By Thesleeplessmom Annie's Canyon trail is a San Diego County coastal favorite. Not only is it one of San Diego's best kept secrets, but it's also a super cool slot canyon! Nestled within the San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve, it was once a run down canyon inhabited by transients, plagued with illicit drug use and vandalism. As the trail has become instantly popular with San Diego hikers, it appears this will be an effective tactic. The Annie's Canyon Trail is located about halfway between the N. Rios Avenue trailhead and the Solana Hills Drive trailhead in the southwest region of the Reserve. The slot canyon in Anza Borrego is one of those hikes that you never realized you had right in California. The slot is a beautiful natural formation nestled in the heart of Anza Borrego State Park, about an hour and a half east of San Diego. The park has no fees to enter and hundreds of miles to explore and off-road through. Slot canyons are narrower than they are deep, often to an extreme degree. Formed by flowing water eroding rock in a tight seam over millions of years, some canyons feature dramatic sculpturing of the nearly vertical cliffs. This reminded me a lot of Annie's Canyon, which is a coastal slot canyon in Solana Beach. Hiking in Borrego Springs, CA.
Annie's Canyon trail is a San Diego County coastal favorite. Not only is it one of San Diego's best kept secrets, but it's also a super cool slot canyon! Nestled within the San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve, it was once a run down canyon inhabited by transients, plagued with illicit drug use and vandalism. As the story goes, local residents and a very generous donation from a person named 'Annie' had the area cleaned up and revitalized.
The N. Rios Avenue trailhead now provides a fabulous family friendly scenic 1.5 mile hike. It's rapidly gaining notoriety for its Instagram worthy sandstone canyon photo opportunities. If you want a longer hike (about 8 miles), begin on the other side of the San Elijo Reserve at the La Orilla trailhead. For the full video scroll all the way to the bottom.
N. Rios Avenue Trailhead location
Located in Solana Beach, head west on Lomas Sante Fe from the 5 freeway and hang a right on N. Rios Avenue. Head down this sleepy residential street boasting with 'drive like your kids live here' signs. As you approach the cul-de-sac, look for street parking. It's open from sunrise to sunset however best to come early if you want to beat the crowds and the heat.
Trail Details
The trail starts with a few wide flat steps down into the Reserve. During the many trips we have made, we have never seen a stroller. This is likely due to the periodic steps coupled with the narrow trails. The trails are toddler friendly and babies are usually worn in pouches or hiking packs. Today, my 7 year old, 4 year old and 4 month old (in a front wearing pouch) made the hike. Leashed dogs are welcome but leave Fido at home if you plan to hike the difficult (sandstone slot canyon) side of Annie's Canyon. No dogs allowed in this part since it's one way, very narrow, has 2 challenging step ups (about 3′ high) and ends with a steep ladder.
As you stroll along under the tree canopy, it's chilly. However, the air warms once the path flattens out as it drops down into the reserve (wear a hat, it gets sunny). When you reach the green Annie's Canyon sign (pictured below), you can continue on (to the right) or hang a left to stroll along the salt marsh/wetland. The path along the marsh does eventually circle back up to the main pathway.
The Salt Marsh
The pathway parallels the marsh/wetlands and kids will likely see ducks, fish, lizards and possibly some fun animal footprints (we saw raccoon prints today). This wetland is filled with over a thousand species of plants and animals. After passing the salt marsh/wetland, the path will take you back up to the main trail. If you want to continue on to Annie's Canyon, hang a left. Continue on until you get to a large open area (with a dead palm tree) and follow the path up to your right. At this point you will see the brown Annie's Canyon sign (pictured below), then you will reach another green trail sign (also pictured below).
Annie's Canyon Trail
Slot Canyon San Diego Beach
The 'difficult' trail through the sandstone canyon is one-way, gets narrow and a bit cramped, which means… no going backwards! This is especially tricky during crowded times if you missed a photo opportunity or if you dropped something (like I have done). Also, if you know you'll be slow, best to let others pass in the beginning (before getting too far into it).
As the path winds through the sandstone slot canyon, there are 2 challenging parts where you have to step up about 3 feet. Toddlers will need a boost up and adults with babies in carriers may need a hand since there is very little to grab onto (the sandstone walls are smooth here). This is also the case when you get to the steep ladder towards the end. (the Annie's Canyon trail starts at about 2:45 in the video below).
After climbing the ladder you have reached the top! Many more amazing views across the wetland and to the ocean. To get down, there are some wide steps and slightly steep switchbacks. Eventually, bringing you back to the original path.
It's a wonderful outdoor family friendly coastal activity. A family favorite activity for us!
For more information about Annie's Canyon, visit the Nature Collective. Websters dictionary gambling.
If you are local to California and are looking for an incredible ski vacation with the kids check out How to Ski Mammoth With Kids.
For years, the area known as 'The Mushrooms Caves' in San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve was off-limits. Of course that only prevented responsible, law-abiding hikers from going there. Vandals and ruffians still frequented the location, defacing the delicate sandstone canyon walls with graffiti and carvings, and using the area as a party spot.
Thanks to a generous donation by someone known only as 'Annie,' as well as tremendous effort by volunteers, the area has been cleaned up and a new trail known as 'Annie's Canyon Trail' has been established. The hope is that by opening the area to the public it will no longer be a desirable hangout for illicit activities. As the trail has become instantly popular with San Diego hikers, it appears this will be an effective tactic.
The Annie's Canyon Trail is located about halfway between the N. Rios Avenue trailhead and the Solana Hills Drive trailhead in the southwest region of the Reserve. Official trail maps have yet to be updated, but the new trail is pretty simple to find.
We decided to start from the Solana Hills trailhead since it appeared to have more parking and more hill climbing than the N. Rios Avenue trailhead. If you want a slightly easier route, I think N. Rios Avenue is your best bet. If you're looking for a much longer excursion (8 miles or so round trip), you can start at the La Orilla trailhead at the opposite end of the Reserve.
We got an early start since we knew it was going to be a hot day, and were the only car parked near the trailhead when we arrived. The entrance to the Reserve was easy to spot at the end of Solana Hills Drive.
We made our way uphill along the wide, gravel path. Best five dollar slots. We could hear traffic noise from I-5 down the hill on our right, but it was otherwise a beautiful and peaceful morning.
Honeybees buzzed lazily through the flowering buckwheat.
At the top of the hill we found an informational kiosk where another neighborhood access trail joined from the left. We continued straight.
The trail descended briefly, then climbed another small rise.
From here, we had a long downhill trek, with views of the freeway and the Lagoon beyond.
Around .4 mile, a narrow single-track branched off to the left. This would reconnect with the main trail again shortly so you can go either way, but we stuck to the wide, main path and continued straight. In another .1 mile there was another branch to the right, this one leading to the eastern half of the Reserve. We continued on the main trail as it bent left.
The trail soon entered a thick grove of Eucalyptus trees, providing some much appreciated shade on a warm summer morning. There was fresh mulch on the ground here, and we suspected we were getting close to the new trail.
At just over .6 miles, we found the first of two entrances to the Annie's Canyon Trail.
We went about 20 feet up the trail to the second entrance, just because we wanted to see everything, but both routes will take you to the same spot.
Annie's Slot Canyon San Diego
We came to a green sign at the entrance of the canyon. To the left was the out and back route up to a view point for those who don't want to traverse the narrow canyon. As we'd soon find out, the canyon is a bit more challenging than your average San Diego hike, so it's nice to have the view point option if you're not up to the full route. If you have a dog with you or a baby carrier, stick to the view point. The route through the canyon is a one-way loop – there's NO room for people to pass, so make sure you travel counter clockwise here if you want to do the full loop.
Canyon Slots San Diego Login
We were going for the full experience, so followed the path to the right. At the start, the trail was nice and wide with brush on either side.
As we continued, the brush disappeared and the canyon narrowed.
You could still see bits of paint and carvings along the delicate sandstone walls on either side if you looked carefully, but a lot of work had clearly been done to clean up the area and try to restore its natural beauty. It was easy to know which way to turn as the wrong paths were blocked with chains and colorful signs reminding us to share this beautiful spot with its natural inhabitants.
The canyon continued to narrow, but so far we could walk normally along the trail.
We came upon a trail marker pointing to the left and dutifully followed it.
It started to get a little bit tight here, but we were able to squeeze through with only a little effort.
On the left we found a small cave we could climb in and explore. Here some painted graffiti was still intact, giving us an idea of exactly how distressed the canyon had been before the cleanup process.
Canyon Slots San Diego Casino
We continued squeezing our way up the ever-narrowing canyon, quickly reaching a spot where we had to use indentations in the canyon walls as foot and hand holds to make our way through.
Slot Canyon San Diego Beach
The 'difficult' trail through the sandstone canyon is one-way, gets narrow and a bit cramped, which means… no going backwards! This is especially tricky during crowded times if you missed a photo opportunity or if you dropped something (like I have done). Also, if you know you'll be slow, best to let others pass in the beginning (before getting too far into it).
As the path winds through the sandstone slot canyon, there are 2 challenging parts where you have to step up about 3 feet. Toddlers will need a boost up and adults with babies in carriers may need a hand since there is very little to grab onto (the sandstone walls are smooth here). This is also the case when you get to the steep ladder towards the end. (the Annie's Canyon trail starts at about 2:45 in the video below).
After climbing the ladder you have reached the top! Many more amazing views across the wetland and to the ocean. To get down, there are some wide steps and slightly steep switchbacks. Eventually, bringing you back to the original path.
It's a wonderful outdoor family friendly coastal activity. A family favorite activity for us!
For more information about Annie's Canyon, visit the Nature Collective. Websters dictionary gambling.
If you are local to California and are looking for an incredible ski vacation with the kids check out How to Ski Mammoth With Kids.
For years, the area known as 'The Mushrooms Caves' in San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve was off-limits. Of course that only prevented responsible, law-abiding hikers from going there. Vandals and ruffians still frequented the location, defacing the delicate sandstone canyon walls with graffiti and carvings, and using the area as a party spot.
Thanks to a generous donation by someone known only as 'Annie,' as well as tremendous effort by volunteers, the area has been cleaned up and a new trail known as 'Annie's Canyon Trail' has been established. The hope is that by opening the area to the public it will no longer be a desirable hangout for illicit activities. As the trail has become instantly popular with San Diego hikers, it appears this will be an effective tactic.
The Annie's Canyon Trail is located about halfway between the N. Rios Avenue trailhead and the Solana Hills Drive trailhead in the southwest region of the Reserve. Official trail maps have yet to be updated, but the new trail is pretty simple to find.
We decided to start from the Solana Hills trailhead since it appeared to have more parking and more hill climbing than the N. Rios Avenue trailhead. If you want a slightly easier route, I think N. Rios Avenue is your best bet. If you're looking for a much longer excursion (8 miles or so round trip), you can start at the La Orilla trailhead at the opposite end of the Reserve.
We got an early start since we knew it was going to be a hot day, and were the only car parked near the trailhead when we arrived. The entrance to the Reserve was easy to spot at the end of Solana Hills Drive.
We made our way uphill along the wide, gravel path. Best five dollar slots. We could hear traffic noise from I-5 down the hill on our right, but it was otherwise a beautiful and peaceful morning.
Honeybees buzzed lazily through the flowering buckwheat.
At the top of the hill we found an informational kiosk where another neighborhood access trail joined from the left. We continued straight.
The trail descended briefly, then climbed another small rise.
From here, we had a long downhill trek, with views of the freeway and the Lagoon beyond.
Around .4 mile, a narrow single-track branched off to the left. This would reconnect with the main trail again shortly so you can go either way, but we stuck to the wide, main path and continued straight. In another .1 mile there was another branch to the right, this one leading to the eastern half of the Reserve. We continued on the main trail as it bent left.
The trail soon entered a thick grove of Eucalyptus trees, providing some much appreciated shade on a warm summer morning. There was fresh mulch on the ground here, and we suspected we were getting close to the new trail.
At just over .6 miles, we found the first of two entrances to the Annie's Canyon Trail.
We went about 20 feet up the trail to the second entrance, just because we wanted to see everything, but both routes will take you to the same spot.
Annie's Slot Canyon San Diego
We came to a green sign at the entrance of the canyon. To the left was the out and back route up to a view point for those who don't want to traverse the narrow canyon. As we'd soon find out, the canyon is a bit more challenging than your average San Diego hike, so it's nice to have the view point option if you're not up to the full route. If you have a dog with you or a baby carrier, stick to the view point. The route through the canyon is a one-way loop – there's NO room for people to pass, so make sure you travel counter clockwise here if you want to do the full loop.
Canyon Slots San Diego Login
We were going for the full experience, so followed the path to the right. At the start, the trail was nice and wide with brush on either side.
As we continued, the brush disappeared and the canyon narrowed.
You could still see bits of paint and carvings along the delicate sandstone walls on either side if you looked carefully, but a lot of work had clearly been done to clean up the area and try to restore its natural beauty. It was easy to know which way to turn as the wrong paths were blocked with chains and colorful signs reminding us to share this beautiful spot with its natural inhabitants.
The canyon continued to narrow, but so far we could walk normally along the trail.
We came upon a trail marker pointing to the left and dutifully followed it.
It started to get a little bit tight here, but we were able to squeeze through with only a little effort.
On the left we found a small cave we could climb in and explore. Here some painted graffiti was still intact, giving us an idea of exactly how distressed the canyon had been before the cleanup process.
Canyon Slots San Diego Casino
We continued squeezing our way up the ever-narrowing canyon, quickly reaching a spot where we had to use indentations in the canyon walls as foot and hand holds to make our way through.
While this was definitely more challenging than a normal hiking trail, it was really pretty short and we were able to get through without too much drama. Keep in mind though, this trail has quickly become quite popular and there is zero room for passing, so make sure you exercise some patience and consideration if you get stuck behind a slower hiker (or some hiking bloggers who stop periodically to take pictures. Sorry!) By this point it was clear that this was not a good hike to bring a dog on.
Before long we came upon a metal ladder which assisted us up and over a high wall.
From there it was just a little more squeezing and pulling ourselves through until we eventually emerged at the view point area.
From here we could see down into the canyon through which we'd just come.
We could also admire the tops of the sculpted sandstone cliffs.
After taking in the views, we continued down the trail, getting some great vistas of the western side of the lagoon and Pacific Ocean beyond.
This side of the trail was a bit narrow in spots, but had sturdy stairs and was nothing like the squeeze through the canyon had been.
We made our way down several steep switchbacks. The sides of the trail had new plantings in many spots that had not yet grown in, but I expect this will be an even more awesome trail once everything is established.
We quickly finished the descent and found ourselves at the start of the loop. From here, we retraced our route to our starting point.
Directions:
From I-5, take the Lomas Santa Fe exit and head west on Lomas Santa Fe. Turn right onto Solana Hills Drive and follow it to the end where you will find the trailhead. Park along the street. map
| Total Distance: | 1.6 miles |
| Difficulty: | Moderate |
| Total Ascent: | 540 feet |
| Dog Friendly?: | Leashed dogs are allowed but not recommended through the canyon |
| Bike Friendly?: | Bikes not allowed |
| Facilities: | None |
| Fees/Permits: | None |
For more information, visit:
San Elijo Lagoon Conservancy – Annie's Canyon Trail
San Diego County Parks and Recreation – San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve
Virtual Tour of Annie's Canyon
View route or download GPX in CalTopo
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