Four Beautiful Fall Hikes in San Diego, CA

Bonus! Where to refresh and refuel post-hike!

By: Jaime Purinton

While San Diego may not be known for colorful fall foliage, it still encapsulates its own fall beauty. Stunning sunsets, perfect weather, and less crowded trails than summer make San Diego a desirable fall hiking destination. We've put a list of our top four favorite fall hikes plus some great spots to hit up post-hike to refresh and refuel, San Diego style!

TORREY PINES STATE NATURAL RESERVE

Located within San Diego city limits, Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve's 1,500 pristine acres offer eight miles of trails with dramatic views of the Pacific Ocean below. The Park's namesake, the Torrey Pine (Pinus torreyana), is our nation's rarest pine tree and only lives in two places, here in the Park and on Santa Rosa Island. Many animals live in the Park including osprey, rattlesnakes, bobcats, herons, and coyotes.

Our favorite trail is the Parry Grove trail which brings you down 118 stone steps to the coastal bluffs hanging over the ocean. In addition to stunning ocean views, you can get close to a deeply cut canyon and view its unique formations. During a wildflower bloom in spring, this trail is exceptionally gorgeous.

After exploring the trails in the reserve, head down to the beach afterward to enjoy the ocean. Check when high tide is and avoid that time so you can walk the beach back to the trailhead.

Bonus:

Post-hike, nourish yourself at Trilogy Sanctuary in La Jolla. They offer organic, gluten-free, and vegan meals that can heal the body and mind and taste delicious! You'll find yourself replenished from soothing smoothies to hearty power bowls after your hike. Trilogy Sanctuary offers classes on their ocean view rooftop patio if you're interested in a post-hike sound meditation or gentle yoga class.

ANZA-BORREGO DESERT STATE PARK

California's largest State Park, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, is right in San Diego's backyard! The Park offers much to explore with over 640,000 acres, 500 miles of dirt roads, and endless hiking trails! There are trails for every hiker, from first-time to expert-level. Trails vary from a short and easy hike up Borrego Palm Canyon to a lush palm grove to climbing through tight slot canyons to strenuous hikes up to higher elevation areas of the Park like Villager Peak.

One of our favorite destinations, Whale Peak, offers a 360-degree view from the top. At 5,349 feet in elevation, Whale Peak has a unique environment that includes large juniper trees and Pinyon Pines. However, the Pinyon Pines are quickly dying out due to the severe drought and climate change. There are two routes up Whale Peak, one from Pinyon Mountain Road at five and a half miles and a longer route starting at the Pictograph Trail at just under nine miles.

Bonus:

Visit Borrego Springs' most popular watering hole, Carlee's, for a cold beer and burger after your adventure! Not only does Carlee's have great food, but they are also a staple in the small desert community supporting local charities and non-profit groups, especially local high school athletics and little league teams.

SANTA YSABEL EAST PRESERVE

A true San Diego backcountry hike, the 4,600-acre Santa Ysabel East Preserve offers fifteen miles of trails to choose from (when combined with Santa Ysabel West Preserve). You will enjoy rolling hills, oak woodlands, native grasslands, and wildlife, including hawks, eagles, turkeys, snakes, lizards, coyotes and bobcats. Picnic areas along the trail are strategically placed under beautiful oaks or pines.

Although not too far out of Julian, the preserve feels like you are very remote, and the solitude is relaxing. The trails are multi-use, hikers, equestrians, and bikers all share the trails. The trail is dog-friendly but keep your pup on a leash.

Bonus:

Julian is known for its apple orchards, some dating back to the late 1800's when Julian was known as the "greatest apple belt in the world". Today, ranches like Storum Ranch Cider and Wine are still growing apples and making tasty cider from them. Stop in for a taster of their single varietal and blended ciders.

Once you've finished with your tasting, head over to Vulcan Mountain Winery to taste the legendary Hart Family's awardwinning wines. Enjoy live music and food trucks on most weekends. P.S. Say hi to Mel for us!

SANTA MARGARITA RIVER TRAIL PRESERVE

Managed by the Wildlands Conservancy, the Santa Margarita River Trail Preserve in Fallbrook is one of San Diego County's gems. It is one of the last free-flowing rivers in San Diego and home to the southernmost range of Steelhead Trout (fishing is not allowed). The 1,384 acres, five-mile section of the Santa Margarita River is part of the South Coast Ecoregion, one of the world's 25 global hotspots of threatened biodiversity. With just about 18 miles of trails co-maintained by the conservancy and Fallbrook Trails Council, there is plenty to hike here.

Most of the trails flank the river and are shaded by mature oak trees. In the fall, large Sycamore tree leaves change into shades of gold, adding a magical feel to the trails. Take one of the trails that lead to the top of the river and enjoy views of the entire river valley below. Keep an eye out for California Golden Beavers that build water impoundments along the river. Leashed dogs are welcome on the trails.

Bonus:

Grab an ice-cold beer and woodfired pizza at The Mill after your adventure! Located in a refurbished old barn, The Mill is a local favorite because of the welcome vibes (Fallbrook is the "friendly village"), good beer, and delicious pizza. You can shop curated housewares/gifts at Shoppe Witty, also located at The Mill.