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    Hollenbeck Canyon Wildlife Area

    4.6 (20 reviews)

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    Joseph Y.

    Was able to visit this hiking area during my Thanksgiving vacation, it was actually quite hot outside for November. The parking lot for this place is off Honey Springs road, which is right off the main drag of Campo rd. The trailhead has a few notices and a map showing you the canyon with the different paths for trails. The great thing about this canyon hike is the many different ways you can go around it. The pathways are very well maintained and and wide enough to bring your dog with you. This is excellent place to go mountain biking, as it provides lots of grades and hills but I wouldn't come here to run due to the uneven slippery trails some of the way up the canyon side. The trail has only a bit of shady area, so it does get really hot when out in the sun, for November I was cooking out here around noon time. Overall Hollenbeck is a decent trail system out in east county Jamul. You will be treated to lots of great views once going up the canyon hills. There is lots of nature out here along with plenty of peace and quiet since it's not near any major roads. The trail doesn't seem like it ever too busy really, as no one was even there when I came during the day with a friend. This one of the better state maintained wildlife areas in the San Diego county areas, they do a great job at keeping it clean. Great place to come walking with your dog or taking your bike out for a short run.

    Some of the scenery.
    Sheena C.

    Beautiful place to hike! Good place to bring your kids and dogs. We went in the late afternoon, the temperature was perfect and there were only a couple of other people there. Beware though, if you're not hunting, you must purchase a "land use" pass. This is a new requirement and if you want to purchase the pass online you must buy it 15 days in advance I've attached pictures of the new sign.

    at the overlook
    Cheryl G.

    I love the mountain biking out here. There is a lot of climbing but most of it is on fire road and the payoff is SIIIIIIIIICK! There are two great segments of single track, mostly downhill but with short climbs in spots. One of the areas goes into a rocky canyon with a huge drop off and it is beautiful and super fun. I also see a lot of hikers out here. My advice would be to wear a lot of sunscreen have a lot of water with you. Even though there are groves of trees out here there are also huge expanses with no shade. Also, don't forget your camera !

    Entrance
    Tom P.

    Such a serene and relaxing place to hike. I dislike that they imposed fees but there are less people on this trail unlike Cowles which is always packed.

    Karma S.

    Hollenbeck Canyon consists of a neat network of nature trails that is off-the-beaten path, but certainly worth a look- especially during the month of March when spring is in full force and the trails are surrounded by the bright green spring-time folliage. There is a good 13-14 miles network of trails that one can follow and hike through. Regardless, you can make your time here as short or as long as you like. I actually mountain biked here during my visit in March 2012, but I saw plenty of hikers and equestrian folks as well. Take my advice and check out Hollenbeck Canyon! You'll be glad you did!

    sign at parking lot
    Elle Elani Whatever C.

    This place is gorgeous! I've lived in San Diego for more than 30 years and I'm NOW just discovering it! We started kind of late 9am so by the time we were heading back to the car, it was getting hot. I don't think I'd hike here in the summer, but the cooler months - definitely worth it.

    Grassy hills and beautiful views
    Angel F.

    Mountain bikers, hikers, runners and dogs, there is something for everyone here. Although the trails are well worn, they're not clearly marked. But, I'd assume they all loop somewhere. Too bad the drought dried up the creek. Be warned, there are large patches of meadows with no covering so even at 70 degrees the sun beats down like a drum.

    This hike is a long and seemed like never ending hike through the canyons. Nice views and lots of options walking throughout the trails. The signs post or lack thereof, makes the hike a little confusing if you are not sure which path to take. I prefer more of a summit hike but you will definitely get a good workout doing this hike and will see horses next to the ranch. Plenty of parking and safe area as well. Plan for about 2-3 hours to see it all.

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    10 years ago

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    5 years ago

    I did the 10 mile loop and it's by far my favorite loop in San Diego. I went in March and there were water features.

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    10 years ago

    I've never seen so much greenery in California! Very nice, and quiet. Good place for hiking and theres a lot of mountain biking too!

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    Review Highlights - Hollenbeck Canyon Wildlife Area

    There is a lot of climbing but most of it is on fire road and the payoff is SIIIIIIIIICK!

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    Secret Canyon Trail

    Secret Canyon Trail

    4.5
    (6 reviews)
    10.0 mi

    Alltrails lists this as 'Horse thief Canyon', then I saw that I had this listing bookmarked on Yelp…read morefor sometime and noticed that they were the same thing! Distance: ~3.3mi., reverse out-and-back (you will be going uphill on the return trip) Difficulty: easy-intermediate-ish (~0.5mi ascent on your way out which can get the heart pumping!) Time: 1.5-2 hours Permit required?: No (according to permit site - https://www.fs.usda.gov/detailfull/r5/passes-permits/?cid=stelprdb5208699&width=full) Sights of Interest: Mini waterfall and pool Parking is in a big dirt lot just off of Japatul Lyons Valley Rd.. Turn in at Forest Rt 16S04. No bathrooms, so bring some T.P.! There are three gates as you approach - two smaller ones and a large one leading to a service road. Take the gate with a sign marking the 'Epinosa Trail to Secret Canyon Trail'. You'll end up on the service road either way. Continue on the service road until you see a sign off to the right that says 'Trail'. This is where you'll begin the descent into Horse thief Canyon. Eventually it evens out into a nice shady area alongside a stream. Lots of vegetation and growth everywhere, so make sure to *bring the bug spray*! There's a stream crossing after which you'll come upon the pool! Lots of great places to hang out on and relax on boulders. Water is pretty clean for swimming too. Awesome place to bring your dogs to cool off after the dusty trail. Just remember to pack your trash out if you plan on picnic-ing down at the pool! Most of your journey is on the Epinosa Trail and supposedly the Secret Canyon Trail is just beyond the pool, but the trail doesn't seem to continue anywhere beyond it. Great trail either way that experiences very little foot traffic so the area is very well preserved and wild! FYI, apparently this area experiences an influx of illegal immigrants and smugglers, but I think that was in earlier years. It was pretty safe when I went and I only had my dog in tow. But, I like to live life on the edge, so if you are wary come with a group!

    If you go during the week during normal business hours this trail is dead! It was our 2nd time here…read moreand there was only 1 car in the parking lot and we never even ran into the people. This is nice but also kind of scary especially since it's kind of in the middle of nowhere and you don't have great service but luckily I am alive today to write this review. The first time we went on this hike we missed the path and ended up just heading straight through on a dirt road so pay attention on your right hand side for a sign marked trail. This trail would have gotten more stars if it wasn't for the ridiculous amount of flies. I almost turned back because I couldn't stand them constantly flying in my face and in my ears. Maybe I am not an outdoorsy person if I cant handle that but it was hard to enjoy this hike when I was having to smack flies away the whole time. This is also one of those hikes that is fairly easy on the way down but tough on the way back because you have to go back up. I will say though that it was a really pretty hike and there is a creek at the bottom. We didn't go the whole way but did about a little over 3 miles of it. It's about a mile and a half to see the beginning of the creek. Maybe wearing bug spray might help with the flies?

    Photos
    Trail is pretty well marked
    Trail is pretty well marked
    Awesome sign.
    Awesome sign.
    Secret Canyon Trail

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    Otay Lakes County Park

    Otay Lakes County Park

    4.4
    (38 reviews)
    7.6 mi

    We booked space #1 for our baby shower and it was the best choice. It allowed up to 100 people with…read morevery minimal restrictions and it cost less than $250 for the whole day! The space overlooks the water and is the first space you'll see driving up. It's a bit secluded from the rest of the park allowing you to have a more private event with your guests. We ended up having just 40 people attend our baby shower, but with the ample space, it allowed us to fully decorate the space and bring separate tables for desserts and welcome table. The stage space was perfect for the photo backdrop and everything came out so beautifully. Highly recommend this space for any events, even a small outdoor wedding. Check-in was super easy and we were allowed music, decors, and even alcohol on site. Some of us came an hour early to start the decorations and stayed an hour later to clean up, but you can access your space anytime between 9-5:30pm. Everything was perfect. Our event was only 4 hours so it was more than enough time to come early to set up and fully clean up after. Restrooms are super clean, park is well maintained with rangers on-site. Parking is $5 all day and plenty of our things for guests to do such as playground for the kids or the open grass area to run around in or nice hiking trails all around for a quick exploring.

    My niece has here bridal shower here and it was beautiful out there. The grounds are well kept, it…read moreis about a mile off the main road. You do have to pay $5 to park.

    Photos
    Otay Lakes County Park
    Otay Lakes County Park
    Otay Lakes County Park

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    Viejas Mountain

    Viejas Mountain

    4.6
    (14 reviews)
    13.7 mi

    Native San Diegan, but never been here. From the start this trail is all incline, rocky, dirt, some…read morenative plants/shrubs and yucca but no shade. I saw no animals or even bugs... came December 2020. It's about 1.5 miles uphill with descent elevation and 2.5 down. I had to take a couple breaks due to the elevation I think...as I live near sea level and I'm fairly in shape, but more of a Hiit workout, sprints, weightlifting type, so endurance isn't my strong suite... but the top is worth the struggle. On a clear day you can see the ocean and such a beautiful sunset. Note the top is very windy and cold. I'd say it's great for moderate hiker, and I wouldn't bring a pet but I've seen dogs up there. Pros: - nature!! -free workout -some parking but limited - steep but not crazy difficult - more of a locals only location Cons: - rough dirt/rocky rode to get there -limited parking - no bathroom, trash or water stations

    Spectacular views at the summit especially when facing North. Easy to access from Tavern Rd exit on…read morethe I-8. It's about 3 miles RT on red-clay dirt and very loose rocks. Although Alltrails lists it as intermediate, I was breathless climbing this thing. I would describe it as intermediate-difficult. I mean, the doughnut holes in the morning probably didn't help and it was after Christmas Day indulgences, but the terrain was still very rocky and the incline was CONSTANT, making the ascent a little more difficult than normal. It was the ultimate thigh burner! A great workout! I took about 2 hours to finish, but did spend a lot of time at the top. Had the summit all to myself! Breath-taking! Parking is on a truck trail and the trail head is only marked by a simple metal gate. According to Afoot and Afield a **Wilderness Pass is technically required**, however I got away without one (didn't realize I needed one). Again, the terrain is quite rocky on the clay dirt ascent, so do not bring your kids! They'll likely fall flat on their faces trying to navigate over the rocks. As a note-- the truck road is a dirt one, but well graded with some humps every so often to prevent speeding. Parking near the trailhead is still quite secluded and a draw for thieves, so make sure to hide your belongings before you head out!

    Photos
    The view from the peak!
    The view from the peak!
    Viejas Mountain
    Yay!

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    Yay!

    Hollenbeck Canyon Wildlife Area - hiking - Updated June 2026

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