A bird sitting on a nest of eggs.

Hiking Near Harbison Canyon, 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.

Viejas Mountain

Hike Route

Viejas Mountain

Views
easy
1.54 mi
+1,475 ft
Cowles Mountain via Big Rock Trail

Hike Route

Cowles Mountain via Big Rock Trail

Views
easy
1.56 mi
+799 ft
Cowles Mountain Backside Loop

Hike Route

Cowles Mountain Backside Loop

Less Crowded
moderate
3.01 mi
+901 ft
Cowles Mountain via Barker Way

Hike Route

Cowles Mountain via Barker Way

Lake
easy
1.57 mi
+868 ft
Martha's Grove Trail Loop

Hike Route

Martha's Grove Trail Loop

Less Crowded
easy
3.72 mi
+512 ft
Cowles Mountain, Golfcrest Drive Trailhead

Hike Route

Cowles Mountain, Golfcrest Drive Trailhead

Views
easy
1.52 mi
+925 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.

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
Mission Trails Loops

Hike Route

Mission Trails Loops

River/Creek
moderate
10.68 mi
+2,083 ft
Cuyamaca State Park Loop

Hike Route

Cuyamaca State Park Loop

Less Crowded
extreme
23.88 mi
+3,088 ft
Los Penasquitos Canyon Preserve

Hike Route

Los Penasquitos Canyon Preserve

Waterfall
moderate
16.39 mi
+560 ft
Penasquitos Creek Loop

Hike Route

Penasquitos Creek Loop

River/Creek
easy
13.22 mi
+404 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.

El Cajon Mountain

Hike Route

El Cajon Mountain

Views
strenuous
5.52 mi
+2,957 ft
Lawson and Gaskill Peaks

Hike Route

Lawson and Gaskill Peaks

Views
strenuous
7.17 mi
+2,732 ft
Three Peak Out-and-Back

Hike Route

Three Peak Out-and-Back

Birding
strenuous
6.02 mi
+1,826 ft
Iron Mountain Peak Trail #10

Hike Route

Iron Mountain Peak Trail #10

Birding
moderate
5.6 mi
+1,083 ft
Fortunas Loop CCW from Tierrasanta

Hike Route

Fortunas Loop CCW from Tierrasanta

Views
strenuous
7.1 mi
+1,629 ft
Cedar Creek Falls

Hike Route

Cedar Creek Falls

Swimming
strenuous
5.26 mi
+1,143 ft