The San Dieguito River Park manages a sprawling natural area across the river valley, anchoring an ambitious project to eventually connect trails from Del Mar all the way out to Volcan Mountain—a vision that’ll someday span over 70 miles once the Coast to Crest Trail is complete. Right now, the park offers plenty of hiking options and serves as both a recreation destination and a place where the community can engage with local natural and cultural history.

The Highland Valley Trail is probably your best starting point if you’re in the Escondido area. It’s a 4-mile out-and-back route that works for hikers at any level, and you can tackle it year-round since the trail stays accessible. The terrain is manageable enough that you’re not scrambling over rocks the whole time, but it’s still engaging enough to feel like a real hike rather than just a walk.

Dogs are allowed on most of the trails throughout the park, which is the main draw for many visitors. Your dog does need to stay on leash the entire time—this protects them from potential hazards and gives other hikers peace of mind, especially on narrower stretches where you might encounter other people or wildlife. Some specific trails within the park do have restrictions, so it’s worth checking their trails information before you head out if you’re planning to explore beyond Highland Valley.

The park’s setting in the San Dieguito River Valley means you’re walking through genuinely natural landscape rather than manicured park paths. You’ll see native habitat and get a sense of what this area looked like before development. It’s a straightforward, genuine hiking experience without any fancy amenities, which some people love and others find underwhelming. Go in expecting solid trail access and local natural history, and you’ll have a good day out with your dog.