Best Hikes in North County San Diego

Annie’s Canyon- Solana Beach

• 1.5 miles
• Easy
• Dogs not recommended
• Family Friendly
• No Fees
• AllTrails link

Annie’s Canyon is a unique hike in Solana Beach featuring slot canyons! The trailhead is in a residential neighborhood off N Rios Ave. There’s also an option to make this hike a little longer. There’s a 2.2 mile hiking trail starting from the Solana Hills trailhead. Here’s the AllTrails link. 

This hike is so much fun for the entire family! Keep in mind that this is not a stroller friendly hike. Smaller kids will probably need help going through the slot canyons. 

The canyons are very narrow and require both hands to navigate. There’s also a ladder that you’ll need to climb to reach the summit. From the summit, you’ll be able to see the Pacific Ocean. I recommend doing this hike at least once while you’re in San Diego.

Although Annie’s Canyon is dog friendly, I do not recommend bringing your dog if you’re planning to hike the slot canyons. The slot canyons are very narrow and fit one person at a time. You would have to carry your dog through the slot canyons or not go through them at all. 

For a more extensive hiking guide check out Hiking Annie’s Canyon (2023 Guide)

Elfin Forest- Escondido

• 7.3 miles
• Moderate/ Difficult
• Dog Friendly
• No fees
• Limited parking
• Operating hours: 8AM- 6PM daily
• AllTrails link

For those looking for a challenge Lake Hodges Overlook might just be the north county hike for you! At 7.3 miles and 1,400 feet of elevation gain, this hike will have you working up a sweat in no time. Along the way, you’ll come across multiple benches that make for a great rest stop. Although Lake Hodges Overlook is dog friendly, I do not recommend bringing your dog if they have not done a hike of this length and difficulty before. 

There’s no shade on this trail, so start early, pack a hat, plenty of snacks, and extra water. During the summer, temperatures can get brutal in this area. I typically plan for this hike to take me about half a day due to the drive and length of the trail. The views of Lake Hodges and the surrounding mountains are worth the hike. 

Lastly, parking is pretty limited at the trailhead. The parking lot opens at 8 am and on the weekends fills up by 8:15. If the lot is full, parking is available on the side of the highway.

Lake Calavera- Carlsbad

• 1.8 miles
• Easy/ moderate
• Dog friendly
• Family friendly
• No Fees
• AllTrails Link

Lake Calavera is such a fun hike in Carlsbad. The rolling hills are a beautiful green in the winter and spring. Lake Calavera hiking trail is popular because it’s family friendly, features a lake, and an extinct volcano. The 1.8 mile loop does not include hiking to the top of Lake Calavera’s volcano. No swimming is allowed in the lake.

This is the perfect hike to start a Saturday/ Sunday morning. Expect to see other hikers, bikers, and trail runners. I highly recommend keeping the AllTrails map handy. There’s no signage on the trails. The trail system at Lake Calavera is like a big spider web. There’s lots of smaller trails connecting to each other, which can be really confusing to follow. 

March 10, 2023: DUE TO THE RECENT RAIN STORMS PART OF THIS TRAIL IS CLOSED DUE TO HIGH WATER LEVELS. PLAN ACCORDINGLY. Here’s an alternative route. Check AllTrails reviews for updates on closures and the city’s website. 

For a more extensive guide check out Lake Calavera Hiking Trail.

Copper Creek- San Marcos

• 3.3 miles
• Moderate
• No dogs allowed
• No fees
• AllTrails Link
• Features a seasonal waterfall

I came across Copper Creek one day after work. I was looking for a short sunset hike that wasn’t too challenging and Copper Creek fit the bill! This is one of the best north county hikes with a seasonal waterfall. To get up close to the waterfall requires some scrambling that’s not part of the hike itself. Do so at your own risk. 

Hiking by the creek here is always a special treat. The true summit of this hike is called “Denk Mountain.” It’s not part of the 3.3 mile trail but I recommend adding it onto your hike! On a clear day, you’ll be rewarded with views of the ocean. 
According to AllTrails, the trailhead starts near a sports complex. Do not park in the sports complex’ parking lot. They can close those gates at their discretion leaving you locked in. Parking for Copper Creek is available on the side of the road BEFORE the gates.

For a more extensive hiking guide check out Hike Copper Creek Falls & Mine.

Double Peak- San Marcos

• 4.0 miles
• Moderate
• Dog friendly
• No fees
• AllTrails Link

This is your typical urban hike in north county. The first part of the hiking trail is paved making it a steady climb. Part of this hiking trail goes through a neighborhood and along the road. There is a decent amount of elevation gain (1,000 ft) so be ready for some steep sections that’ll work up the heart rate. It’s very doable. 

This isn’t my favorite hike in north county because of how urban it is but it’s a good workout and a great excuse to get outside. This hike is also a great option after a rain storm has passed when most other hiking trails are washed out. Because Double Peak is made of partly paved road it won’t wash out like other hiking trails. 

Limited parking is available at Lakeview Park (Google Maps link). Overflow parking is available in the nearby residential area. Please be respectful of the community.