Canyoneer Hikes

Take a hike.

Lace up your hiking shoes and take in that fresh air with our Canyoneers. For 50 years, these volunteer naturalists have offered free, guided hikes throughout the county. They're here to help you get to know San Diego County's wild spaces like no one else, whether you join a guided hike or hit the trails on your own time. As always, learn how to be prepared and hike responsibly.

Guided hikes

These Canyoneer-led hikes take place from September 2023 through June 2024. The hikes are free, but in order to help create the best experience for hikers and the least impact on the environment, capacity is limited and advance online registration is required. Registration will open to museum members five weeks prior to the hike date and publicly open one month prior to the hike date. The Canyoneers program is made possible with support from dedicated volunteers and proud partner Subaru of America.

If a hike is at capacity, you'll see a notification when you try to RSVP: Sold Out! / ¡Agotado! This event has sold out. / Este evento esta agotado. You can always check back at a later date to see if any capacity has opened.


  • 30 Mar
    Anza-Borrego Desert State Park (Five Groves & Torote Bowl)
    • Saturday, March 30, 2024 10 AM
  • 31 Mar
    Ramona Grasslands County Preserve (Wildflower Loop Trail)
    • Sunday, March 31, 2024 9 AM
  • 6 Apr
    Bureau of Land Management - McCain Valley (Pepperwood Springs Mesa) New!
    • Saturday, April 6, 2024 8 AM
  • 7 Apr
    Rancho Mission Canyon Park (Hemingway Dr Trailhead)
    • Sunday, April 7, 2024 8 AM
More Hikes Map


Choose your own trail

Want to strike out on your own? Check out curated lists of our favorite trails and learn about the wildlife you can experience along the way. From paved walking paths to adrenaline-inducing climbs with epic views, the trail systems of southern California will not disappoint. To find out as soon as they're published, subscribe to our newsletter.

Binoculars bring wildlife close to you. And on these three trails, you’re going to need those field glasses to take it all in! Perfect for experienced birders or a nature enthusiast bringing along binoculars for the first time, our Canyoneers recommend some of their favorite trails for this wildlife-watching season.  Read more.


Ten Great Hikes for Summer

Posted: June 8, 2021

Summer sun can be lovely, but it’s sometimes a scorcher across San Diego County. Our Canyoneers recommend their coolest, and coolest, trails for this sunny season. Read more.


Ten Great Hikes for Spring

Posted: March 14, 2021

Colors bloom and wildlife sings for spring across San Diego County. Our Canyoneers recommend their favorite trails for this warming season, when there are plenty of opportunities to stop and smell the wildflowers. Read more.


Ten Great Hikes for Winter

Posted: December 16, 2020

From open grasslands, desert views, urban terrains, and flowing rivers, there is plenty to enjoy on brisk winter hikes in San Diego—even without snow. Our Canyoneers recommend San Diego's top trails for winter, where you can find spectacular views, overwintering birds, and more as you stay socially distanced but get up close with nature.  Read more.


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Hike responsibly

The key to a successful and memorable hike is preparation as well as following rules of courtesy and safety. More.

Subaru loves our Canyoneers

We’re hitting the road—and the trails—with support from Subaru of America, a proud partner of the Canyoneers program. Keep your eyes peeled for our Subaru Outback, which is used by our researchers, educators, and Canyoneers. You might even see it at the trailhead.

Meet the Canyoneers

One of the few trail-guide groups nationwide affiliated with a natural history museum rather than a park or reserve, Canyoneers have provided free guided tours in San Diego County since 1973. More.

Trail guide now available

Check out the new trail guide written by the Canyoneers. It details more than 250 trails in the region and highlights our local habitats. More.

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