A bird sitting on a nest of eggs.

Hiking Near Julian, 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.

Canyon Oak Trail

Hike Route

Canyon Oak Trail

Less Crowded
easy
1.63 mi
+386 ft
Santa Ysabel County Preserve East

Hike Route

Santa Ysabel County Preserve East

Birding
strenuous
4.2 mi
+941 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
Stonewall Peak

Hike Route

Stonewall Peak

Lake
easy
1.92 mi
+901 ft
Airplane Monument Loop

Hike Route

Airplane Monument Loop

Views
moderate
4.63 mi
+892 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.

Pacific Crest Trail: California Section A

Hike Route

Pacific Crest Trail: California Section A

Lake
extreme
104.37 mi
+16,431 ft
Cuyamaca State Park Loop

Hike Route

Cuyamaca State Park Loop

Less Crowded
extreme
23.88 mi
+3,088 ft
Grapevine Canyon Traverse

Hike Route

Grapevine Canyon Traverse

Waterfall
extreme
31.44 mi
+3,272 ft
Plum Canyon

Hike Route

Plum Canyon

Views
extreme
19.19 mi
+1,721 ft
Wilson Peak via Culp Valley

Hike Route

Wilson Peak via Culp Valley

Less Crowded
extreme
17.79 mi
+2,775 ft
Pinyon Mountains Loop

Hike Route

Pinyon Mountains Loop

Views
extreme
28.79 mi
+4,979 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.

Granite Mountain

Hike Route

Granite Mountain

Views
strenuous
6.25 mi
+3,419 ft
Stonewall Peak Loop

Hike Route

Stonewall Peak Loop

Birding
moderate
5.15 mi
+1,092 ft
Cuyamaca Peak

Hike Route

Cuyamaca Peak

Birding
moderate
5.59 mi
+1,653 ft
Cedar Creek Falls

Hike Route

Cedar Creek Falls

Swimming
strenuous
5.26 mi
+1,143 ft
West Mesa Loop

Hike Route

West Mesa Loop

Views
moderate
6.59 mi
+1,141 ft
Hellhole Canyon Trail to Maidenhair Falls

Hike Route

Hellhole Canyon Trail to Maidenhair Falls

Fall Colors
moderate
5.04 mi
+996 ft