Maura Fox: A short loop along a Tecolote Canyon hillside in San Diego is a post-work day wakeup
SAN DIEGO - I love when I'm pleasantly surprised by a hike.
The online reviews, photos or feedback I get from friends can help give me an idea of a trail, but the experience of hiking can be totally different. And oftentimes, a trail is even better than I expected.
This week, I tried out the Gardena Loop Trail in Tecolote Canyon. I found myself continuously saying "wow" as I journeyed along, especially as the trail climbed up a hillside and offered views of the lush green canyon below me and as it traveled a through a mystical oak forest toward the end. I saw a mix of arroyo willow, chaparral mallow, oak trees and lemonade berry.
Clocking in at just over one mile, the hike only took about half an hour of my time. But the moderate route is one I'll do again. I hiked it after work, and it gave my day a refresh after sitting in an office all day.
Portions of Tecolote Canyon have been under construction for over a year now due to an ongoing sewage line project, but this trail is not currently affected. Be sure to check for any trail updates before heading out to hike in Tecolote Canyon.
To begin, park at the Gardena Loop Trailhead, located on Gardena Avenue on the southern end of Bay Park. There is only street parking available, so be conscious of nearby neighbors when you arrive and leave.
The trail is clearly marked with an information kiosk. It heads east, first on a wide dirt path lined with plants like cactus and chaparral mallow. There is no shade on the first half of the hike.
After walking a little over 500 feet, you'll reach an intersection. This is where the loop begins. I chose to go left first to complete a clockwise loop. The trail immediately starts to ascend - and it's a tough climb that certainly woke me up. But it only lasts about 0.2-miles before it levels out. I stopped at the crest to admire the view around me and catch my breath.
The trail briefly passes behind backyards, but soon enough it descends a steep hillside and hikers begin to make their way back around to complete the loop.
At the 0.6-mile mark, the route flattens again and veers toward the oak forest on the canyon floor. It winds its way through the canopy of trees, and the late afternoon sunlight shone through the leaves. As such a calm environment, it was here that I was able to take the deepest breath I'd taken all day.
Continue west to reach the trailhead where you began. There are a few benches near the start of the trailhead where you can enjoy a post-hike rest if you have the time.
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This story was originally published June 4, 2026 at 2:34 AM.