A bird sitting on a nest of eggs.

Hiking Near Descanso, 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.

Airplane Monument Loop

Hike Route

Airplane Monument Loop

Views
moderate
4.63 mi
+892 ft
Viejas Mountain

Hike Route

Viejas Mountain

Views
easy
1.54 mi
+1,475 ft
Stonewall Peak

Hike Route

Stonewall Peak

Lake
easy
1.92 mi
+901 ft
Minshall Trail to Stonewall Mine Loop

Hike Route

Minshall Trail to Stonewall Mine Loop

Lake
easy
3.31 mi
+192 ft
Three Sisters Falls

Hike Route

Three Sisters Falls

River/Creek
strenuous
3.41 mi
+1,116 ft
Cottonwood Creek Falls

Hike Route

Cottonwood Creek Falls

Views
easy
1.75 mi
+460 ft
Logo

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.

Cuyamaca State Park Loop

Hike Route

Cuyamaca State Park Loop

Less Crowded
extreme
23.88 mi
+3,088 ft
Pacific Crest Trail: California Section A

Hike Route

Pacific Crest Trail: California Section A

Lake
extreme
104.37 mi
+16,431 ft
Campo to Cottonwood Creek (PCT)

Hike Route

Campo to Cottonwood Creek (PCT)

Birding
strenuous
21.02 mi
+3,411 ft
Hollenbeck Canyon Perimeter Loop

Hike Route

Hollenbeck Canyon Perimeter Loop

moderate
14.44 mi
+2,184 ft
Hollenbeck Canyon Loop

Hike Route

Hollenbeck Canyon Loop

Views
moderate
12.69 mi
+1,836 ft
Plum Canyon

Hike Route

Plum Canyon

Views
extreme
19.19 mi
+1,721 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.

West Mesa Loop

Hike Route

West Mesa Loop

Views
moderate
6.59 mi
+1,141 ft
Cuyamaca Peak

Hike Route

Cuyamaca Peak

Birding
moderate
5.59 mi
+1,653 ft
Stonewall Peak Loop

Hike Route

Stonewall Peak Loop

Birding
moderate
5.15 mi
+1,092 ft
Cedar Creek Falls

Hike Route

Cedar Creek Falls

Swimming
strenuous
5.26 mi
+1,143 ft
Lawson and Gaskill Peaks

Hike Route

Lawson and Gaskill Peaks

Views
strenuous
7.17 mi
+2,732 ft
El Cajon Mountain

Hike Route

El Cajon Mountain

Views
strenuous
5.52 mi
+2,957 ft