Annie's Slot Canyon San Diego
We’ve been living here in San Diego for over 7 years and I am still amazed at the new places we find! I can’t believe I didn’t know that these slot canyons existed! I have driven past them a million times and have never slowed down to look or wonder what they were. It makes me wonder what else we have overlooked in our fast paced lives. There is so much beauty all around us that we sometimes don’t look close enough to see!
- Annie’s Canyon is a short hike in Solana Beach, part of San Diego County, with some fun scrambling in a small sandstone canyon. It was off limits for a long time and had become a graffiti-ridden location until some residents took up the cause to make it beautiful again.
- Note some soil erosion on the descending trail from Annie’s Canyon viewpoint and some stairs. The slot canyon’s vertical, narrow areas could aggravate claustrophobia. On the slot canyon path, there are ladder-style stairs, and on the switchback approach, you encounter wooden-plank stairs.
Posted by nancy June 30, 2017 July 3, 2017 Posted in Attractions, Getaways, Hikes Tags: Annie's Canyon, California, day hikes, Encinitas, hiking, San Diego, San Elijo Lagoon, slot canyon, Solana Beach, trails Post navigation.
We took the little trail to the Solana Beach Slot Canyons aka: Annie’s Canyon and it did not disappoint! The trail was easy and mellow, even with our 18 month old in tow. He and Ezzy walked the trail, throwing rocks and climbing roots and branches on the way. So many wild flowers are out right now and the trail runs right along the lagoon with views of the ocean, it is so pretty and serene. It is a large conservation area as well, and even though it is just right off the freeway, it feels untouched and quiet.
The canyon itself was a quick little wiggle-through, easy enough for Ezra and Clay carried Curren on his shoulders. The white sandstone rocks are sooo pretty! If you ever get to Southern California/ San Diego area, this is a really quick one hour (in and out) “hike” for the whole family. P.S. there is a sign that says “<—moderate or treacherous —>” Not sure their definition of treacherous, but go the treacherous route. It’s not. 😂
In Southern California, the clouds are always in and out, especially near the coast. Rain, especially in the winter months and during “June gloom” is inevitable! But if you know us, (and especially if you know Curren 😂) you know the rain doesn’t keep us away! We actually love and embrace it! 😍 Curren is our rain loving baby.
I have a bunch of gear from Backcountry that is light enough for the in-and-out sun, and will also keep us dry! I am in love with this North Face pull over, especially for the front zip pocket and that it folds up super small, I can roll it up and keep in our day bag. Also, whoever says Teva’s aren’t the most comfortable and versatile shoe is wrong. 😂 I have been wearing these ALL THE TIME. I took them to Hawaii too… just about the only shoe you need there. 😂 Pool, beach, hikes, biking… yup, Teva’s are the only way to go.
I got the kiddos these matching Patagonia jackets 😍, they’re great little windbreaker jackets and also repel water. Everything is linked below!
Annie's Slot Canyon San Diego Restaurants
What are some places near you that you love but maybe overlooked at first? I am always looking for the next place to travel… but it’s kind of nice to see what’s in your own backyard first.
Use Code MARYL15 for 15% off your purchase at Backcountry.com! 🙌🏻
Annie’s Canyon is a short hike in Solana Beach, part of San Diego County, with some fun scrambling in a small sandstone canyon. It was off limits for a long time and had become a graffiti-ridden location until some residents took up the cause to make it beautiful again. The trail opened a few years ago, and it still looks much better than I anticipated it looking. Plus, it is a great short hike that older kids would enjoy as well; here is all the information.
Details
- 1.5 miles round trip, only .25 in the canyon
- 100 feet of elevation gain
- This information is from my visit in 2018
Getting There
From San Diego, you will take the 5 Freeway North and get off on exit 37 (Lomas Santa Fe Dr). Turn left and then proceed to N Rios Ave, where you will turn right. The trailhead is right at the end of the street, and you can park on the street (observe any posted signs).
The Trail
After parking in the small cul-de-sac, you will head to the end and see a trail that goes off to the right.
This trail has numerous signs pointing you to Annie’s Canyon, which is about a half mile away.
The trail is beautiful as it goes along the ecological preserve and has some wetlands to look over.
There are multiple benches you can take a break at while on the hike as well, but it is mostly flat in this section.
Eventually, you will reach a split in the trail with one way heading up to the viewpoint and the other heading into Annie’s Canyon.
This area forms a small loop, so you will end at the top of the viewpoint when you come out of the canyon.
The canyon starts wide, but after the first bend, it begins to narrow quickly.
The path is pretty easy to follow, as there are signs that mark the places you are not supposed to go.
On the trail, you will be squeezing along the rocks and using your hands to help get yourself to the next area. It is not that difficult, but it does take a little time.
On one of the uphill portions, there is a split that takes you to a small cave and shows you what the area looked like before it got cleaned up.
Continuing on, you will make it to the metal stairs that will take you the rest of the way out of the canyon.
When you get out and are at the viewpoint, you will have an excellent view back down where you just came up.
Annie's Slot Canyon San Diego Gaslamp
The terrain here reminds me a lot of Torrey Pines with the rough eroding stone making up the hillside.
This is also a great view out over the preserve and all the way to the ocean in the distance.
From here, you will head down the switchbacks to where you headed onto the Annie’s Canyon trail and can make your way back to where you started the hike.
While this hike doesn’t take very long, it is still an impressive escape in the city and a fun family hike with older kids. Check it out and let me know what you think in the comments.