Sheri McGregor answers questions about local hiking.
To ask a question, contact Sheri.
January, 2008
Q: Hi Sheri, We hope to visit San Diego in the next few weeks with our kids 5 and 7 wondering if you could recommend a few short hiking options with in an hour or so of San Diego. We plan to do some scenic drives as well.
Thanks,
J.E.
A: Hi J.E.
Enjoy your visit here! With children of those ages, you probably want fairly easy (to perhaps moderate) hikes.
If you don’t already have my book, you might want to order it to explain each hike in detail and give you the most information. However, having said that, I suggest these as possibilities:
- Hiking the La Jolla Shores area (tide pools, nice flat sand, beautiful views…be sure to check high/low tide status).
- Batiquitos Lagoon
- San Elijo Lagoon
- Los Penasquitos Canyon area
OR farther into our backcountry, try Wilderness Gardens Preserve (Pala area)
These are just a few off the top of my head. They are all in the book, described in detail so no surprises.
Thanks for contacting me. And again, HAVE FUN on your visit!
Sheri McGregor, San Diego Hikes .com
sherimcgregor@yahoo.com
February 2007
Q: Hello. I’m not sure if you can help but I’m looking for a nice place to take a date hiking. Something…with great views and maybe a good place for a nice lunch. She is new to the area and has been looking for some good trails.
A: Hi J.H. —
You give me no information about you and your date’s fitness levels, so here are a couple of general suggestions. Looking more closely at the detailed write-ups and maps about these trails in my book, 60 Hikes Within 60 Miles: San Diego, will help you narrow down which locations are best for you.
- Torrey Pines State Reserve – here, you can see whales (in season) and dolphins from the overlook points, which offer views of our beautiful Pacific Coast.
- La Jolla Tide Pools – be sure to consult tidal reports so you don’t get stranded during high tides. A peaceful beach walk when the tides are low.
- Bayside Trail – another beautiful coastal trail, also with some historical treasures to explore (parking fee)
- Blue Sky Trail – a partially flat trail shaded by majestic oaks
Hope this helps. Enjoy your date!
Sheri McGregor
January 2007
Q: Do you know of any OFF leash trails for dogs? I’m relocating to the area and trying to find some places. I’m coming from northern CA where there are lots of off leash hiking areas, so any info you can provide would be much appreciated.
Thanks!
Judy
A: Hi Judy,
Welcome to San Diego!
Fiesta Island allows dogs off-leash, and there are walking trails all around the island where dogs can get in the water, too, if they want.
Another ocean area where dogs can play is Dog Beach.
Here is a link to a site with a map of both of these: http://www.sandiego.gov/park-and-recreation/general-info/bchdog1.shtml#DOG
There is also a new off-leash trail in Encinitas. See this trail here: http://www.padz.org/sdge.html and also be sure to visit the padz site as a whole for good information about pet friendly areas in San Diego.
Have fun!
Sheri McGregor
www.SanDiegoHikes.com