# data[].attributes.body
Walk along the different trails and observe the rare torrey pine, which is native to this area. Then walk down the rather treacherous trail to Black’s Beach and head north to Torrey Pines State Beach. Watch the surfers or check out the paragliders who take off from the sandy cliffs above.

# data[].attributes.body
Take the path along San Diego Harbor to Liberty Station or Shelter Island and enjoy the sights. For a longer ride, hop on the Bayshore Bikeway, a 24-mile path which takes you through five cities: San Diego, Chula Vista, National City, Imperial Beach and Coronado, while venturing on two wheels around the San Diego Bay and near the Pacific Ocean. Personally, I like to start at the harbor, ride south and around the bay, then return to downtown San Diego via the Coronado ferry service, which departs hourly. You can always relax at the end of the ride by the bay in either Coronado or the harbor area downtown.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Broadway Pier - Coronado Ferry, 1020 Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA 92101

The Coronado Ferry Landing is a great spot to grab a bite to eat, shop or be entertained. Take time to stroll through the area on your visit.

The Silver Strand, a thin piece of land connecting Coronado to Imperial Beach, has parks and beach access on both the San Diego Bay and Pacific Ocean. Bring your swimsuit and go for a mid-ride dip.

Visit the legendary Hotel Del Coronado and the beautiful white-sand beaches nearby. Built in 1888 and designated a National Historic Landmark in 1977, The Del is an American treasure with over 120 years of stories to tell.

Views - The Bikeway stays close to San Diego Bay, giving riders multiple-angle views of the San Diego skyline, Navy bases, Coronado Bay Bridge, and South Bay and Sweetwater Marsh National Wildlife Refuges. Don't forget your camera!

Brews - Coronado Brewing Company is a great pit-stop after the ride. Take the ferry back to Coronado to enjoy a craft brewed celebration. Or, better yet, start the ride in Coronado to only have to rely on the ferry for one trip.

The Bridge - Want to enjoy the ride by traveling over the Coronado Bay Bridge? That opportunity only happens once a year at the Bike the Bay Ride in August. Plan your visit in August and take part in the unique chance to cross the bay high above the water.

Expect a vigorous ride that is mostly flat, but definitely lengthy. Bring plenty of water and snacks for the ride as most of the available opportunities to stop and eat are at the beginning and end of the route.

Although the City of San Diego and the State of California don't require adult bicyclists to wear helmets, it is strongly suggested you do.

California does require all bicyclists under the age of 18 to wear a helmet.

San Diego is a bicycle friendly city with great weather for biking year round and community groups advocating for the rights of all people on bikes. For more information about what's happening in San Diego's biking community, visit the San Diego County Bicycle Coalition website.

To Downtown from the North:

Take California I-5 south, exit on Front Street and continue south to Broadway.

Head west on Broadway to Harbor Drive.

From the South:

Take California I-5 north to Sixth Avenue, following Sixth Avenue South off the exit ramp to Broadway.

Go west on Broadway until it ends at Harbor Drive.

To Coronado from the North:

Take California I-5 south to the Coronado/State Route 75 exit across the Coronado Bay Bridge.

Head into Coronado and head north on Orange Avenue into downtown Coronado.

From the South:

Take California I-5 north to the Coronado/State Route 75 exit across the Coronado Bay Bridge.

Head into Coronado and head north on Orange Avenue into downtown Coronado.

Public buses and the San Diego Trolley offer a variety of options from locations throughout San Diego County. Visit the Metropolitan Transit System website for more details about routes, fares and traveling with a bike.

If you're transporting your bikes in or on a vehicle, parking can be a bit of challenge in Downtown. Consider Public Transportation to avoid the hassle. Buses and trolleys are bike-accessible and rental shops are around Downtown as well.

Starting your ride at Coronado? Parking can also be a bit challenging here, however, easier than downtown.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Broadway Pier - Coronado Ferry, 1020 Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA 92101 The Coronado Ferry Landing is a great spot to grab a bite to eat, shop or be entertained. Take time to stroll through the area on your visit.

# data[].attributes.body
Sure, you’ve already been impressed with the sunset at Sunset Cliffs, but have you seen it from the many other beaches yet? Each one has its own flavor, so why not try them out and then decide which one offers the best view in your opinion. Some of my favorites: Pacific Beach at Law Street, Bird Rock in La Jolla, Swami's in Encinitas, and Moonlight Beach in Leucadia.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Sign up to receive the latest news, events, and updates about San Diego. Our monthly and weekly newsletters will keep you informed about the latest and greatest happenings in the destination.

For the ultimate guide to planning your San Diego vacation, view and download the San Diego Visitor Planning Guide, packed with useful information that will help you plan the perfect San Diego getaway.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Sign up to receive the latest news, events, and updates about San Diego. Our monthly and weekly newsletters will keep you informed about the latest and greatest happenings in the destination. For the ultimate guide to planning your San Diego vacation, view and download the San Diego Visitor Planning Guide, packed with useful information that will help you plan the perfect San Diego getaway.

# data[].attributes.body
Within San Diego County is Anza Borrego Desert State Park. It only takes a 2 hour-drive heading northeast from from San Diego city to reach it. Hike the trail up Palm Canyon in the Borrego Palm Canyon Campground. You will likely see some wildlife: jackrabbits, lizards, raptors or, if you’re lucky, some desert sheep, known as borrego. Better yet, stay overnight to see the stars emerge from the dark sky overhead. It’s an unforgettable experience.

Also, a local artist has created large metal sculptures of giant creatures which many use for photo-ops.

Go to the Visitor Information Center for up-to-date and detailed information about your interests. They also have a fine exhibition, garden, and video about the park.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
A World Biosphere Reserve & Largest Desert State Park in America 200 Palm Canyon Drive Borrego Springs CA 92004 Visitor Center: 760-767-4205 | Park Headquarters: 760-767-5311

# data[].attributes.body
Visit Cuyamaca State Park near Descanso or for a higher elevation, go to Laguna Mountain Recreation Area in Cleveland National Forest. Drive east on Highway 8, then take the Sunrise Highway exit and follow that north. It's a scenic drive and you can stop at mile marker 19.1 to hike my favorite trail, the Sunset Trail, which can take anywhere from 2 to 3 hours or longer, depending on which routes you take.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
The Meadows Information Kiosk trailhead in Mount Laguna is the starting point for a number of great hikes. It's an easy access point for the many interconnecting spurs of the Big Laguna Trail, so it's highly popular with hikers, horseback riders, and mountain bikers. It's also the starting point for the somewhat quieter Sunset Trail, a hiker-only trail that travels through dense forest and along some ridges, which as the name implies, provide some lovely west-facing views well-suited for watching sunset.

Since we were doing this hike in late November and a storm was slated to roll in later that day, we decided to get an early start. While I'm sure the winter sunset would be beautiful, snow is cold enough during the day - I didn't relish the thought of a night snow hike. But since we had nice, cool weather, we decided to bring along one of the dogs. This week it was the ever-vigilant Apollo's turn.

We arrived early enough that there were only a couple other cars parked along the highway. After donning our packs and cold weather gear, we stepped through the gate at the trailhead and set off down the path.

Within a couple hundred feet we came upon the first junction. To the right was a trail marked "To Old County Road." We stayed to the left.

We admired the mature pine trees that surrounded us. So much of San Diego's forests had been lost to fire in the past couple of decades, it is always nice when we can enjoy some of the trees that still remain.

At .25 miles we came to another "Y" junction. We took the left fork, following the trail marker denoting the Sunset Trail. We would be returning from the path to the right.

We continued on through the dry grass and thin trees.

Before long, the trail passed through a gap in a barbed wire fence. The woods became denser here.

Around .9 mile there was a rocky outcropping along the left side of the trail. From here, we had some beautiful views towards the southwest.

The trail went over and around some large boulders and continued on. We caught a few glimpses of Cuyamaca Peak, Middle Peak, and North Peak in the west.

We continued on through the trees. There were a few short, rocky descents to navigate but nothing major.

The trail began to wrap around the flank of the hillside and turn somewhat eastward.

The trail skirted along the edge of a large lichen-spotted mound of granite.

On our left the sloping hillside led down to a small gorge that connected with Noble Canyon in the west.

At 1.67 miles we came to a "T" junction at Water of the Woods and turned left. This was the center point of our figure-8 loop. (If you're looking for a shorter hike you can take a right turn here and head back to the highway).

Ahead lay the muddy depression known as Water of the Woods. In wetter times, this is a lovely little pond full of ducks and birds. Today however, there were just a few sparrows hopping around, and no water.

We followed the trail along the left edge of the watering hole for about .1 mile. Here there was another "Y" junction. We continued following the markers for the Sunset Trail and took the left fork. The right fork was the Big Laguna Trail upon which we'd be returning.

We quickly found ourselves heading uphill through dense pines again.

With the grey skies, cool temperatures and numerous trees, it almost didn't feel like San Diego.

But as we continued uphill we began to encounter more chaparral brush like Mountain Mahogany and Scrub Oak, reminding us of where we were.

We climbed fairly steadily until around 2.4 miles. Here the trail leveled out for a bit. In spots where the brush thinned out, we were able to enjoy some awesome views. We spotted Pine Valley Bridge in the southwest.

And of course, to the west was Cuyamaca. I imagine this would be a phenomenal spot to catch sunset, hence the name of the trail.

We continued to enjoy some easy hiking for a little ways.

The chaparral brush gave way to more trees and grassland.

We once again found ourselves heading uphill.

Finally around 3.25 miles we reached the top of the ridge. There was a nice, rocky area just off the trail so we went over there for a short break to rest and enjoy the views. In the northeast we could see Garnet Peak.

And to the west, the presence of antennae marked Monument Peak.

Apollo drank a bunch of water, and then posed on the rocks for some photos.

After everyone was properly rested and hydrated, we continued on. It was easy downhill travel as we descended the other side of the ridge.

We had a nice mix of chaparral, grass, and trees to admire as we hiked.

Just shy of 3.9 miles the Sunset Trail came to an end as it met the Big Laguna Trail. We turned right to begin heading back towards our starting point.

Here, we had a long, 1.5 mile straightaway along the edge of Big Laguna Meadow.

While we had only encountered one other group of hikers on the Sunset Trail, the Big Laguna Trail was much busier. Big Laguna is open to mountain bikers, and is a very popular riding spot. We found ourselves stepping aside several times to let bikers pass. All of them were very polite, and happily many had biker bells so we could hear them coming.

Eventually we saw another large depression in the field to our left - Big Laguna Lake. It looks much more lake-like when there's water.

Around 5.4 miles we reached the southern edge of the "lake." A spur of the Big Laguna Trail turned left and crossed the meadow. We stayed straight, following the trail as it bent around a hill to the right.

The trail curved around back towards Water of the Woods.

We spotted some morteros ground into a large granite slab on our left, and my mind briefly wandered to what it would be like to live out here, grinding acorns for your dinner along the water's edge.

We continued around the north edge of Water of the Woods. Then the trail turned south, passing the junction for the Sunset Trail we had taken earlier.

On the southern side of the pond, we continued straight on the trail, following the sign for the Sunrise Highway.

Looking across the meadow on our left, we spotted the Laguna Observatory in the distance.

Around 6.2 miles we turned right off the main trail and passed through a cattle-proof gate.

We headed uphill through more pine forest.

Around 6.8 miles we came upon another junction - yet another spur of the Big Laguna Trail merged in from the left. We stayed straight.

At 7 miles we reached the first junction for the Sunset trail, and stayed straight.

From here it was just a short distance back to the highway and our car.

View the full photo gallery

Directions:
From I-8 east take the Sunrise Highway exit and turn left onto Sunrise Highway (S1). Follow Sunrise Highway for approximately 5.5 miles to the Meadows Information Center trailhead where you can park on either side of the road, just past mile marker 19. The trail head is on the west side of the highway. map

Total Distance:

7.2 miles

Dog Friendly?:

Leashed dogs allowed

Bike Friendly?:

Bikes not allowed on Sunset Trail, OK on Big Laguna Trail

Facilities:

Port-a-potty at trailhead; No water

Fees/Permits:

Adventure Pass required

For more information, visit:
Trail Map
View route or download GPX from CalTopo

Related Posts

Agua Dulce Loop

It was yet another ridiculously hot weekend, so we decided we'd head up to the mountains to try and escape the worst of it. Perusing our "to-hike" list, we found this loop in the Laguna Mountain Recreation Area that appeared to have a decent amount...

Noble Canyon

The Noble Canyon trail is very popular among mountain bikers due to its challenging, technical descents and beautiful scenery. If you don't mind dodging bikers, and can arrange a car at either end, it also makes for an epic 10 mile hike through a variety of...

Big Laguna/PCT Loop

Of the many hikes in San Diego we've done, this 10 mile loop through the Mount Laguna Recreation Area might just be my favorite. The first half traverses the Big Laguna Trail, which takes you through some beautiful pine tree forests that are becoming so...

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Sunset Trail/Big Laguna Loop - Hiking San Diego County

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The Meadows Information Kiosk trailhead in Mount Laguna is the starting point for a number of great hikes. It's an easy access point for the many interconnecting spurs of the Big Laguna Trail, so it's highly popular with hikers, horseback riders, and mountain bikers.

# data[].attributes.body
North Park is one of the neighborhoods where everyone goes for music, food, and drinks, as well as shopping. At the Observatory, you can see various well-known performers, appearing at this live concert venue.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Upcoming events for The Observatory North Park - San Diego, CA. Find out who's playing and when, and get tickets. More info

# data[].attributes.body
So many museums, so little time. My favorite ones to visit are the Museum of Photographic Arts, which presents local as well as international photographers’ work, and the Natural History Museum, which features a historical treasure of people, creatures, and plants who have inhabited this area. Of course, there are many more to choose from and each one is different!

Depending on your interest, you can check out the Air and Space Museum, Fleet Science Center, Automotive Museum, Model Railroad Museum, Museum of Man (an anthropology exhibit), San Diego Historical Center, Timken Museum (always free), and many more. Plan to visit just a few so you really get to learn more about the subjects. Then return to visit others.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Balboa Park boasts 17 museums and cultural institutions with an incredible diversity of collections. From local San Diego history, to the history of flight, trains, or automobiles, to the workmanship of the old masters, and the arts, crafts, and culture of people near and far, recent and historical. There is no shortage of things to see and do.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Balboa Park boasts 17 museums and cultural institutions with an incredible diversity of collections. From local San Diego history, to the history of flight, trains, or automobiles, to the workmanship of the old masters, and the arts, crafts, and culture of people near and far, recent and historical.

# data[].attributes.body
The gardens are almost more interesting than anything else. A must-see is the Japanese Friendship Garden, which celebrates the relationship between San Diego and its sister city Yokohama, Japan. The Botanical Garden is always free and allows visitors to see a diverse array of special plants that thrive in this environment.
On the east side of Park Boulevard, check out the rose garden and the desert garden to see a wide variety of flowering plants. Additionally, the lovely Alcazar Garden, fashioned after the one in Granada, Spain, has seasonal flowers and shrubs.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Perfect for sitting in the shade of a century-old tree, or relaxing on a bench watching butterflies, Balboa Park has lush, unique, landscaped, gardens from end to end. Sweet-smelling roses, towering trees, acres of grass, prickly cacti with beautiful blooms, brightly-colored water lilies and lotus blossoms, and outstanding orchids all shine thanks to San Diego's climate.

# data[].attributes.body
This is the world’s largest outdoor organ and you can enjoy listening to the Sunday afternoon performance at 2:00 pm for free.

Furthermore, there are frequent evening performances scheduled throughout the year. On some days, the public is invited to see behind the scenes and learn more about the organ itself. Many couples use the area for picture-taking for weddings, quinceneras, and other special occasions when the organ is closed.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
John D. and Adolph Spreckels donated the Spreckels Organ, to the City of San Diego in 1914 for the Panama-California Exposition. This unique organ contains more than 5,000 pipes ranging in length from the size of a pencil to 32 feet and is the largest outdoor pipe organ in the world.

# data[].attributes.body
Each Sunday at noon you can see cultural performances and taste food from one of the houses in this circle. Most of the other houses are usually open to offer information and treats as well as for everyone to learn about the heritage of populations that live in San Diego.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
House of Pacific Relations International Cottages | Balboa Park

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Housed in historic 1935 Exposition cottages, 34 groups promote multicultural goodwill and understanding through educational and cultural programs. Open Houses: noon-5:00 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday, showcase the national traditions from many lands.

# data[].attributes.body
When you want to take a rest, have some food and relax, one of the best places to visit is this cafe in the middle of the park. The offerings are locally-sourced and tasty! They have a full bar with local draft beer as well as interesting cocktails based on the artwork at the San Diego Museum of Art. To the west of the restaurant is the Sculpture Garden with fascinating art worthy of contemplation.

On Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday nights there is live music in the patio of the cafe. Please note that on occasional dates the restaurant is closed for special events.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Fri 3/9/18 TRIO GADJO, 7-9PM Friday 3/9/18 MODERN MASTERS IN MUSIC: AN EVENING WITH JULIA VARI, 8:30 p.m. Inside The San Diego Museum of Art Renowned multilingual jazz singer-pianist Julia Vari performs songs by Latin American artists and composers, inspired by the incredible artwork on display in the exhibition Modern Masters from Latin America: the Pérez Simón Collection.

# data[].attributes.body
This collection of artists’ studios is tucked away in a corner that might be easy to miss. However, it can be a real treat to walk around and see how they make their wares: silver jewelery, potter, paintings, glass blown creations, mobiles, and sculptures. I find it means so much more when you can talk with the artist about how they create their art.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Spanish Village Art Center | Balboa Park

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Discover San Diego's coveted secret for art lovers at Spanish Village Art Center. Located between the Zoo and theNAT these quaint buildings and colorful courtyard were originally built in 1935. They depicted a charming old village in Spain for the second California Pacific International Exposition.

# data[].attributes.body
For the more adventurous, you can try this local institution in Little Italy.  See San Diego bands and touring acts up close in this favorite rock & roll bar and live music joint.

# data[].attributes.body
ttt