Double Peak - This is a moderate hike, mostly easy but a few steep spots to get to the top.  The view at the top is very popular for sunsets.  There are multiple routes to get there.

Stelzer County Park - Louis Stelzer left this property to the Children of San Diego when he passed. There is a campground, interactive nature trail, and a challenging loop to Stelzer Peak and Kumeyaay Promentory.  A mostly gradual climb, there is one section with a steep ascent on this 2.8 mile loop.

San Marcos Hills - This short loop starts & ends at Discovery Lake Park.  Located adjacent to a residential neighborhood, there are so many flowers, both wild and planted.  There is a mix of paved, single-track, and walking trails.

San Elijo State Beach - Also called Swami's Beach, named for the locally famous cafe nearby. Walking along the shore on what started as an overcast Memorial Day morning, turned into a beautiful sunny afternoon.  Some great shots of the waves in this one!

Hosp Grove Park - A one-miler with some gain in North Carlsbad, near the mall.  There are many trails in this relatively small park with beautiful eucalyptus and flowers everywhere.

Black Mountain - This one has some steep climbs and rocky terrain, steep enough the mountain bikers had to walk their bikes uphill.  Another beautiful view up at the top in North County.

Twin Peaks - No, the TV show wasn't filmed here, lol. This is a 2-mile loop with about 670' of gain in Poway.  A good challenge no matter what shape you're in!

Barnett Ranch - This is a 3.8 mile loop out in the Ramona area with big open sky views!  Bring plenty of sunscreen as you are exposed for most of the hike, but there are some nice parts of the hike shaded by gorgeous oaks.

Batiquitos Lagoon Trail - A generally easy 3.4 mile hike along the north side of the lagoon.  This is mostly paved and a beautiful spot for a Sunday morning walk

Stanley Peak - This was a real adventure, starting from the Daley Ranch lot at Lake Dixon, and climbing to the peak.  Some popular areas were busy, but the final climb I had the trail to myself.

Woodson Mountain - Get your picture taken at the famous Potato Chip Rock!  This route takes you up and around the peak and through some beautiful wooded areas.

Cerro de la Calavera - This is such a great hike any time of year!  Be aware that during rainy season some water crossings can get wide.

Lake Murray - A beautiful Sunday walk, even on a cloudy day.  This 5.7 out-n-back walking path is paved and busy with excellent views of the lake just outside the city.  Stroller & dog friendly!

Los Penasquitos - This is one of the few hikes in San Diego with a notable waterfall at about halfway along the loop trail.  Be careful after recent rains as it makes it difficult to cross the rushing creek.

Blue Sky Preserve - We did this one on a rainy day and it served well for some wet weather training before our 2024 Catalina trip!

San Elijo Lagoon - This is a great out-n-back hike near the coast.  5.5 miles with very little elevation and beautiful views of the lagoon.  There is a mix of paved road and dirt trail.  There are a lot of different pathways along here, even a side-step to Annie's Canyon.

Mule Hill Trail - This out-n-back trail takes you through South Escondido along the Coast to Crest Trail. There are historical points of interest dating back to the 1800's. Not much shade so recommended during cooler months.

Santa Margarita River Loop - 5.5 Miles along the river with less than 600' of elevation gain.  Bring your water shoes as there are some deep water crossings!  Be safe out there!

Lake Hodges Overlook Trail - This is a nice 7-mile hike with 1,400’ of gain starting at the Elfin Forest Recreational Preserve and going along Olivenheim Reservoir. 

Daley Ranch - This is the Englemann Oak, Hidden Spring, Cougar Ridge Trail Loop.  9.7 miles through Daley Ranch with a start at the north end off Hidden Meadows

Torrey Highlands - A long 10-miler that takes you through neighborhoods, coastal desert, wooded hills, and spillways.  Bring lots of water on hot days!

Del Dios Gorge - A long day in the drizzling rain gave us a great training experience for when we would hit the TCT less than a month later.  This was an opportunity to test rain gear ahead of our 38.5 mile adventure when you have no choice but to continue in the rain...