5 Kid-Friendly Trails
1. Red Butte
Location: Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve
Mileage: ~3
Starting Out
Begin at the lower parking lot and take the stairs leading to Torrey Pines Park Road. This road winds upward and is shared with other hikers and the occasional vehicle. If you are a frequent visitor of the California State Parks, I recommend purchasing the California Explorer Annual Day Use Pass which allows you to park without a fee. The incline can be challenging but the view is rewarding.
Trail Options Along the Way
As you ascend, you’ll pass optional trails:
Guy Fleming Trail: A relatively easy loop with panoramic views.
Parry Grove Trail: A quieter option with shaded areas and native plants.
High Point Overlook
Near the summit, take the short spur trail to the High Point Overlook and visit the Torrey Benchmark, the park's highest point with panoramic ocean views.
Red Butte and Beyond
From the upper parking lot, descend toward Red Butte. This spot offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and makes for a perfect photo opportunity.
Beach Trail and Scenic Cliffs
Follow the trails down toward the beach, taking in the dramatic cliffs' ever-changing perspectives. The descent ends with stairs leading to the shoreline.
Beach Exploration
Once on the beach, you can walk beneath the cliffs, reveling in the beauty of the surf, sand, and sea. Many hikers enjoy walking barefoot to fully connect with the natural setting.
Why It’s a Must-Do
The Torrey Pines hike offers something for everyone—fitness enthusiasts, nature lovers, and out-of-town visitors alike. With its iconic sandstone cliffs, coastal views, and serene beach walk, it’s a favorite for locals and visitors alike, offering breathtaking scenery and a peaceful coastal escape.
2. Wooded Hill Summit
Location: Laguna Mountain (Cleveland National Forest)
Mileage: ~1.35
Starting Out
Begin at the Wooded Hill Nature Trail parking area off Sunrise Highway in the Cleveland National Forest. A Cleveland National Forest Adventure Pass is required to park. The trailhead is well-marked and leads you into a serene forest of Jeffrey pines and black oaks. The gradual incline through shaded areas makes this trail accessible to most hikers.
Trail Features
As you ascend, you’ll pass optional trails:
Shaded Woodland Paths: The trail begins under a canopy of pines and oaks, offering a cool and tranquil environment.
Wildflower Blooms: In spring and early summer, look for wildflowers such as lupines, paintbrush, and yarrow lining the path.
Wildlife Viewing: Keep an eye out for woodpeckers, squirrels, and deer that frequent the area.
Summit Views
As you approach the summit, the forest opens up to reveal stunning panoramic views of the Laguna Mountains and the surrounding valleys. This is the perfect spot to take a break, enjoy a snack, and soak in the beauty of the high-elevation landscape.
Loop Through the Forest
From the summit, the trail loops back down through a quiet forested area. The descent is gradual, with plenty of opportunities to enjoy the peaceful surroundings and listen to the sounds of nature.
Why It’s a Must-Do
Wooded Hill offers a short but rewarding hike through some of San Diego’s most beautiful mountain scenery. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or looking for a family-friendly trail, this loop provides a perfect blend of shaded paths, scenic views, and peaceful nature.
3. Ghost Mountain
Location: Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
Mileage: ~2.5 (round trip)
Starting Out
The trail to Ghost Mountain begins at the Marshall South Trailhead in the Blair Valley area of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. While a high-clearance vehicle is recommended, the road is typically passable for most vehicles in good weather. A sign pointing to the trail and an informational marker detailing the history of the Marshall Cabin mark the trailhead.
Trail Features
Scenic Climb: The trail gradually ascends, offering increasingly expansive views of Blair Valley and the surrounding desert. This hike is most enjoyable during cooler months or early mornings, as shade is limited.
Historic Route: This path follows the same route the South family used in the 1930s and 1940s to access their isolated homestead atop Ghost Mountain.
Flora and Fauna: Keep an eye out for desert wildflowers in spring, as well as lizards, birds, and the occasional jackrabbit.
Summit Views - South Family Cabin
At the summit of Ghost Mountain, you’ll find the ruins of the South family’s adobe cabin. Built by poet and writer Marshall South and his family, the cabin represents their ambitious experiment in self-sufficient desert living. Stone walls, cisterns, and other remnants of their home are still visible, and interpretive signs provide insights into their story.
Why It’s a Must-Do
This 2.5-mile hike offers a perfect combination of historical intrigue, stunning desert views, and a manageable challenge. The Marshall South cabin ruins add a unique and thought-provoking element to the journey, making it a must-see for visitors to Anza-Borrego Desert State Park.
4. Weir Trail and French Valley Trail
Location: Palomar Mountain State Park
Mileage: ~4
Starting Out
The trail to Ghost Mountain begins at the Marshall South Trailhead in the Blair Valley area of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. Access the trailhead by turning off Highway S2 onto a dirt road leading into Blair Valley. While a high-clearance vehicle is recommended, the road is typically passable for most vehicles in good weather.
From the parking area, the well-marked trail starts with a gradual climb through sandy washes and rugged desert terrain, surrounded by ocotillo, creosote, and agave plants.
Trail Features
Shaded Woodlands: Early sections of the trail provide shade under a canopy of oaks and sycamores, especially welcome during warmer months.
Seasonal Creek Crossings: After rains, the trail may cross small creeks, adding to the charm of the hike.
Wildlife Spotting: Keep an eye out for deer, hawks, and lizards along the trail.
Turnaround Point
The French Valley Trail doesn’t have a single “summit” or endpoint but offers several spots to pause, take in the views, and enjoy a snack before heading back. A common turnaround point is near the confluence of trails or notable rock formations in the valley.
Why It’s a Must-Do
The Weir Trail and French Valley Trail combination offers a mix of shaded woodlands, open valleys, and stunning views. With its moderate difficulty and variety of landscapes, it’s perfect for hikers who enjoy both serenity and scenic rewards. This trail is particularly beautiful in spring, with blooming wildflowers and flowing creeks adding to its charm.
5. Cush-Pi (Stonewall Peak)
Location: Cuyamaca Rancho State Park
Mileage: ~4
Starting Out
The Cush-Pi Trail, also known as the Stonewall Peak Trail, begins across from the Paso Picacho Campground in Cuyamaca Rancho State Park, located along Highway 79. Parking is available at the campground lot, and a California State Parks Day Use Fee or Annual Pass is required.
The well-maintained trail is clearly marked and starts with a gradual incline, winding through a landscape of oaks, pines, and recovering chaparral from past wildfires.
Trail Features
Switchbacks and Scenic Views: The trail consists of gentle switchbacks, providing excellent views of Lake Cuyamaca, nearby peaks, and the surrounding forested landscape as you ascend.
Fire Recovery: This area has been shaped by wildfires, and hikers can observe the resilience of the ecosystem with young pines and blooming wildflowers in spring.
Wildlife Spotting: Keep an eye out for woodpeckers, deer, and even the occasional bobcat or coyote in the area.
The Summit
At the top of Cush-Pi (Stonewall Peak), you’ll be rewarded with a breathtaking 360-degree panorama. The summit features a metal railing for safety and offers views of:
Lake Cuyamaca to the north
Anza-Borrego Desert to the east
Cuyamaca Peak and the surrounding mountains
This is a perfect spot to take a break, enjoy a snack, and snap some memorable photos of the expansive views.
Why It’s a Must-Do
Cush-Pi (Stonewall Peak) is one of the most iconic hikes in San Diego County. Its manageable length and elevation gain make it accessible for most hikers, while the stunning summit views provide a rewarding experience. Whether you’re a local or visiting the area, this hike is a must for those looking to explore the beauty of Cuyamaca Rancho State Park.