A bird sitting on a nest of eggs.

Hiking Near Camp Pendleton Mainside, California

Shorter Routes icon

Shorter Routes

These hikes keep it under 5 miles and climb less than 1,500 feet, making them ideal for quicker outings or lower-key days. Perfect for a morning stretch, a casual afternoon, or getting outside without committing to a big push. Don’t let the stats fool you — many still pack in great views and rewarding moments.

Guajome County Park Loop

Hike Route

Guajome County Park Loop

Birding
moderate
3.46 mi
+214 ft
Lake Calavera Preserve Loop

Hike Route

Lake Calavera Preserve Loop

Birding
moderate
3.16 mi
+265 ft
Buena Vista Park

Hike Route

Buena Vista Park

ADA Accessible
easy
2.45 mi
+28 ft
Aviara Oaks Loop

Hike Route

Aviara Oaks Loop

Views
moderate
2.8 mi
+550 ft
Batiquitos Lagoon Trail

Hike Route

Batiquitos Lagoon Trail

Family Friendly
easy
3.24 mi
+0 ft
Vista Grande Trail via the Boulder Loop Trail

Hike Route

Vista Grande Trail via the Boulder Loop Trail

Birding
moderate
3.83 mi
+265 ft
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Adventurous Routes

These routes go beyond 10 miles and are built for days when you want to cover more ground and push a little deeper. Expect longer distances, more effort, and bigger payoffs — whether that’s remote terrain, summit views, or a full-day challenge. Ideal for hikers looking to go farther and stay out longer.

San Clemente Figure 8

Hike Route

San Clemente Figure 8

Dogs Allowed
strenuous
17.13 mi
+3,592 ft
Coast to Crest Trail - North Shore Lake Hodges

Hike Route

Coast to Crest Trail - North Shore Lake Hodges

Family Friendly
moderate
15.4 mi
+491 ft
Bells Canyon Oso Trail Loop

Hike Route

Bells Canyon Oso Trail Loop

Views
strenuous
12.67 mi
+1,706 ft
Lusardi Creek Loop Trail

Hike Route

Lusardi Creek Loop Trail

Views
moderate
10.07 mi
+1,330 ft
Ladera Ranch Out-and-Back

Hike Route

Ladera Ranch Out-and-Back

River/Creek
moderate
13.87 mi
+1,879 ft
Trabuco Creek Out-and-Back

Hike Route

Trabuco Creek Out-and-Back

Birding
moderate
14.19 mi
+1,172 ft

Other Nearby Routes

Not finding what you're looking for? These additional nearby hikes offer more ways to get outside and explore the area. With a mix of lengths, difficulty levels, and terrain, you're likely to find something that fits your plans for the day. And remember, you can always use the onX Route Builder to create your own adventure from scratch.

Santa Rosa Plateau Boundary

Hike Route

Santa Rosa Plateau Boundary

Birding
moderate
7.55 mi
+663 ft
Fisherman's Camp to Bluewater Canyon

Hike Route

Fisherman's Camp to Bluewater Canyon

Birding
strenuous
6.33 mi
+1,482 ft
Denk 7

Hike Route

Denk 7

Views
moderate
7.48 mi
+1,116 ft
Bear Canyon to Sitton Peak

Hike Route

Bear Canyon to Sitton Peak

Spring
moderate
9.6 mi
+2,183 ft
San Juan Creek Trail

Hike Route

San Juan Creek Trail

Views
easy
9.92 mi
+944 ft
Oso Trail

Hike Route

Oso Trail

moderate
5.05 mi
+1,160 ft