Hike of the week: 5 shady hikes for the heat of summer
Sunday is the first official day of summer, and I couldn’t be happier. Perhaps it’s my birthday in July, or the nostalgic memories of being released from school for summer vacation, but this season holds the top spot in my heart.
It’s also often the toughest time of year to hike in San Diego County. Summer can make for dangerous heat and sun exposure, and extreme care should be taken when hiking. In general, you should carry at least half a liter of water per hour of moderate activity - more when it's hot - and avoid trails with excessive sun exposure.
To help with that, here are five shady hikes to do this summer. I’d also recommend heading to the coast on especially hot days.
Santa Margarita River Trail
An easy 5-mile trail winds along - and sometimes through - the Santa Margarita River in Fallbrook, passing under shady oak trees and offering several benches to stop and enjoy the scenery. The river is one of the few perennial rivers in Southern California, so you can find water flowing here year-round. The area is gorgeous, with green and lush vegetation.
Del Mar Mesa Preserve out-and-back
Small bits of sun may be able to sneak through the thick branches of this preserve’s oak trees, but the tree canopy is largely an effective barrier. I'd encourage an explorer's mentality on this nearly 4.5-mile out-and-back hike, especially since the trails aren't all labeled. Rest assured that many of the trails are interconnected if you do find yourself off path.
Los Penasquitos Canyon Preserve loop
The canyon is a great place to explore at the end of a warm summer day. Most of this 4-mile loop, starting at the Camino Ruiz Neighborhood Park in Mira Mesa, is shaded by large trees and creek crossings help make the temperature feel cooler. Keep your eyes peeled for deer grazing in the canyon’s tall grasses.
Felicita County Park trails
Spanning close to 350 acres, this park is situated in a southwest Escondido valley and shaded by giant oak trees. The Felicita Creek runs through the park year round, and there's a network of 2.5-miles of trails. This 1-mile magical route travels along the creek.
Lower Otay Reservoir
There are many sections on this roughly 4.3-mile out-and-back hike shaded by eucalyptus trees, but some parts of this trail are exposed to the sun, so it's best to go early or later in the evening (which is true of most hikes in the summertime). It skirts the western edge of the reservoir and offers pretty views of the water.
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This story was originally published June 18, 2026 at 5:55 PM.