Woman standing at peak at Twin Peaks in San Diego

Woman standing at peak at Twin Peaks in San Diego

Secret Heights

Hike to heights less traveled! These three summits in San Diego County are less popular yet equally spectacular. We hope we’ve piqued your interest.

Week: 01.19.2021

Regions: Southern CA

Twice As Nice

Hike to Hidden Twin Peaks in Poway

San Diego County

Hikes, Dog Friendly

Woman standing at a peak at Twin Peaks in Poway San Diego

Woman standing at a peak at Twin Peaks in Poway San Diego

The best hidden peak in San Diego is actually two peaks! Twin Peaks in Poway sit at 1,309 and 1,251 feet, respectively. Bag both on a 2-mile loop that rewards with classic views and solitude.

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Kwaay Paay All the Way

Hike to Kwaay Paay Peak in Mission Trails Regional Park

San Diego County

Hikes, Dog Friendly

Woman hiking downhill at Kwaay Paay in Mission Trails Regional Park San Diego County

Woman hiking downhill at Kwaay Paay in Mission Trails Regional Park San Diego County

Kwaay Paay peak seems modest as the fourth tallest of five in Mission Trails Regional Park, but don’t underrate this gem. Its panoramic views are among the best in San Diego on this 2.5-mile loop.

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La Mesa Secret Stairs

Secret Stairway Hike in San Diego County

San Diego County

Hikes, Dog Friendly

Woman walking down in a stairway in La Mesa San Diego County

Woman walking down in a stairway in La Mesa San Diego County

Step up to 2021 on a secret stairway hike in San Diego’s east county. Head to La Mesa for a 1.4-mile (lollipop loop) historical urban adventure with secret stairs, postcard panoramas, and bonus brews!

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A Hiker looking over a mountain range

A Hiker looking over a mountain range

Your Inbox to the Outdoors

Stay up to date with our weekly recommendations on where to explore locally in California.

Trending Stories NorCal

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Walk on the Wise Side
A wise man once said, “Walk it off.” And San Francisco has just the place for a colorful walk via a 2.7-mile loop along Philosopher’s Way Trail in the 318-acre John McLaren Park (S
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Headlands Over Heels
People come from all over the world to get a glimpse of the Golden Gate Bridge. Get a dramatic and novel view of the bridge without all the people on this moderate 6-mile hike in the Marin Headlands.
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Greater by the Dozen
This hike is anything but a dime a dozen. The all-new "Golden Gate Dozen Trail" links 12 National Park sites on a spectacular 13-mile journey across San Francisco's coastline.
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Cheers to Chimney
If you’re looking for all that Point Reyes has to offer in spring, Chimney Rock is the place to be. The 1.75-mile (round-trip) hike to Chimney may be short, but it packs a visual punch, quadrupling the viewing thrills during spring.
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Trending Stories SoCal

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Can We Get a Whoop Whoop!
City, mountain, and ocean views all in one hike? Whoop whoop! It’s no surprise the the Kenter Fire Road and Whoop-de-Doos Trail (a combo of fire road and singletrack) is a favorite among local mountain bikers and hikers alike.
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The Big Chill
In LA, finding a place to chill can be the ultimate flex. So flex, in Franklin Canyon! This unexpected oasis has plenty of shade, cool lake breezes, and ample picnicking spots. Enjoy it on an easy-going 1-mile stroll along its reservoir and duck pond.
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Holcomb We Haven't Camped Here?
Holcomb Valley Campground in the San Bernardino National Forest has 19 pine-shaded sites, all of them first-come, first-served.
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Waterfall Hunter
If you ask a local in Reno about one of the best hiking trails in town, odds are high they’ll point you to Hunter Creek Falls. It’s a year-round favorite, but it absolutely shines in spring, when desert peach wildflowers make a splash—and so does the marquee waterfall.
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