A bird sitting on a nest of eggs.

Hiking Near Pala, 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.

Boucher Hill Loop

Hike Route

Boucher Hill Loop

Views
moderate
3.28 mi
+878 ft
Silvercrest Trail

Hike Route

Silvercrest Trail

Wildflowers
easy
1.45 mi
+235 ft
Horse Thief Loop + Historic Flume Trail

Hike Route

Horse Thief Loop + Historic Flume Trail

Wildflowers
moderate
3.85 mi
+532 ft
Guajome County Park Loop

Hike Route

Guajome County Park Loop

Birding
moderate
3.46 mi
+214 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
Buena Vista Park

Hike Route

Buena Vista Park

ADA Accessible
easy
2.45 mi
+28 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.

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
Pacific Crest Trail: California Section B

Hike Route

Pacific Crest Trail: California Section B

Views
extreme
98 mi
+20,754 ft
Pacific Crest Trail: California Section A

Hike Route

Pacific Crest Trail: California Section A

Lake
extreme
104.37 mi
+16,431 ft
Lusardi Creek Loop Trail

Hike Route

Lusardi Creek Loop Trail

Views
moderate
10.07 mi
+1,330 ft
Los Penasquitos Canyon Preserve

Hike Route

Los Penasquitos Canyon Preserve

Waterfall
moderate
16.39 mi
+560 ft
Lookout Peak + Table Mountain via Pacific Coast Trail

Hike Route

Lookout Peak + Table Mountain via Pacific Coast Trail

Views
extreme
17.22 mi
+3,643 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.

Hellhole Canyon Preserve

Hike Route

Hellhole Canyon Preserve

Birding
strenuous
8.17 mi
+1,980 ft
Santa Rosa Plateau Boundary

Hike Route

Santa Rosa Plateau Boundary

Birding
moderate
7.55 mi
+663 ft
Denk 7

Hike Route

Denk 7

Views
moderate
7.48 mi
+1,116 ft
Fisherman's Camp to Bluewater Canyon

Hike Route

Fisherman's Camp to Bluewater Canyon

Birding
strenuous
6.33 mi
+1,482 ft
Potato Chip Rock

Hike Route

Potato Chip Rock

Birding
strenuous
7.1 mi
+1,979 ft
Bear Canyon to Sitton Peak

Hike Route

Bear Canyon to Sitton Peak

Spring
moderate
9.6 mi
+2,183 ft