| g grown up in San Diego, I am amazed at how packed | | | | talking about the section of the river down in the city. |
| and hectic it has become. Hiking for few hours gives | | | | Instead, we are looking at the area out by Ramona. |
| you a chance to enjoy the area without the rat race | | | | This is a 10 mile hike that takes 10 hours or so. It begins |
| element. | | | | at the Inaja Picnic Area or Ramona Oaks Road on the |
| It is Friday afternoon and you are sitting in rush hour | | | | other end. The hike is 10 miles one way, so you either |
| traffic on I-5 going north, I-8 going east or one of the | | | | need to have two cars or turn around at some point. |
| other lovely commutes. You have time on your hands, | | | | Regardless, you will see waterfalls, hike through |
| so you start day dreaming. You start wondering if it | | | | canyons, groves of oaks, granite grottos and do some |
| was always this busy in San Diego? Perhaps it is even | | | | boulder hopping. You will have to exert yourself on this |
| time to think of relocating? Easy my friend, a few | | | | trail, so be warned. |
| hours in your hiking boots will renew your faith in our | | | | To the east of Poway is one of the more popular |
| politically corrupt, expensive slice of paradise. | | | | hikes in San Diego - Mount Woodson Trail. There is a |
| The first of the treks worth your time is the beach | | | | short version that goes up the mountain, but I am |
| hike. It is relaxing, easy and will remind you why it is | | | | talking about the 4.5 mile version that goes beyond it. |
| great to live in San Diego. You can start and stop just | | | | Regardless, the hike is picturesque, close to much of |
| about anywhere. A personal favorite is to head north | | | | north country and a favorite of hikers that like to do a |
| starting at the beach in front of restaurant row in | | | | little rock climbing given the boulders on the mountain. |
| Cardiff. Depending on how far you want to go, you | | | | The best place to start is at the southwest edge of |
| can just cruise up past Swami’s through | | | | parking and picnic area at Lake Poway. There is a trail |
| Encinitas and up into relaxing Leucadia. The really great | | | | head that will take you to a junction just beyond |
| thing is you can just pop up off the beach and take in | | | | Warren Canyon. The trail starts here and is marked |
| lunch on a patio whenever you feel like it. | | | | with a sign. If you can’t find it, just ask as it is |
| If you are looking more for a hiker’s hike, there | | | | very well known. It can get brutally hot in the summer, |
| are plenty to fit the bill. A trip up the San Diego River, | | | | so make sure you have water. |
| particularly in spring, is candy for the eyes. No, I am not | | | | |