Alltrails lists this as 'Horse thief Canyon', then I saw that I had this listing bookmarked on Yelp…read morefor sometime and noticed that they were the same thing! Distance: ~3.3mi., reverse out-and-back (you will be going uphill on the return trip) Difficulty: easy-intermediate-ish (~0.5mi ascent on your way out which can get the heart pumping!) Time: 1.5-2 hours Permit required?: No (according to permit site - https://www.fs.usda.gov/detailfull/r5/passes-permits/?cid=stelprdb5208699&width=full) Sights of Interest: Mini waterfall and pool Parking is in a big dirt lot just off of Japatul Lyons Valley Rd.. Turn in at Forest Rt 16S04. No bathrooms, so bring some T.P.! There are three gates as you approach - two smaller ones and a large one leading to a service road. Take the gate with a sign marking the 'Epinosa Trail to Secret Canyon Trail'. You'll end up on the service road either way. Continue on the service road until you see a sign off to the right that says 'Trail'. This is where you'll begin the descent into Horse thief Canyon. Eventually it evens out into a nice shady area alongside a stream. Lots of vegetation and growth everywhere, so make sure to *bring the bug spray*! There's a stream crossing after which you'll come upon the pool! Lots of great places to hang out on and relax on boulders. Water is pretty clean for swimming too. Awesome place to bring your dogs to cool off after the dusty trail. Just remember to pack your trash out if you plan on picnic-ing down at the pool! Most of your journey is on the Epinosa Trail and supposedly the Secret Canyon Trail is just beyond the pool, but the trail doesn't seem to continue anywhere beyond it. Great trail either way that experiences very little foot traffic so the area is very well preserved and wild! FYI, apparently this area experiences an influx of illegal immigrants and smugglers, but I think that was in earlier years. It was pretty safe when I went and I only had my dog in tow. But, I like to live life on the edge, so if you are wary come with a group!

If you go during the week during normal business hours this trail is dead! It was our 2nd time here…read moreand there was only 1 car in the parking lot and we never even ran into the people. This is nice but also kind of scary especially since it's kind of in the middle of nowhere and you don't have great service but luckily I am alive today to write this review. The first time we went on this hike we missed the path and ended up just heading straight through on a dirt road so pay attention on your right hand side for a sign marked trail. This trail would have gotten more stars if it wasn't for the ridiculous amount of flies. I almost turned back because I couldn't stand them constantly flying in my face and in my ears. Maybe I am not an outdoorsy person if I cant handle that but it was hard to enjoy this hike when I was having to smack flies away the whole time. This is also one of those hikes that is fairly easy on the way down but tough on the way back because you have to go back up. I will say though that it was a really pretty hike and there is a creek at the bottom. We didn't go the whole way but did about a little over 3 miles of it. It's about a mile and a half to see the beginning of the creek. Maybe wearing bug spray might help with the flies?

My impressions of this River Park was that it is under development or has been under neglect. When…read moreyou pull in you are automatically on a dirt road and dirt parking lot. There are several manufacturing buildings scattered around, some newer than others with concrete sidewalks around their perimeters. The place a preserved wetland. There's a dirt trail along the 67 south that leads to a well pump station and another trail to the north east that leads to the base of the San Diego River Trail or "Walker Preserve," but the path that leads up to the trail was gated and locked from the river park. There's definitely some work being done here. I did not see anyone around when I first arrived, but when I left to go, I did see a man filling sand bags near a pile of sand.

Very nice folks here, they called me when a worker found my expensive custom made dog collar lost…read moreon the trails. I was able to swing by an get it next day. Much appreciated! Oh! And trails are awesome and so is allthe conservation work, my pup & I really enjoy walker preserve

A great gem to boulder outside locally. Managed to send some boulders that were most likely v0-v1s…read moreout there. Although a few felt like v2s & up, hah! Park in the West Hills Park parking lot. Quaint park w/ clean bathroom then head your way out the park across the street. Spoke to another climber who informed us where some of the beginner boulders were. Basically about a 10 minute walk, set up, & have fun. Sunblock & hydrate especially around this time. Also, we were told there were coyotes so be careful. Luckily, we didn't see any. Stay safe & have fun!!!

Good trail.. there's a rock climbing part also. Saw a lot of people headed one way and asked what's…read morethat way.

It had been over a decade since I've done this hike -- mostly because dogs are prohibited on this…read moretrail (and usually I like to take my dogs hiking) -- but this week I decided to do it again. The short of it: - The first mile is pretty uninteresting as it is on a fire road. - Then you hit an open dirt plateau, walk straight across to the open path on the opposite side. - The remaining 1.3 miles is really fun -- lots of scrambling up boulders, and then a little challenging rope climb through a chimney to get to the peak where there are fantastic views Things to know: Cell service is spotty up there, so if you are going to use Google Maps to find the trailhead,, start to navigate while you are still in a populated area with cell service. Finding the entrance to the chimney can be tricky. There were three of us that were close to it, but it took us about 10 minutes to find it. To make it easy for the rest of you to find: download the What3Words app in advance, and when you get to the point that you are actively looking for the chimney, put in the words "dreadful.joining.tilts" and hit Navigate / Compass Mode...this should guide you to the exact entrance of the chimney. (( Side note, if you are not familiar with What3Words, watch this cool 5 minute TedTalk by its founder: https://www.ted.com/talks/chris_sheldrick_a_precise_three_word_address_for_every_place_on_earth )) There are lots of holly-like shrubbery on the second half of the trail. Long pants aren't required, but they can definitely help you avoid abrasion. It gets hot there: the high was supposed to be 60 degrees in that area yesterday, but it felt like it was in the 70s when we were doing the hike. This is definitely a hike to do when the weather is cold in San Diego proper. Download the All-Trails trailmap in advance: the latter 1.3mi is not well-marked, and having that GPS accessible trailmap sped up our hike by letting us know if we were getting off the beaten path. For a meal afterwards, I recommend Panchos: we went to Panchos Mexican on Jamacha Rd....huge serving sizes, and very tasty.

Hiked this back in early March. I liked that there were very few people on the trail. It is steep…read morefrom the beginning but not too difficult. Small area to park by the start of the trail which is a yellow gate. Once you get close to the peak there is not much of a trail and you need to pick a path over boulders. I made my way around to the back of the peak on the west side and found the rope. There are some rock and some wooden make-shift steps to help you get up to the top with the cave. Sadly, maybe because I was alone with no one to assist and maybe not strong enough I did not make it up...bummer. It is just under 5 miles and will take 2-3 hrs most likely.

Native San Diegan, but never been here. From the start this trail is all incline, rocky, dirt, some…read morenative plants/shrubs and yucca but no shade. I saw no animals or even bugs... came December 2020. It's about 1.5 miles uphill with descent elevation and 2.5 down. I had to take a couple breaks due to the elevation I think...as I live near sea level and I'm fairly in shape, but more of a Hiit workout, sprints, weightlifting type, so endurance isn't my strong suite... but the top is worth the struggle. On a clear day you can see the ocean and such a beautiful sunset. Note the top is very windy and cold. I'd say it's great for moderate hiker, and I wouldn't bring a pet but I've seen dogs up there. Pros: - nature!! -free workout -some parking but limited - steep but not crazy difficult - more of a locals only location Cons: - rough dirt/rocky rode to get there -limited parking - no bathroom, trash or water stations

Spectacular views at the summit especially when facing North. Easy to access from Tavern Rd exit on…read morethe I-8. It's about 3 miles RT on red-clay dirt and very loose rocks. Although Alltrails lists it as intermediate, I was breathless climbing this thing. I would describe it as intermediate-difficult. I mean, the doughnut holes in the morning probably didn't help and it was after Christmas Day indulgences, but the terrain was still very rocky and the incline was CONSTANT, making the ascent a little more difficult than normal. It was the ultimate thigh burner! A great workout! I took about 2 hours to finish, but did spend a lot of time at the top. Had the summit all to myself! Breath-taking! Parking is on a truck trail and the trail head is only marked by a simple metal gate. According to Afoot and Afield a **Wilderness Pass is technically required**, however I got away without one (didn't realize I needed one). Again, the terrain is quite rocky on the clay dirt ascent, so do not bring your kids! They'll likely fall flat on their faces trying to navigate over the rocks. As a note-- the truck road is a dirt one, but well graded with some humps every so often to prevent speeding. Parking near the trailhead is still quite secluded and a draw for thieves, so make sure to hide your belongings before you head out!

This is a great place to trail run and mountain bike! There is the main fire road that goes all the…read moreway up to Crest. There are hiking trails that branch off from the fire road. I see rock climbers, but I'm not sure where they are climbing. This isn't as steep as Cowles mountain, but it's much more peaceful! The goal for trail runners is to make it all the way up to Crest. Don't forget to try and sprint Mike's hill!

Had such a beautiful, peaceful hike at Helix Flume Trail in Lakeside on a late Monday afternoon! So…read morehappy it wasn't busy, felt like I had the trail all to myself. They have parking (no bathrooms, though!), and I finally understood why there's, uh, evidence of wildlife around... Let's just say it's quite a climb up there! Luckily, the trail was dry, but a heads up for rainy days, it could get slippery. For me, it felt like an easy-medium trail, and absolutely worth it for the views and that refreshing Monday reset. You should definitely give it a try!

This is a short but great trail. The first half mile is a bit moderate with the uphill climb. On…read morethe way up you can view the mountain side and a body of water across the street. Once you clear all that it's an easy hike toward Lake Jennings. Overall it's a 2.8 mile hike in total. Should take about an hour to hike it all. It's easy to miss the entrance and parking to the trail head. Look for a fence with a green sign. Parking is easy enough once in. It's all dirt and some terrain to park so if you have an SUV or truck I'd drive those. A car though can still make it in.

Easy 2.7 mile loop. There are nice views of the surrounding mountains and small seasonal ponds…read more Getting lost is almost impossible as the starting point will always be right behind you which is the school. There is no parking available at the trailhead. Signs point to parking at the school. The start of the trail head is at 1951 Tavern Road which is a small road between the school and some private homes. Look for that sign. There is no actual sign from what I saw pointing to Wrights Field.

Fresh air! 30…read moreminutes east of San Diego City in the city of Alpine is this great hiking/walking spot. I-8 to the Tavern Road exit, then continue until you see 2001 Tavern Road which is a school. Parking nearby. Follow google maps up the side street and you'll find an entrance. Directly behind the entrance gate is the only restroom facility in the park, a porta potty. The terrain is predominantly flat. There are a few different ways to go including a moderately wide circular path. Low brush, small slightly rocky inclines and all-around in great condition for walking or hiking depending on your mood. Families, dogs, and people in various states of physical condition including pole walkers today. I found a two-hour walk to be fairly easy. There is little shade or water or restroom facilities so be prepared!