Hi - we are staying in Capistrano Beach in February for a week. Plan to do day trips to San Diego, tour some of the coast, etc. We also love to hike. Where would you advise both on the coast and in the desert? I have read some about Torrey Pines - are there other great hiking areas near SD and/or near Capistrano? How about Joshua Tree - too far for a day trip? Any other great desert hiking closer?

I know - lots of questions - hope there are lots of hikers reading this!! Thanks, Sue

I'm definitely not an experienced hiker, but I have explored a few trails here around San Diego. Torrey Pines is a real treat. There's also Cowles Mountain, about 20 miles north and east of downtown SD, surrounded by the suburbs. Lots of locals trek up there for the view. It only takes an hour or two to get to the top...maybe small potatoes for you...have you checked around Laguna Niguel? Beautiful mountains--I'd be surprised if there weren't hiking trails. Joshua Tree is pretty far but the Anza-Borrego Desert in NE San Diego County is pretty impressive. Also lots of hiking trails around Julian, a quaint, historic mining town (barely spared from the fires). It's more forest-y than desert, although with the fire damage it may not be that pleasant. You could maybe call a local store that sells hiking/camping equipment (REI? Check rei.com for phone #s) and ask them as well.

Oops--just checked the map and Anza-Borrego isn't any closer to Capistrano Beach than Joshua Tree. Just be sure to time your travel to Joshua Tree around rush hour traffic. Even that far east around Riverside it can be brutal. There is so much to see in San Diego and Orange County--have a great time!

Cuyamaca State Park near Julian, where much of the hiking was and where the campgrounds were, is closed indefinitely due to the devastation caused by the fires. Virtually everything burned. I have heard estimates of up to thirty years for trees to be back to where they were. On the good side, green shoots are already appearing in every burned area and there is speculation that we will find plants never before seen in this area. Many deer and other animals perished in the fires, but others survived and are beginning to return.

I would stick near the coast and Torrey Pines is lovely. Joshua Tree is quite a long way, you might want to stay in Palm Springs overnight.

Hi Sue! My boyfriend and I are headed to Anza Borrego in ten days and I just read your post. I was curious if you hiked any in the Anza Borrego park? If so, I'd like to ask more specific questions if you'd be so kind!

Thanks!

Elizabeth

Definitely do Torrey Pines - it's a great hike. We liked exploring the tide pools around Cabrillo National Monument, but wouldn't really call this a hike since it's only about 1/4 mile to the tidepools from the parking lot. The coast at LaJolla is fun to walk along, again not really a hike, but a very pleasant stroll.

see if you can't find a copy of Afoot and Afield in San Diego County-- every conceivable hike in SD is in this book.

My husband and I just hiked at Anza Borrego this past Monday. We did the Palm Canyon trail. It has changed some in the last year due to a flash flood. There is no pool at the palm oasis and you cross the stream on rocks. We took the alternate trail down. We also drove out to an off-road area and were rewarded with a sea of purple, white and yellow flowers in bloom. Come prepared to drink lots of water.

Hey, thanks for all the replies! We're really just flying in and out of San Diego and staying in the Anza Borrego park, so our hikes will be in that area.

Suzi - thanks for the post, it's especially helpful to hear from someone who's just been. Do you have a four wheel drive, or were you able to access the Palm Canyon trail easily without 4wd? I've been keeping an eye on the weather and it's supposed to get back to the normal highs in the 70s, lows in the 40s-50s by the time we get there. I hope so, because hiking in 90 degree heat is NOT what we had in mind! But, we'll make the best of it if that's what happens. I'm excited about seeing all the desert flowers in bloom.

Elizabeth

We had a full size car, no 4wd. The drive to Palm Canyon is all paved.