The Best Hiking in Santee

Walker Preserve Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a river located near Santee, California.

Big Rock and Mesa Road Loop is a loop trail where you may see wildflowers located near Santee, California.

Starting somewhat near sea-level, Cowles Mountain via the Big Rock Trail climbs about 1000 ft in elevation.  This trail is about 5 miles total, out and back.  Arrive at Big Rock park which has good parking.  At the park you will walk to the left of the tennis courts past the limits (the fence) of...

Big Rock Trail is an out-and-back trail where you may see local wildlife located near Santee, California.

Starting at 8100 Mesa road, you will see parking along the side of the road in a few places, take advantage where you find it.  Pass over the trail gate that marks the start of the journey. This will be a quick trip, as the total distance is less than a mile out and back. Head a quarter mile or ...

Cowles Mountain via Mesa Trail is an out-and-back trail where you may see wildflowers located near Santee, California.

Start by plugging 8125 Arlette St, Santee, CA into your GPS. This takes you to Big Rock Park, a convenient parking spot for the Cowles Hike. From here you want to walk through the park, and around the right side of the tennis court. This will take you to the fenced entrance to the hike. Head sout...

North Fortuna Mountain via Grasslands and Oak Canyon is an out-and-back trail that takes you past scenic surroundings located near Santee, California.

Cowles Mountain Service Road Loop is a loop trail that takes you past scenic surroundings located near La Mesa, California.

Cowles Mountain from Barker Way is an out-and-back trail that takes you past scenic surroundings located near San Diego, California.

Kubota Trail and Toyen Trail Loop is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a lake located near Rancho Palos Verdes, California.

Lindo Lake Loop is a loop trail that is good for all skill levels located near Lakeside, California.

Grasslands Crossing, North Perimeter and Oak Canyon Trail Loop is a loop trail where you may see local wildlife located near San Diego, California.

Park your car in the small gravel parking lot at the southwest corner of Father Junipero Serra Trail and Bushy Hill Drive (this is especially important if you plan to take the sunset hike, so you'll be outside the locked park gate when you descend). There will be other hikers parked there, but I'...

North and South Fortuna and Kwaay Paay Peak is a loop trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Santee, California.

North Fortuna Mountain via Oak Canyon, Fortuna Saddle, and North Fortuna Trails is an out-and-back trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Santee, California.