Annie's Canyon Trail


Photo by Lorenzo Menendez

TRAIL RATING: MODERATE TO STRENUOUS

TRAIL LENGTHS (One-Way)

Hike into one of the wildest stretches of San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve. Annie’s Canyon Trail, once prone to vandalism, was restored and opened on June 21, 2016. It is named Annie’s Canyon Trail in honor of a conservancy supporter, Annie, a 30-year resident of Solana Beach who desired to expand and restore wild areas for nature and for people. Whether you hike through the steep switchbacks, or choose the winding path to the overlook, the views of the ocean and lagoon are panoramic.

Annie’s Canyon Trail is a moderate-to-strenuous ¼-mile loop trail accessible from Rios Avenue trail. Naturally eroding sandstone walls create a sense of mystery and wonder. Imagine what this canyon view revealed to the Kumeyaay and early settlers. It’s likely this was a spiritual place for many people with its sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean and lagoon at an elevation of 200-feet above sea level. The canyon was sculpted by water, over time, which poured over sandstone and smoothed its surface into narrow corridors with sandy footing like a dry creek bed. It is deeper than it is wide. Go on a virtual hike here.

  
View From Overlook at 200-foot elevation. Photo by Lorenzo Menendez

The vision of San Elijo Lagoon Conservancy, a Southern California nonprofit land trust, is a world where biodiversity is preserved,
and people act to embrace nature as central to a healthy community.

TRAIL ACCESS - OPEN

During and after periods of significant rain, the canyon portion of the trail will be closed for safety. 

TWO TRAILHEADS:

Lagoon trails are open sunrise to sunset. OFF-TRAIL ACCESS OR ACTIVITY IS NOT PERMITTED. 
Please be mindful of our neighbors and be safe on the trail.

BE A TRAIL AMBASSADOR

Have some time on the weekends for trail volunteering? We invite you to join Trail Ambassadors. It's a way to give back for those, like you, who love the outdoors and want to inspire others to love it even more. Be an Ambassador.

SAN ELIJO LAGOON Reserve Partners

ALLOWED

  • Walk, jog, or hike on established trails only
  • Dogs on a leash no longer than 6 feet. Dogs are not recommended on the strenuous part of the trail.

PROHIBITED

  • Off-trail access
  • Bicycles, motorcycles, and any vehicles
  • Recreational water use: no SUPs, kayaks, canoes, or swimming
  • Smoking, fireworks, or camping/campfires
  • Collection of any plant, animal, or mineral
  • Feeding wildlife, or release of any animal
  • Fishing, hunting, or weapons
  • Litter and dog waste can harm wildlife. Please dispose properly in the provided receptacles.

For a more complete list of regulations and etiquette and a printable map, please visit: SDParks.org.