A bird sitting on a nest of eggs.

Hiking Near San Diego Country Estates, 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.

Three Sisters Falls

Hike Route

Three Sisters Falls

River/Creek
strenuous
3.41 mi
+1,116 ft
Santa Ysabel County Preserve East

Hike Route

Santa Ysabel County Preserve East

Birding
strenuous
4.2 mi
+941 ft
Viejas Mountain

Hike Route

Viejas Mountain

Views
easy
1.54 mi
+1,475 ft
Martha's Grove Trail Loop

Hike Route

Martha's Grove Trail Loop

Less Crowded
easy
3.72 mi
+512 ft
Canyon Oak Trail

Hike Route

Canyon Oak Trail

Less Crowded
easy
1.63 mi
+386 ft
Blue Sky Ecological Reserve

Hike Route

Blue Sky Ecological Reserve

Dogs Allowed
moderate
4.74 mi
+1,024 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.

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
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
Grapevine Canyon Traverse

Hike Route

Grapevine Canyon Traverse

Waterfall
extreme
31.44 mi
+3,272 ft
Los Penasquitos Canyon Preserve

Hike Route

Los Penasquitos Canyon Preserve

Waterfall
moderate
16.39 mi
+560 ft
Mission Trails Loops

Hike Route

Mission Trails Loops

River/Creek
moderate
10.68 mi
+2,083 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.

Cedar Creek Falls

Hike Route

Cedar Creek Falls

Swimming
strenuous
5.26 mi
+1,143 ft
El Cajon Mountain

Hike Route

El Cajon Mountain

Views
strenuous
5.52 mi
+2,957 ft
Iron Mountain Peak Trail #10

Hike Route

Iron Mountain Peak Trail #10

Birding
moderate
5.6 mi
+1,083 ft
Potato Chip Rock

Hike Route

Potato Chip Rock

Birding
strenuous
7.1 mi
+1,979 ft
Cuyamaca Peak

Hike Route

Cuyamaca Peak

Birding
moderate
5.59 mi
+1,653 ft
West Mesa Loop

Hike Route

West Mesa Loop

Views
moderate
6.59 mi
+1,141 ft