How to Hike Near Cuyamaca College

Cuyamaca College in El Cajon, California, serves just over 9,000 students in suburban San Diego. Surrounded by mountains and classic southern California scenery, the college is close to pleasant day hikes that begin in El Cajon and nearby La Mesa. Other trails are available within an hour's drive at Cuyamaca Rancho State Park. Get your equipment together, make a plan and spend a day enjoying coastal, mountain or desert views.

Things You'll Need

  • Trail map
  • Weather-appropriate clothing
  • Sturdy, comfortable shoes
  • At least two liters of water per person
  • Charged cell phone
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Instructions

    • 1
      Scenery ranges from desert to mountain to coastal.

      Put safety first when planning for any hike. Bring a charged cell phone, appropriate clothing, plenty of water and snacks. Check weather reports to make sure you're dressed appropriately. Don't forget to tell a friend where you're going and when you plan to return. Take terrain and elevation gains into account. Don't plan a vertical hike unless you've practiced for it.

    • 2

      Choose a hike that relates to your interests and abilities. The 1,593-foot Cowles Mountain is the highest point within San Diego's city limits and offers several popular hikes. You must be fit for the 5-mile Cowles Mountain Loop; it gains almost 1,200 feet over its course. For an easier and more sociable hike up the same mountain, try the Cowles Mountain South Approach. It switches back up the mountainside with scenic views as you climb. About 20 minutes to the south of El Cajon is Mission Trails Regional Park. Its trails include the Oak Grove Trail, the Riverside Grinding Site Trail and the Native Plan Garden. About an hour east of El Cajon is Cuyamaca Randho State Park, which has 100 miles of trails with desert views, coastal views and views of Lake Cuyamaca.

    • 3

      Respect the trail. Stay on marked pathways to avoid trampling plants or damaging bird or animal nests. Don't take shortcuts across switchbacks, as it can cause erosion.

    • 4

      Prepare for chance encounters with wildlife. Mountain lions have been spotted in Cuyamaca Rancho State Park. Do not run from a mountain lion, crouch or play dead. Stand up and spread your arms or coat so you look as large as possible. A whistle or small air horn can frighten a lion away.

    • 5

      Don't just put one foot in front of the other. Employ all of your senses to get the most enjoyment out of your hike. Breathe deeply, enjoy the scenery, keeps your eyes open for flora and fauna, and discuss what you see along the way with companions.