SAN DIEGO — Fall brings a variety of new hiking opportunities in San Diego County, ideally with cooler weather and some changing fall leaves.
Those who want to celebrate the season by hiking don’t have to do so alone, as various organizations across the county host group hikes and nature walks, often led by rangers or docents with expertise on everything from wildlife and native plants to geologic formations.
“A docent can help you notice things you might otherwise walk right past and give you some context for what you’re seeing,” Haley Calhoun, education coordinator for Tijuana River National Estuarine Research Reserve, said in an email. “They can point out a bird’s behavior, explain why a plant grows where it does, or help connect something you’re seeing to the larger estuary ecosystem. Having someone guide your attention can make you experience the place differently.”
Among its many frequent guided hiking programs, the County of San Diego Department of Parks and Recreation is hosting a Hike-A-Thon, with a variety of ranger-led hikes, throughout the month of October starting on Oct. 3. Learn more at sdparks.org/hike-a-thon.
For those who are unable to get outside, the county also has a list of virtual hikes to bring nature to San Diegans in its Virtual Recreation Center at sdparks.org/content/sdparks/en/participate/VirtualRecreationCenter.html.
These are just some of the recurring hikes to consider for enjoying nature with a group in San Diego County.
Canyoneer hikes
Though the locations change, the San Diego Natural History Museum’s volunteer naturalists host frequent canyoneer hikes all over the county in locations such as Roberts Ranch in the Cleveland National Forest, the San Diego River in Ocean Beach and the Luelf Pond Preserve in Ramona. These hikes typically have a capacity of 25, so online reservations are recommended. Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays. Locations vary. Free. sdnhm.org/education/canyoneer-hikes
Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve
Two Sundays each month, interpretive guides host a nature walk through the Elfin Forest, meeting at the Elfin Forest Interpretive Center to start. The walk is at a moderate pace and follows the lower Creek Trail. 9 a.m. Second and third Sundays. 8833 Harmony Grove Road, Escondido. Free. elfinforest.olivenhain.com/featured-post/interpretive-walks-with-efrr-docents/
Tijuana River National Estuarine Research Reserve
On certain Saturdays, docents lead guided nature walks educating the public on native plants, animals and other aspects of life in the wetlands. Participants gather at the visitor center or on the second Saturday, at the end of Fifth Avenue at Iris Street. 11 a.m. First, second and fourth Saturdays. 301 Caspian Way, Imperial Beach. Free. 619-575-3613, tijuanaestuary.org/visit/public-programs
Living Coast Discovery Center
Every Saturday, the Living Coast Discovery Center hosts a Sweetwater Safari Hike along the Sweetwater Marsh Trail on the San Diego Bay National Wildlife Refuge. Meet at the front doors of the Discovery Center. Families and individuals can also participate in the center’s Trail to Bay Challenge, which requires three guided hikes and one of the center’s cleanup projects to win prizes. 11:30 a.m. Every Saturday. 1000 Gunpowder Point Drive, Chula Vista. Free. thelivingcoast.org/programs-events/upcoming-events/trail-to-bay/
Mission Trails Regional Park
Mission Trails Regional Park comprises more than 8,000 acres of combined natural and recreational areas to explore. Every weekend and every Wednesday, there are guided walks available, including family discovery walks and one option focused on wildlife tracking. Options available every Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday. One Father Junipero Serra Trail, San Diego. Free. mtrp.org/nature-study
San Diego County Parks and Recreation
San Diego County park rangers host an interpretive hike at Sycamore Canyon and Goodan Ranch. Participants do a 3.5-mile moderate loop on Martha’s Grove Trail. Meet at Goodan Staging Area of the park. 8 a.m. Third Saturday. Sycamore Canyon/Goodan Ranch, 16281 Sycamore Canyon Road, Poway. Free. sdparks.org/content/sdparks/en/participate/calendar.html
San Dieguito River Park
The Roaming with Rangers program takes participants on a hike each month, though the location changes. San Diegiuto River Park Ranger Nico teaches about local plants and wildlife, history and other ecological topics. Eventbrite reservation are recommended. 8 a.m. Third Saturday. Locations vary inside San Dieguito River Park. Free. sdrp.org/sdrp-events