Santa Ysabel, California

The best Trails and Outdoor Activities in Santa Ysabel, California, offer a variety of exciting outdoor adventures. One of the top attractions is the Santa Ysabel East Preserve Trail. This 6-mile trail is a must-visit for its scenic views of rolling hills, oak woodlands, and native grasslands. It's a moderate hike with a few steep sections, making it a fun challenge. Another highlight is the Santa Ysabel West Preserve Trail. It's a 4.5-mile trail with a gentle slope, perfect for a leisurely hike. You'll pass through dense forests and open meadows, with views of the Santa Ysabel Creek. For a unique outdoor activity, visit the Dudley's Bakery and Julian Station for local food and wine tasting. It's a great way to relax after a day of hiking.

Top Spots in and near Santa Ysabel

Santa Ysabel, California
West Vista Loop & Coast to Crest Trail

3.0

10.16 mi / 1946 ft gain

Starting at the trailhead on Hwy 79, enter through the gate and make sure to close it behind you - the preserve is open range area for herds of cows, make sure not to disturb them when hiking. From the gate you'll see the sign with a detailed map of trails that are available for hiking. The trail...
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Santa Ysabel, California
West Vista Loop

5.0

4.21 mi / 886 ft gain

The West Vista Loop in Santa Ysabel, CA, is a moderately challenging trail known for its panoramic views of surrounding hills and valleys. Reviewers appreciate the well-maintained paths and gentle elevation gains, making it suitable for hikers of varying skill levels. The trail is dog-friendly ...
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Warner Springs, California
Eagle Rock via the Pacific Crest Trail

5.0

6.2 mi / 807 ft gain

With doing more hikes in the SoCal area, I've realized half the battle is just trying to find the damn trailhead.Technically you have 2 ways to enter this trail ... Start from 79 and add a very enjoyable extra 3ish miles, or start from the Warner Springs Fire Station, for a total 7 mile hike.We c...
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Julian, California
Volcan Mountain Trail

5.0

4.82 mi / 1270 ft gain

Volcan Mountain Trail located near Julian, California is a moderate day hike. This well-maintained trail offers beautiful views, but keep in mind there isn't too much sun protection, so be sure to pack plenty of water and coverage on sunnier days. Dogs are permitted on the trail on a leash.
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Ramona, California
Explore the Sutherland Dam

2.0

1 mi

Once your on Sutherland Dam Rd, follow it until your right next to the dam. Park on the side of the road where you see a small turn-out. Walk down to the side of the dam and drop down onto the concrete flooring of the dam. Walk on-top where allowed, and check out the views of the lake and the mo...
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Borrego Springs, California
Borrego Palm Canyon

5.0

2.73 mi / 558 ft gain

Borrego Palm Canyon Trail is located just north of the park visitor center, making it a convenient place to begin your exploration of the Anza-Borrego Desert. To reach the trailhead, drive through Borrego Palm Canyon Campground, the largest developed campground in the park, where an $8 day use fe...
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Borrego Springs, California
Camping in Anza-Borrego State Park

5.0

With over 600,000 acres, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is the largest state park in the contiguous United States. 500 miles of dirt roads, 12 wilderness areas and miles of hiking trails provide visitors with an unparalleled opportunity to experience the wonders of the Colorado Desert. The park i...
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Borrego Springs, California
Maidenhair Falls via Hellhole Canyon Trail

5 mi / 1060 ft gain

This 5.1 mile hike begins near the visitor center of Anza Borrego Desert State Park and gains 974 feet of elevation while climbing up a canyon to a small waterfall. It is an interesting hike as you can see the plant life change as you get closer to the waterfall. There are parts where the trail g...
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Santa Ysabel, California
Three Sisters Falls

4.9

3.42 mi / 906 ft gain

Three Sisters Falls is by far the best hike, for the most reward, that I've gone on in the close vicinity of San Diego. Only a short hour and a half drive from downtown San Diego, the hike offers all the draws of a National Park: remote wilderness, strenuous hiking, scenic mountain views, and ama...
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Borrego Springs, California
Hike the Panorama Overlook in Anza Borrego Desert State Park

1.6 mi / 636 ft gain

This is an out and back 1.6 mile round trip with 636 feet of elevation gain. The top has excellent views of Anza Borrego. It is close to the visitor center.
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Ramona, California
Cedar Creek Falls

4.8

5.52 mi / 1024 ft gain

The trail to Cedar Falls starts out at a hill in a residential area and ends in an unexpected spot where there is a beautiful waterfall complete with a swimming hole. Surrounded by 75-foot-high cliffs, a magnificent waterfall splashes into a pool known as the Devil’s Punch Bowl. Hikers have been ...
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San Diego County, California
Hike Sheep Canyon

5.0

2.71 mi / 732 ft gain

Sheep Canyon is probably the most remote palm canyon in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park in California. While Palm Canyon is easily accessed from the State Park campground, Sheep Canyon is on a dirt road that requires stream crossings and potentially a high-clearance 4WD vehicle. The canyon is na...
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Julian, California
Stonewall Peak

4.7

3.82 mi / 820 ft gain

This hike is one of the most popular in the Cuyamaca Rancho State Park. When you reach Stonewall Peak's summit, enjoy the view of the surrounding park and nearby Lake Cuyamaca. The hike up the east side is a popular and relatively easy trail. Although you'll be gaining 800 feet, the hike is relat...
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Julian, California
Cuyamaca Peak

4.5

5.79 mi / 1627 ft gain

This peak is one of the tallest in the county. Reaching the summit of the peak takes you to an elevation of 6500'. Although this peak isn't as challenging as others nearby, it's located in the center of San Diego, which offers up amazing views, which is the main reason to take this hike. The best...
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Julian, California
Blair Valley Trail

11.4 mi / 873 ft gain

Blair Valley Trail is a loop trail where you may see wildflowers located near Julian, California.
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Borrego Springs, California
Anza Borrego Metal Sculptures

4.6

Here's a map I made that marks where most of the sculptures are (here). First, you enter the park and drive through the little city of Borrego Springs. There will be a roundabout you can't miss, so you know you're on the right path. There is nowhere to park to get to the sculptures specifically,...
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