(KGTV) - If your New Year's resolution is to see and experience San Diego County's natural beauty, county park rangers have put together a list of 10 hiking trails to try out this year.
The trails recommended by park rangers vary in terms of hiking difficulty, distance and elevation, with some trails like La Orilla Trail considered easy to accomplish but trails like El Cajon Mountain trail listed on the harder side.
Among the trails to try:
La Orilla Trail at the San Elijo Ecological Reserve
La Orilla Trail begins on the east side of San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve and continues westward for about 3.5 miles. Enjoy a stroll through four distinct plant communities: from the shade of riparian woodlands, farther down to the marsh, along hillside chaparral and coastal sage scrub. Listen for the tapping of woodpeckers, or watch for mule deer grazing vegetation along creek banks. Sections of the trail can be muddy during the winter rainy season. - https://www.sanelijo.org/la_orilla
Flinn Peak Trail at Flinn Springs County Park
Shaded oak groves, a year-round stream, and grassy meadows have made Flinn Springs County Park a favorite East San Diego County destination for generations. This 40-acre park offers something for everyone, whether you’re looking for a place for a picnic, a special event, or just seek some exercise or family time in a beautiful natural location.
Visit the park and you’ll enjoy 2.5 miles of hiking trails, ballfields, picnic benches, play areas and restrooms. There’s also s gazebo and a covered 500-person capacity reception area, making this unique setting is a popular choice for everything from small family gatherings to events and weddings. - http://www.sdparks.org
Old Survey Road 97 at Ramona Grasslands County Preserve
The Preserve area once contained the Indian village of Pa’mu (which means “resting place” or “shrub”), and includes culturally important springs referred to as ‘Aha-ah-awk (meaning “two springs” or “male and female”).
During World War II, Navy bomber pilots trained at the present-day Ramona Airport by dropping explosives on chalk targets to the south—in one training mission, they bombed a “battleship” shape formed by carefully placed rocks in the southeast portion of the Preserve. - www.sandiegocounty.gov
Kanaka Loop Trail at Santa Ysabel East County Preserve
Oak woodlands, native grasslands and fields of wildflowers are some of the settings you’ll experience during your hiking, biking and riding adventures within the boundaries of this 3,800 acre preserve.
More than 13 miles of multi-use trails wind through various habitats in this scenic mountain preserve. - www.sandiegocounty.gov
El Cajon Mountain trail at El Capitan County Preserve
El Capitan Preserve boasts a view of three reservoirs from one location in the park. Some 11 miles of trails provide a rugged route along a granite-ribbed ridgeline with stunning views of both ocean and mountains.
This hike is considered strenuous and can easily take up to 6 hours to complete. There is very little shade along the way. Make sure you observe signs, wear the proper attire and sun protection, and bring plenty of water. - http://www.sdparks.org
Click here to view the county's full list of recommended trails
