Hiking and Nature Trails in San Diego

San Diego has plenty of open space for hiking. From beachside bluffs and waterfront estuaries to the foothills and trails of the nearby Laguna Mountains and the desert beyond, the county has several vegetation and climate zones. Those who lack the time to explore the outskirts will find a day hike through the canyons and gardens of Balboa Park or the riparian riverbeds of Mission Trails Park a great way to escape to nature without leaving the city. A list of scheduled walks appears in the Reader weekly, where you can also read a column by Jerry Schad, local hiking outdoors expert.

Guided hikes are conducted regularly through Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve and the Torrey Pines State Beach and Reserve.

The San Dieguito River Park (14103 Highland Valley Rd., 21 mi north of San Diego on I-5 to Lomas Santa Fe Dr., east 1 mi to Sun Valley Rd., north into park, Solana Beach, 92025. 858/674-2270. www.sdrp.org) is a 55-mi corridor that begins at the mouth of the San Dieguito River in Del Mar and heads from the riparian lagoon area through coastal sage scrub and mountain terrain to end in the desert just east of Volcan Mountain near Julian. It's open to hikers, bikers, and horses. The Tijuana Estuary (301 Caspian Way, Exit I-5 at Coronado Ave., head west to 3rd St., turn left onto Caspian, which leads into estuary parking lot, Imperial Beach, 91932. 619/575-3613. www.tijuanaestuary.com), mostly contained within Border Field State Park, is one of the last extant riparian environments in Southern California. The freshwater and saltwater marshes give refuge to migrant and resident waterfowl. Equestrian trails fringe the south end of the Tijuana Estuary in Border Field State Park. The visitor center is open Wednesday through Sunday. Mission Trails Regional Park (1 Father Junípero Serra Trail, Mission Valley, 92119. 619/668-3281. www.mtrp.org), which encompasses nearly 6,000 acres of wooded hillsides, grasslands, chaparral, and riparian streams, is only 8 mi northeast of downtown. Trails range from easy to difficult; they include one with an impressive view of the city from Cowles Mountain and another along a historic missionary path. Lake Murray is at the southern edge of the park, just off Highway 8. At more than 600,000 acres, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park (200 Palm Canyon Dr., Borrego Springs, 92004. 760/767-5311. www.parks.ca.gov) is the nation's largest desert state park. There are 500 mi of dirt roads and countless trails for hiking, which is especially popular during the two-week desert wildflower bloom, which happens each year between early February and late April—the exact timing depends on winter rains, so it's best to call the park ahead of time for advice. The park is about a two-hour drive east of downtown San Diego, at the far eastern end of San Diego County.

Hike Bike Kayak San Diego (2246 Ave. de la Playa, La Jolla, 92037. 858/551-9510 or 866/425-2925. www.hikebikekayak.com) does guided treks through Torrey Pines State Beach and Reserve, and Mission Trails Regional Park, the latter including Cowles Mountain and Fortuna Mountain.