Are you in San Diego and looking for a nice day trip with your kids? San Diego’s Mount Laguna is the perfect spot to get out of town and go hiking with your family.
Located in Cleveland National Forest, it’s a short drive out on 8 East. Take the Sunrise Highway exit just past Pine Valley, then head north along the winding, scenic mountain road. There are many hikes to choose from, but if you are hiking with little ones in tow, Wooded Hill Nature Trail is an excellent choice. Just 1.9 miles long, it is rated as an “easy” trail for all skill levels. This figure-8 loop trail takes you through beautiful pine forests and is shaded most of the way.
To find the trailhead, turn left off Sunrise Highway onto Wooded Hill Road. When you see a turnoff for Wooded Hill Campground, you’ve arrived. The trailhead is on the other side of the road with several spaces to park your vehicle. (Note: As of this writing, recreation passes are not required to park your car at this trailhead.)
If you’re planning a hike with kids, you may be wondering what, exactly, an “easy” hike entails. What may be “easy” to your average, single adult hiker, may be nigh impossible for a mom and toddler. I can tell you that my family of six hiked this trail with no problem at all. J-Bear (5) and J-Fish (4) walked the entire 2 miles with energy to spare. J-Bug (2) also walked the entire 2-mile trail on her own, growing tired only toward the end. Little-J (1) rode in my Ergo carrier.
The single-file, narrow trail winds up the mountainside. There are rocks along the path that are easily stepped over. However, due to the narrow, rocky path and the incline, Wooded Hill Nature Trail is not stroller-friendly. Any non-walkers will need to be worn by Mom or Dad. But if your kids can climb a hill with ease, then this hike is a cinch for them! The tree cover provides ample shade during hot summer days, and the incline is not strenuous. Cell service is spotty, and there are no restrooms near this trail, so make sure your little one is comfortable squatting behind a bush.
Wooded Hill Nature Trail will lead you through a beautiful forest of pine and oak trees. Your child will love examining the large pinecones scattered in abundance on the forest floor or searching for hidden acorns among the leaf litter.
We hiked the trail in May, and there was a sprinkling of wildflowers.
Young children can play peek-a-boo inside hollowed-out tree stumps or climb the many, many boulders along the way.
There are trees covered in lichen and trees charred to a crisp from wildfire.
With few people and a forest canopy full of birds squawking and tweeting, you really feel immersed in nature.