Uncover the Secrets of Annie's Canyon Trail San Diego

Beautiful and different place. You can take beautiful photos of the landscape. An important recommendation: since it is close to the road, therefore easy to access, many people go there. If you plan to go on the weekend, go very early, before 9:30 am, otherwise you will be stuck in the middle of the canyon in a line of people as if you were at Disney. This spoils the spirit of adventure in nature and the chance to take photos only of the landscapes. I will go back there but for sure on a weekday and early. Free street parking but after 11:30 am it can be difficult to park, there are no bathrooms. Some parts are very narrow, you need to go sideways to get through the canyon. It is best to just take a bottle of water. You cannot take animals from the moment you enter the canyon.

Annie’s Canyon Trail in San Diego offers a lovely and relaxing walk with incredible wildlife views that make it an enjoyable outing for all ages. The highlight of the trail is undoubtedly the slot canyon—a unique and fun geographic adventure that’s hard to believe exists right in the heart of the city! The slot canyon itself, however, is not without its challenges. It features some surprising obstacles, including narrow passages, a bit of climbing and scrambling, and even a ladder that may not be suitable for everyone. If you have knee or joint issues or are unable to jump down 12-14 inches comfortably, this may not be the right trail for you. While it’s doable for many, it’s something to consider before attempting the slot canyon portion. We explored the trail with our young nieces and nephews, and they absolutely loved the adventure. That said, the day we went was incredibly crowded, which made the experience a bit less enjoyable. We often found ourselves stuck behind groups who would stop for long periods to take photos in the narrow slot canyon, creating backups and testing our patience. One unfortunate aspect of the trail is the widespread rock defacement and scratches on the walls of the canyon. It’s disappointing to see such a beautiful natural feature marred by vandalism. I hope future visitors will show more respect for this unique landscape. Despite these drawbacks, the overall experience was worthwhile. The views along the trail are stunning, and the slot canyon itself is a one-of-a-kind experience. If you’re looking for a mix of nature, adventure, and great photo opportunities (and are prepared for the challenges and potential crowds), Annie’s Canyon Trail is worth a visit! Just be mindful of the obstacles, and try to visit during less crowded times to fully enjoy the beauty of this hidden gem.

Such a unique experience. I wouldn’t really call the slot canyon itself “difficult,” as it is probably less than 1/4 mile, but there are steps needed to reach the top. The hike back to the parking area is steep but very gradual. We really enjoyed it!

A great place for a hike with amazing views of the lagoon and the Pacific ocean. Lots of people walking their dogs and kids. There is a bunch of hills so be prepared for a moderate climb. Plenty of free street parking. Well worth it for the great views and exercise :)

I recently hiked Annie's Canyon Trail at 2550 Via Poco, Cardiff, CA 92007, with my service dog, Richard. The slot canyon's narrow passages were a thrilling experience, and the ladders near the end, though challenging, added an exciting twist to the adventure. Richard navigated the terrain well, and we both enjoyed the unique features of this trail. It's a must-visit for those seeking a distinctive hiking experience in the San Elijo Lagoon area.