Off The Beaten Path Hikes in San Diego

 

If you live in San Diego or plan to travel to San Diego once things return to a more normal state, you will want to file this post away in your notes. I'm going to tell you about two off-the-beaten-path urban hikes that a lot of locals don't know about. 

Both of these hikes are moderate and probably not the best for small children. 

The first hike called Ho Chi Minh Trail or Saigon Trail rewards you with the view in the above photo when you get about halfway. From this point though, you have to shimmy between the rocks to reach the beach down below. It's a bit challenging. 

I've done this hike twice and I'm not embarrassed to say I stopped at this point. 

Beautiful views and a satisfying hike. 

The entrance to this trail is between two homes on La Jolla Farms Road across from UCSD. It's easy to miss. There is plenty of parking. You can also park at the Torrey Pines Gliderport and walk down the hill. 

Once you reach the bottom if you choose to hike all the way to the beach go right to check out the nude beach. 

The second off-the-beaten-path hike is called Seven Bridges. This hike is basically flat through urban areas, but it's a 5.5 mile long loop. During the hike, you cross seven urban bridges including the longest Quince Street bridge pictured above. Most of the bridges are marked and some feature historical plaques. 

The path is well documented on this website. There is plenty of parking in Balboa Park directly across from the first bridge so that's a good place to start the hike.

My favorite bridge was number 6, the Vermont Street Bridge. This bridge features quotes and puzzles like the one pictured above. It's truly inspiring! 

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