 acre park is home to lakes, the San Diego River, a range of five inviting peaks, rock climbing, and over 60 miles of trails. First-timers can start at the Visitor Center and wander easy nearby trails, but hardcore peakbaggers should look up the Five Peak Challenge. Our favorite hike is summiting the iconic Cowles Mountain in time for sunrise, taking the less crowded approach from Big Rock Park. You’ll often find hikers at the summit enjoying a mini-breakfast while the sun comes up. NOTE: In early morning hours, you’re likely to encounter wildlife. Don’t hike alone, and know what to do if you cross tracks with a mountain lion.
Autumn if You Got ‘Em: William Heise County Park
Just outside Julian, this park’s campsites and cabins make a perfect basecamp for a long weekend of mountain adventures. Wander the park’s 11 miles of pleasant trails which, for the more ambitious rambler, connect to a trail system serving other area parks and the Pacific Crest Trail. Get away, see some fall colors, visit the adjacent California Wolf Center, eat a whole Julian apple pie, burn some trail calories, and fall asleep to the sound of howling wolves under the best night sky in the county. Our favorite hike, after an early morning camp breakfast, is a stroll up the Canyon Oak Trail to the Desert View Loop. You’re highly likely to see wildlife en route and, if you time your visit right, some glorious fall colors. Watch for the cheery holly-like clusters of ripe red toyon berries, and enjoy views of El Cajon Mountain, the Salton Sea, and the Anza Borrego Desert. you’re new to hiking or seasoned trail trash, a little preparation goes a long way toward Before You Go: Whether having a safe and comfortable hike (if you’re into that sort of thing). Check in with your destination(s). Know about any closures, hazards, or other important information, and who to call in case of an emergency.
Research trails. Check crowdsourced info from multiple online sources like AllTrails.com.
Check the weather. Carry appropriate layers. Beware of flash flood or thunderstorm warnings.
Carry lots of water. Even in cooler weather, dehydration can sneak up on hikers in our semi-arid climate. Bring more than you think you’ll need!
Avoid trail bonk. Bring your favorite highenergy snacks to keep up your pep, or even a picnic if that’s how you roll. Plan for kids & pets. Don’t forget to pack the things that your trail companions can’t. Follow leash laws, teach trail etiquette, and did we mention bring lots of water?
Pack it in, pack it out. Don’t leave a mess. Bring everything you brought back for responsible disposal (including pet waste).
Hot on the trail of a new home? Don’t get lost in the weeds. Check in with your local REALTOR® for your map to success.
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