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    Bernardo Mountain

    4.7 (12 reviews)

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    Chrissie O.

    I hiked up the mountain! Yay me! I come to the San Dieguito River Park area often to get outdoors for a nice hike but I always try to stick with the easy flat areas. I've been wanting to try hiking Bernardo Mountain but i'm always more comfortable trying a new hike if I bring someone with me. My cousin has been wanting to hike up a big mountain so I thought Bernardo Mountain was nice to try. The hike is around under 8 miles out and back but my stupid new fitbit tracked some weird areas so it looked like we hiked 11 miles. Lol. The majority is flat for about 2 miles from the Sunset Dr trailhead. Go past the Felicita Creek then you should see the trailhead for Bernardo Mountain. The hike to the top is around 1.9 miles. I am not a person that likes inclines since I am not used to it. I had to catch my breath a few times. There were some steep areas and some flat areas. It is rocky when you get to the Bernardo Mountain trail so you need to make sure you have some good shoes. We saw plenty of people with hiking sticks. Some people mentioned that the sticks helped them a lot but you can do this hike without it. One of the steep areas we had to slide down since it's scary when you go back down! The view from the top is amazing. Lake Hodges is so beautiful! You can see so much up there. Definitely worth it to take this hike. There was a little sign in book in a plastic container. Someone must have removed the ammo box. Bernardo Mountain is a good moderate hike. I am overweight and out of shape but I was able to complete the longest hike of my life. It's not easy but it made me push myself to get to the top. So worth it! I am so happy I did this. :)

    Start of the hike
    Beverly W.

    Enjoyable Hike This was a moderate hike with beautiful scenery near Rancho Bernardo/Escondido. This hike started with a flat path and gradually inclined to a very steep last half mile. Lots of wildlife, we saw roadrunners, lizards and a variety of birds. Tons of hummingbirds once we reached the top. At the top of the trail you have a gorgeous view of Lake Hodges. Awesome panoramic views of North County San Diego. Not many trees - remember your sunscreen and water. On the trail be mindful of mountain bikers, horseback riding and joggers. Have fun!!!

    The top.
    Marcus F.

    I saw the Bernardo Mountain trailhead sign while hiking along the Coast-to-Crest Trail in Escondido. Bernardo Mountain is listed at 1150 ft. in elevation and about a 1.9 mile hike to the top. It's probably not something to hike on the spur of the moment. The trail itself has various hiking patters but there are switchbacks, dirt trails, rock trails, and some steep sections. The top consists of small bolder like rocks and a good vantage point for panoramic pictures. Going down is a breeze, but remember which trail you came up on. I almost missed my trail turn off half way down. - If it's hot, there's no relief on the way up. Hat + lots of water + sunscreen. - Annoying swarming wasps at the top of the mountain. - Ammo box with a log book, a book of Mormon, various other items. - Not recommended for small kids. - 92 outside and still made it up. (Needed a water break a few times though).

    Water dried up
    Stephanie Z.

    It's been a while but I came back to this mtn since I needed something local. I enjoyed it more this time. Not a ton of ppl. I had deleted all trails off my phone so when I got to the 2 spots with no signs, I got nervous. I hung left and it ended up being the right choice. Watch out for mtn bikers! If you are a mtn biker, please have a bell. These bikers come up so fast that you don't hear them till they're too close to stop easily. My dog almost got ran over by one I didn't hear. The guy almost fell trying not to hit my dog who was on leash. Cool sighting today... saw deer! Shocked to see them so close to civilization. Literally right off the freeway part.

    You can see I-15
    Xin K.

    I have hiked around Lake Hodges a few times last year, saw the sign of Bernardo Mountain Summit but didn't go that way. After reading some reviews here, today I decided to give it a shot. Because I knew how to get there so driving isn't an issue. I'd rate this trail between easy to moderate. Some areas do get steep and rocky that make it difficult to hike, but if you have walking sticks like me, it will make a lot easier and safer when you come down. Round trip is about 10km from the pedestrian bridge to the summit. Let's talk about the view, when you get to the top, the view of the lake is spectacular! I took a panoramic one and you will know what I am talking about. Safety: well, I wasn't worried about the rattle snakes because they are probably still hibernating. Unlike Double Peak, this one is kind of quiet and isolated. Maybe not a lot of people know about this trail, I just ran into a few hikers today. Would I come back? Yes, but maybe next time with a buddy!

    Justin A.

    This review pertains to the entire hike from San Dieguito River Park off Via Rancho Parkway to the top of Bernardo Mountain and back. Total distance was just under 8 miles, and bear in mind I did this in mid-December when the weather is cool even at midday. For starters: the San Dieguito River Park Rangers are pretty awesome. I got into a long conversation with Brian, a Ranger before I set out and he explained the entire breadth of the watershed especially the Coast to Crest Trail and how far along the SDRP had come in establishing the trail officially. He was even able help me identify the un-named yet beflagged peninsula that juts out into the Lake Hodges Reservoir (It's Fletcher Point, or Flag point colloquially). Anyway, hats off to the Rangers, and Brian especially. The hike itself is typical San Diego: hilly, shrubby, boulder-y, you get my drift. Passing under the 15 was interesting but unspectacular. I do reccomend veering off trail about a mile and a half in to peruse the work of Escondido's local graffiti artists. An embankment with a grey boulder of immense size can be seen from the trail against the edge of a neighborhood. The grey boulder has been utterly destroyed, no doubt by the community developer many years ago. The pit is now filled with a rusty bicycle and shards of hundreds of beer bottles, all of which is surrounded by fairly extravagant graffiti. They've been using alot more than just spraypaint here. Take some time and take a look. If that kind of thing bothers you, ask yourself who's done more damage; the developer or the beer guzzling artisits? Moving up the trail a small bridge erected by "Team Trailbuilders" will take you over an absolutely lovely little creek to the Bernardo Summitt Trailhead. As you follow the north side of the mountain keep an eye out below, as that creek's source is in full view most of the way. It's an exceptionally pretty valley with tall Palm and Eucalyptus trees, and I believe it houses multiple murders of crows, at least it seemed to on my way down. Bernardo Mountain will not be necessarily easy. I reccomend bringing trekking poles to make sure you don't slip on the way back down, but most hikers won't need them. The peak itself has great views of Lake Hodges all the way out to the ocean, and during the summer would be an incredible spot to watch the sunset. I'm giving it 5 stars because it includes so much and because of the SDRP Rangers. Don't miss this hike. It's worth it. Happy Hiking

    On top of the Bernardo mountain! So accomplishing to reach this gorgeous view

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    Review Highlights - Bernardo Mountain

    You get really nice 360 views down to Lake Hodges, the neighborhoods surrounding the area, and of course I-15.

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    Kumeyaay Trail

    Kumeyaay Trail

    (1 review)

    The Kumeyaay Trail is a trail that hugs Lake Wohlford's North shore…read more Parking is free at the Lake Wohlford Ranger Station so just park and walk East to find the trail entrance. Note that the trail isn't marked very well, and you'll have to use trail intuition to find your way in the overgrown areas. The trail is mostly dirt, small boulders, and large flat smooth rocks. Expect mud and sand in some areas next to the lake. Not the best hike if you have bad knees. The actual hike was fun ( early spring after many large rainstorms). You'll walk by several Oak Trees and many wildflowers blooming. This is a birders paradise as many waterfowl make their homes here. It's about 4.5 miles there and back unless you are foolish and decided to walk around the ENTIRE LAKE.. That will make your hike 5.5 total. Note there is NO TRAIL to connect Kumeyaay to the South trails on the other side of the lake. Foolishness - So, once you walk to the end of the Kumeyaay Trail ( there is a private property gate) you might get the harebrained idea to cut through the swamp to get to the south side of the lake.. Okay, we did it ( with three kids).. There are a few things to know before deciding to cut across the mash to the other side.. Much of your hike will be through a large stinging nettle forest. If you're wearing shorts forget about going to the other side of the lake. If you have long pants / jeans you should be okay. Next you'll have to go through various reeds and muck. Then you'll have to cross a small stream about ten feet wide, a few feet deep.. You're going to get your shoes wet unless you're one hell of a long jumper. Finally, you'll have to ascend up a vertical cliff to get up to a road..One you're on the South Side of Lake Wohlford you still have a long way to hike to get back to your car. There is no shortcut and you'll have to walk along the busy Lake Wholford Rd for over a mile. Worth it?? Yeah it was pretty adventurous. - Tips I wouldn't kike this trail in the summer. There are soooo many places for rattlesnakes to hide.

    Double Peak Park

    Double Peak Park

    (181 reviews)

    I visited Double Peak Park in San Marcos recently, and it turned out to be a much more lively and…read morememorable place than I expected. Even though it is an outdoor park, it has this energetic atmosphere that teenagers would enjoy a lot. I saw a surprising number of teenagers around the lookout areas, the trails, and the picnic spots, which made the whole place feel youthful and social in a way that reminded me of the playful energy I felt at Funko Hollywood. The wide open views at the top almost felt unreal when I first saw them, and I could easily understand why so many teens were taking pictures there. The scenery practically invites you to take photos without needing anything extra. As I walked around, I realized there was more to the park than I expected. Some parts of the trail felt a little worn down, and a few areas could have been more polished, which is part of why I would give it four stars instead of five. Still, I appreciated how easy it was to explore the park without feeling rushed or overwhelmed. Even with groups of teenagers laughing and taking pictures, the atmosphere stayed calm and relaxing. I only visited Double Peak Park one time before writing this review, but it left a strong impression on me because of how open, peaceful, and lively it felt all at once. It is one of the more refreshing outdoor places I have been to in a while, and I never doubted that the experience would turn out the way I hoped it would. I would highly recommend that teenagers go there because they would love the photo opportunities, the sense of freedom on the trails, and the creative feeling that comes from being somewhere with such a wide and inspiring view. It gives them a place to hang out, take pictures, and enjoy themselves without spending any money.

    What a view! I came up for the Starwalk event hosted by the city of San Marcos through the Double…read morePeak Astronomy program. There was plenty of parking but we got there early just in case. We walked up to the check-in desk, provided our info, and were given instructions, star maps, and red lenses for our phones. We then walked to Mahnita Boyden-Wofford Amphitheater (a large cement amphitheater) and found seats facing the volunteer ranger presenting the night's info. Unfortunately, it was a bit too foggy to see much. The volunteer ranger (John Walsh) answered questions and explained differences between various stars, meteors, satellites and sky debris. Occasionally, the sky would open up for us to see a few stars. We did get to see the summer triangle and a satellite though. It was a good learning experience and I hope to do more in the future on a clear night. Tip: apparently it's tarrantula season so watch your step.

    Del Dios Gorge Trail

    Del Dios Gorge Trail

    (8 reviews)

    A nice section of the Coast to Crest trail system that takes you right next to Lake Hodges Dam…read more - The trail goes mostly along the Del Dios Highway. So be prepared for loud car noises. - Many rattlesnake signs, and even a lookout called rattlesnake viewpoint.. - From the parking lot across from Cielo Rancho Fe, it's about 2 miles to the lookout. A few hills, but any family should be able to make it. Watch out for bikers tho... I challenge you! - It's 20 miles from this trail to the Wild Animal Park in Escondido...Do it in one day! Tip - Check out the website Hidden San Diego and look up the Lake Hodges Dam. Really cool photography (all trespassing mind you).

    You can go east or west on this trail. We went west…read more The first few miles are beside a golf course, so you hear a lot of voices but don't actually see anyone. We didn't go far, but it was a nicely groomed trail, easy to walk side by side for most of it. There were several picturesque bridges and waterways with water, but it's winter so it might be much drier in other months. There's a little hidden pond on the right, you won't see it if you're not looking. We saw more bikers than hikers. They were very courteous and shared the trail. Although there is signage saying dogs must be leashed there were two separate instances of dogs exploding from the brush onto the trail while their owners gave us "yea what are you going to do about it" looks. There was only one abandoned dog poop bag on the trail. Surprisingly I didn't see any doggie doo on the actual trail. This was a nice change of pace. However, the coyotes have not been trained to do their business off trail. I need to speak to their manager. I wished we'd had more time to walk further. And I really want to walk the east side next. Oh, best part is the fruit stand. If they are open, the chocolate covered strawberries were good, but the raspberries were amazing!

    Bernardo Mountain - hiking - Updated May 2026

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