Annie's Canyon is a short hike in Solana Beach, part of San Diego County, with some fun scrambling in a small sandstone canyon. It was off limits for a long time and had become a graffiti-ridden location until some residents took up the cause to make it beautiful again. Annie's Canyon Trail via Solana Hills Trail is a 2.2 mile heavily trafficked loop trail located near Solana Beach, California that features a lake and is good for all skill levels. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, and nature trips and is accessible year-round. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.
Annie's Canyon Trail is more a destination than a trail. Or perhaps it's best described as a 'trail within a trail' – part of the San Elijo Lagoon Reserve trails. Our short 1.5 mile round trip trek started at the north end of North Rios Avenue. (Find parking information, maps and a trail guide online.) We parked at the cul-de-sac and followed the trail easterly along the San Elijo Lagoon. You'll quickly see it really is an interpretive nature trail complete with park benches and label posts for trees, bushes and other flora. Look up ahead you'll see Interstate 5; look back over your shoulder, you'll see the lagoon and a glimpse of the ocean.
In less than half a mile, you'll reach a fork to the right. Continue walking, as this only is another neighborhood access point, not the direction to Annie's Canyon. However, if you want to make a side trip you can, but there's not really much to see along this section, except for a very large tree. On a warm day, you may want to enjoy the shade of this old twisted trunk and limbs of what may be a eucalyptus tree (I'm not sure). It reminded me of the 'tree of life' from Game of Thrones or other fantasy fiction.
Back to the main trail, continue heading east until you see the Annie's Canyon sign. Now here's where we were a bit confused. We knew this was a loop canyon hike, but didn't realize it was a one-way loop. The recommendation is to stay to the right and climb up through the slot canyon up to the viewpoint and complete the loop on the other side. We took the left trail, which indicated a more moderate ascent. When we reached the viewpoint, we realized we should have taken the other direction.
At the top, looking west are sweeping views of the lagoon, the ocean, and the occasional water birds surveying the landscape. Looking east, the fast moving freeway traffic between Solana Beach and Encinitas is a reminder you're still in the city.
Once at the top, we enjoyed our views, snapped a few photos and backtracked down, and around, headed up the canyon slot section for a little ways. But the afternoon was slipping away, and we wanted to enjoy some beach time at Fletcher's Cove so we cut our short hike even shorter, and headed back to the car.
The San Diego area is one of our perfect getaway destinations, because it has everything we enjoy — taking a morning hike through the canyons and lagoon parks, followed by a few hours at the beach, then topping it off with a dinner of pizza and local craft brews.
Added by Jussi Oksanen
Awesome short and easy hike. A fun place to explore with the whole family -- even the littlest kids -- and a great spot to watch the sun set!
If you're looking for a super short hike, this 10 minute flat walk couldn't be more ideal. Start at 840 N Rios Avenue, Solana beach and walk east towards the FWY 5 where you will see Annie's Canyon on your right. There is only one way to go up the canyons and it gets pretty tight in places, but you'll discover some cool little hideaway spots along the way.
You'll notice a few trails going up the walls, but be aware that while they are fairly mellow heading up, coming down is a different story. And remember: it's sand! It can get really slippery at times which is not ideal when you find yourself 30 foot high..
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At the top of the canyons you will find some stairs that lead to the top. From there you get an amazing view of the canyons and the San Elijo Lagoon. It's the perfect place to take some snacks while watching the sun set over the ocean. Just remember to take your trash with you!
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Reviews
R G
Annie's Slot Canyon San Diego Ca
over 1 year ago
Fun for all ages!
You start on the Rios Trail and end up over at Annie's Canyon Trail. It splits into 'View Point- moderate' (stairs) and the 'One Way Loop- strenuous' (canyon). The canyon trail is definitely tight and a bit hard at points, but super fun and worth it. There were kids and toddlers going through the canyons with ease as well! There is a ladder at the end that you must climb to the top, but it is not difficult for adults or even children. The hike is generally flat/slightly downhill for .6 miles, until you get to the fork in the trail for the canyons and stairs. The stairs take you up to the top of the view point, which is also where the canyon loop leads as well. There were plenty of trees and brush which provided a great amount of shade along the Rios Trail. It was beautiful hiking along the lagoon and seeing it from the top of the view point! We all had fun and definitely recommend it.
5.0
Robyn Ayers
about 2 years ago
Short hike and fun for kids
We did this hike on a Saturday. So parking was a little challenging as it's street parking in a residential area. I did this with a three year old on foot and a toddler in carrier on my back. There were so precarious moments as far as tightness goes. But it was a great time!
4.0
Michael Munger
over 3 years ago
My adventure
Great getaway for a needed adventure very easy yet 'strenuous'!
5.0
Mark Brechbiel
over 3 years ago
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Join the communityReviews
R G
Annie's Slot Canyon San Diego Ca
over 1 year ago
Fun for all ages!
You start on the Rios Trail and end up over at Annie's Canyon Trail. It splits into 'View Point- moderate' (stairs) and the 'One Way Loop- strenuous' (canyon). The canyon trail is definitely tight and a bit hard at points, but super fun and worth it. There were kids and toddlers going through the canyons with ease as well! There is a ladder at the end that you must climb to the top, but it is not difficult for adults or even children. The hike is generally flat/slightly downhill for .6 miles, until you get to the fork in the trail for the canyons and stairs. The stairs take you up to the top of the view point, which is also where the canyon loop leads as well. There were plenty of trees and brush which provided a great amount of shade along the Rios Trail. It was beautiful hiking along the lagoon and seeing it from the top of the view point! We all had fun and definitely recommend it.
5.0
Robyn Ayers
about 2 years ago
Short hike and fun for kids
We did this hike on a Saturday. So parking was a little challenging as it's street parking in a residential area. I did this with a three year old on foot and a toddler in carrier on my back. There were so precarious moments as far as tightness goes. But it was a great time!
4.0
Michael Munger
over 3 years ago
My adventure
Great getaway for a needed adventure very easy yet 'strenuous'!
5.0
Mark Brechbiel
over 3 years ago
Waves, Wildlife And Canyons; Oh My!
When I first read about the mushroom caves I had no idea what to expect. I knew I was going to be taking my 4 year old so I figured it was gonna be pretty mellow. This place is rad! We actually ended going two days in a row and my little girl did the canyon loop 5 TIMES! It's best to go on a weekday as Sunday was really crowded. Highly recommended and will definitely be going back!
5.0
Elise Heimowitz
over 3 years ago
Short, Easy, Pretty
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Annie's Slot Canyon San Diego Gaslamp
Short easy hike great for families, small children, and dogs. Highly recommend exploring the slot canyon area.
4.0
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