The Coolest Hike in San Diego

Annie’s Canyon

Nestled in Northern San Diego county, Solano Beach to be exact, is a family friendly hike along the marsh to a short slot canyon loop, complete with ladders.

Park along N Rios Avenue. It’s a neighborhood and parking is limited. There are no restrooms, so make sure to take a bathroom break before you go.

You’ll hike briefly downhill, then along the Marsh. Bring binoculars and look for birds as you go.

The hike is 3.5kms roundtrip. You can make it a loop or do the out and back like we did.

You’ll hear and see highway 5. The canyon is only a couple hundred meters from it.

After meandering along the marsh, you’ll reach a grove of trees with Annie’s Canyon off to the right. There are signs to guide you. Stick to the right to go through this narrow, one-way slot canyon, up the ladders, and towards the lookout point. The view from the top is lovely, and you may choose to hike further up the hill. We opted out of that this time based on kiddo moods.

Then hike down the stairs, back to the grove of trees. You can hike the slot canyon section multiple times, it’s very short, or picnic beneath the eucalyptus before heading back the way you came.