San Diego’s weather and incredible ocean, mountain, and desert views make it an oasis for hikers wanting to hit the outdoors. With over 122 different hiking trails in and around San Diego, deciding which one you will go for can be difficult. Ensuring that you pick the right trail for your skill level is also essential. For those not skilled in the outdoor hiking field, the preference would be for hikes that won’t require a high skill level, so what are some of the best trails for beginner hikers?.
San Deigo has multiple hiking trail options for beginner hikers. The following are some of the best beginner hikes, Los Penasquitos Canyon Trail, Torrey Pines Beach Trail Loop, Sunset Cliffs Coastal Trail, Batiquitos Lagoon, Annies Canyon Trail Via North Rios Trailhead Loop, and Seven Bridge Walk.
These beginner hiking trails can accommodate you, whether you are looking to train up to get fit or you feel like getting outdoors, walking along an easy path, and taking in the sights. Before you choose which hiking trail is best for you, it’s best to know a few things about the route, namely how long it is, is there an elevation change, and what you might be able to see along the path. Knowing this information will help you make an informative decision on which beginner trail you will pick.
Six Of The Best Beginner Hikes In San Diego
Among the many spectacular hikes that San Diego offers, some of these trails are more suitable for beginner hikers. Although this shortens the list of great walks, there are still many from which you could choose. Luckily, we have made a list of six more spectacular beginner hikes to make your decision-making process a little easier.
Los Penasquitos Canyon Trail
You can locate this loop trail in the Los Penasquitos Canyon Preserve, stretching 6.7-miles and taking an average hiker 2 hours and 50 minutes to complete. With an elevation change of 157 feet, this trail is considered easy and perfect for beginner hikers. Child and dog friendly, this route is frequented by many, so you can expect to see other people while you traverse its length.
This trail is very accommodating, with shady and sunny sections. The views along this trail include vast meadows, sycamore trees, oak groves, and marshlands, culminating in a beautiful waterfall. You might even glimpse some of the abundant wildlife that calls this area home, including mule deer, great blue herons, coyotes, and bobcats.
Torrey Pines Beach Trail Loop
This trail loop is situated in the Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve and is approximately 2.3 miles long, which should take an average hiker around 1 hour and 10 minutes to complete. With an elevation gain of 364 feet, this loop is considered easy and perfect for beginner hikers. Open year-round and beautiful in every season, this trail is a must-visit.
The beginning of this hike is a little strenuous, with a steep climb up a paved and gravel path, but once you reach the top, the views are spectacular. Sights include the beautiful Torrey pines, ravines, cliffs, wetlands, and the shore. You can get some beach exploration in if you go during low tide.
Sunset Cliffs Coastal Trail
This trail is situated in the Sunset Cliffs Natural Park and is approximately 2.3 miles long, which will take the average hiker 1 hour to complete. With an elevation gain of roughly 82 feet, this route is considered easy and perfect for beginner hikers. This out and back trail is family-friendly, and at certain times of the day, your dogs are welcome to accompany you on their leads.
If you decide to walk this trail at low tide, you can walk down the staircase at the end to go and explore the tidal pools and caves at the bottom. If you are lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of some pelicans along your walk. The trail offers gorgeous views of the pacific ocean, which are even more breathtaking if you complete this hike during sunset hours.
Batiquitos Lagoon
This out and back trail is situated in the Batiquitos Lagoon Preserve near Carlsbad. The path is approximately 3.4 miles long and should take 1 hour and 30 minutes to complete. There is a roughly 29-foot elevation change, and the route is considered easy and perfect for beginner hikers. It is family, stroller, wheelchair, and dog friendly, with the latter having to remain on leashes for the duration of the path.
With beautiful trees and flowers along the route, the actual pull is birdwatching. Birdlife is abundant in this area and if you want to do some bird watching, keep your eye on where the cameras point, and you should spot some waterfowl, owls, and other birds. The lagoon is an ecological preserve and consists of stunning tidal wetlands.
Annies Canyon Trail Via North Rios Trailhead Loop
You can find this trail loop in the San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve near Solana Beach. With an elevation gain of roughly 196 feet, this path is considered easy to traverse and is excellent for beginner hikers. The route is about 1.5 miles long and should take the average hiker around 45 minutes to complete. The trail is open year-round with spectacular sights no matter the season.
The experience of hiking through the narrow canyon is impressive, and the canyon itself is gorgeous. The trail is beautiful with eye-catching scenery, including wildflowers and some trees. You might even be lucky to see some wildlife while out there. This trail is also great for family outings and sunset views. Read more about Annie’s Canyon in Solana Beach, California.
Seven Bridge Walk
Located in Balboa Park, this loop trail is approximately 5.9 miles long and should take 2 hours and 30 minutes to complete. With an elevation gain of roughly 357 feet, this route is considered easy and great for beginners. The trail is open year-round and is spectacular no matter which season you visit. Child and dog friendly, you will need to keep the latter on a leash as you traverse this path.
With so many different options available along this path, you could plan to take the whole day. Dubbed an urban trail, you can expect various views between the spectacular bridges mixing urban environments and nature. You might even be able to do some bird watching while you walk this route.
Conclusion
With so many different hiking options available in San Diego, beginner hikers are spoiled for choice. This county has what you seek, whether you are out for beautiful ocean views, canyons, or even urban developments. The only difficulty a beginner hiker might experience is when they have to decide where they are going first.
