Easy Hikes Close to Home: San Diego

San Diego should, perhaps, be located further north in California. It has the heavy development found among the other southern California metropolitan areas but it also offers an ambiance that is in some ways more typical of the central California coast. Outdoor recreation is highly valued in San Diego. More preserves are being set aside on a regular basis and the county boasts some of the finest year round hiking in the state. If you would like to escape from the urban congestion and bustle of the greater San Diego region for an afternoon and explore a few of these preserves, then veteran outdoor author Sheri McGregor has the book for you. Part of the new "Easy Hikes" series from Menasha Ridge Press, this guide to the wilder part of San Diego will have you out of the car and on relatively easy and very scenic trails in short order.

As with other "easy" hiking guides, this book is not for those seeking all day strenuous excursions. Some of the routes described here are only 1/2 mile in length; short enough for anyone to do. The longest route is a 6.7 mile trek, at sea level, through one of southern California's few remaining undeveloped coastal wetlands, the San Elijo lagoon. With minimal elevation gain and cool coastal temperatures, even those who find this length daunting will be able to appreciate the walk. But San Diego offers more than just a beautiful coastline. McGregor also includes several mountain trips, including one of my favorite trails in the Laguna Mountains and an even dozen walks among the inland mesa and canyon regions found throughout the county betweeen the mountains and seaside. In all, some 22 walks are offered to beginning hikers and those who want to experience nature without extensive effort (or long drives.)

I've been exploring San Diego county for the better part of two decades. It is one of my favorite off season hiking areas in the state. I've personally walked about half of the hikes in this guide and am looking forward to exploring some of the other trails found in this volume. With decent sketch maps, a nice regional map on the inside cover, and detailed route descriptions, this is a book San Diego hikers can revisit on a regular basis. Those seeking longer and more challenging routes will find it relatively easy to combine several of these hikes. Or they can just get some of McGregor's other books. But this title is a winner for those who enjoy year round day hiking. It is simply hard to beat what San Diego county has to offer.

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