Autumn Hikes
Everyone Likes Just because our long summer is temporarily over doesn’t mean you have to go cozy up inside. Fall into the habit of seeing the cool side San Diego’s trails.
O
ur area’s mild weather makes the county a yearround destination for outdoor lovers. On warm summer days, many of our inland trails can get challengingly hot, which doesn’t seem to ward off boisterous tourists and their tell-tale plumes of trail dust. But after the high season crowds go home, autumn rewards savvy locals with quiet trails, friendly weather, and long, crisp views of rugged beauty. Don’t waste this golden opportunity — get your boots on while we’ve got the place to ourselves! With so many great area parks and trails to choose from, where to start? Heck, you could almost throw a stone with your eyes closed and hit half a dozen trailheads. Why not skip the stone strategy, and get started with this variety pack of our favorite hiking experiences for all tastes.
THE SEVEN B R I D G E S WA L K
Choose Your Own Adventure: Balboa Park
Did you know San Diego’s most famous park is crisscrossed with 65 miles of trails? Start at one of the five Trails Gateway points and build your own route,
5-6 MILES E A S Y & K I D - F R I E N D LY URBAN & POPULAR YEAR ROUND CENTRAL SAN DIEGO
from quick loops that are literally a walk in the garden to wide-ranging routes with all the terrain you can shake a walking stick at.
Our favorite Balboa Park hike is the Seven Bridges Walk, a scenic loop rambling over (you guessed it) seven bridges through the park and its historic neighborhood. Try our counterclockwise variation, The Seven Brunches Trail — coffee at Spanish Village, a snack or two in Hillcrest, leisurely brunch at the Corner Drafthouse, and dessert back at the starting line.