Anchor ads are not supported on this page.

4S Ranch Allied Gardens Alpine Baja Balboa Park Bankers Hill Barrio Logan Bay Ho Bay Park Black Mountain Ranch Blossom Valley Bonita Bonsall Borrego Springs Boulevard Campo Cardiff-by-the-Sea Carlsbad Carmel Mountain Carmel Valley Chollas View Chula Vista City College City Heights Clairemont College Area Coronado CSU San Marcos Cuyamaca College Del Cerro Del Mar Descanso Downtown San Diego Eastlake East Village El Cajon Emerald Hills Encanto Encinitas Escondido Fallbrook Fletcher Hills Golden Hill Grant Hill Grantville Grossmont College Guatay Harbor Island Hillcrest Imperial Beach Imperial Valley Jacumba Jamacha-Lomita Jamul Julian Kearny Mesa Kensington La Jolla Lakeside La Mesa Lemon Grove Leucadia Liberty Station Lincoln Acres Lincoln Park Linda Vista Little Italy Logan Heights Mesa College Midway District MiraCosta College Miramar Miramar College Mira Mesa Mission Beach Mission Hills Mission Valley Mountain View Mount Hope Mount Laguna National City Nestor Normal Heights North Park Oak Park Ocean Beach Oceanside Old Town Otay Mesa Pacific Beach Pala Palomar College Palomar Mountain Paradise Hills Pauma Valley Pine Valley Point Loma Point Loma Nazarene Potrero Poway Rainbow Ramona Rancho Bernardo Rancho Penasquitos Rancho San Diego Rancho Santa Fe Rolando San Carlos San Marcos San Onofre Santa Ysabel Santee San Ysidro Scripps Ranch SDSU Serra Mesa Shelltown Shelter Island Sherman Heights Skyline Solana Beach Sorrento Valley Southcrest South Park Southwestern College Spring Valley Stockton Talmadge Temecula Tierrasanta Tijuana UCSD University City University Heights USD Valencia Park Valley Center Vista Warner Springs

A wild but happening place

Annie's Canyon Trail takes you through a wide variety of habitats

The trail heads through a tunnel of vegetation
The trail heads through a tunnel of vegetation

Annie’s Canyon Trail goes through a variety of habitats, including riparian forest, coastal sage scrub, chaparral, and salt water marsh. It also has an amazing slot canyon. There are outstanding views of the ocean, lagoon, and the ongoing major freeway expansion as well as the extensive habitat restoration in the lagoon itself. It is a wild but happening place.

From the trailhead, you begin by walking through a dense riparian forest with overarching willows, cottonwoods, mule fat, and toyon. In about 0.1 mile, you have a viewpoint on the left out into the wetlands. There is much evidence of ongoing habitat restoration here, with numerous recent plantings of native California species by volunteers from the San Elijo Lagoon Conservancy. In another 0.1 mile the trail enters coastal sage scrub habitat, dominated by flat top buckwheat, black sage (currently in flower), lemonadeberry, and California sagebrush. An array of the common fiddleneck (Amsincka intermedia) with bright yellow flowers fills the open areas between shrubs. The even brighter yellow flowers of the large, tree-like cyclops acacia, an abundant but non-native species that flowers in early spring, are just up ahead.

Sponsored
Sponsored
The slot canyon trail narrows

At about 0.6 mile from the trailhead, you reach a eucalyptus grove where you will see a green sign for “Annie’s Canyon Trail” with arrows pointing right and left. This whole area was very run-down and off-limits to the public until funds were donated by a long-time San Elijo Lagoon Conservancy supporter named Annie. With the help of many groups and volunteers, the area was cleaned up and restored, a great gift on behalf of the environment and people. The arrow to the right points to a one-way loop, a strenuous trail that becomes exceedingly narrow as it progresses upward through an eroded sandstone slot. To the left, the arrow points to a

moderate, well-maintained trail with a series of switchbacks. There is breathtaking scenery and views down into the canyon itself that eventually take you to the summit viewpoint. If you go up the slot canyon trail, the more strenuous choice, you will come down to the same summit viewpoint and then loop back through the switchbacks to the trailhead. Both trails are about 0.25 mile long, so either way you walk 0.5 mile for the trip. The slot canyon includes a short diversion into a cave that is still marred by an array of graffiti, the sandstone too delicate for removal. You can see photos of the cave before the clean-up on the internet, as well this video that give you a preview of the trail as it is today.

Video:

Annie's Canyon Virtual Hike

After exploring Annie’s Canyon, continue your hike to the east on what is now called the Solana Hills Trail. Though currently closed a short distance ahead, it connects to a short trail heading north, out toward the wetlands. As it turns west, it skirts the wetlands, often at the border between salt marsh vegetation and coastal sage scrub. The San Elijo Lagoon map calls this trail the Gemma Parks Loop, so named to recognize the contributions of this naturalist to the preservation of the Lagoon. It is an interpretative trail with many labeled plants, though not necessarily reflecting current reality. On your right, you will find pickleweed, some tule, alkaline heath, California cord grass, and salt grass, among many other salt-tolerant species.

Gemma Parks Loop Trail is next to the wetlands

Many birds depend on the wetlands and mudflats. There is a local population of marsh wrens that overwinter in the lagoon and probably nest here as well. The Ridgway rail depends on cord grass for its survival and, as the cord grass continues to make a comeback, it is hoped that this endangered species also will come back.

Directions: (Solana Beach) From I-5, exit at Lomas Santa Fe Drive and continue west one mile to Rios Drive. Turn right on (N) Rios Drive and follow it about 1 mile to the end of the road, addressed on Google as 126 Solana Point Circle. Park on the street at the curb. Although marked on Google Maps as “Mushroom Caves Trailhead,” it is the trailhead for Annie’s Trail and the temporarily closed “Solana Point Circle and Pole Road Trails.” Freeway construction and habitat restoration have led to closure of a number of trails in the San Elijo Lagoon, but Annie’s Trail is open from this trailhead.

Hiking length: 2+ miles, loop. Allow 1.5 hours hiking time.

Difficulty: Easy but includes a strenuous alternative. Elevation gain/loss: 300 feet. Leashed dogs allowed on trail.

The latest copy of the Reader

Please enjoy this clickable Reader flipbook. Linked text and ads are flash-highlighted in blue for your convenience. To enhance your viewing, please open full screen mode by clicking the icon on the far right of the black flipbook toolbar.

Here's something you might be interested in.
Submit a free classified
or view all
Previous article

Gonzo Report: Three nights of Mission Bayfest bring bliss

“This is a top-notch production.”
Next Article

Jazz guitarist Alex Ciavarelli pays tribute to pianist Oscar Peterson

“I had to extract the elements that spoke to me and realize them on my instrument”
The trail heads through a tunnel of vegetation
The trail heads through a tunnel of vegetation

Annie’s Canyon Trail goes through a variety of habitats, including riparian forest, coastal sage scrub, chaparral, and salt water marsh. It also has an amazing slot canyon. There are outstanding views of the ocean, lagoon, and the ongoing major freeway expansion as well as the extensive habitat restoration in the lagoon itself. It is a wild but happening place.

From the trailhead, you begin by walking through a dense riparian forest with overarching willows, cottonwoods, mule fat, and toyon. In about 0.1 mile, you have a viewpoint on the left out into the wetlands. There is much evidence of ongoing habitat restoration here, with numerous recent plantings of native California species by volunteers from the San Elijo Lagoon Conservancy. In another 0.1 mile the trail enters coastal sage scrub habitat, dominated by flat top buckwheat, black sage (currently in flower), lemonadeberry, and California sagebrush. An array of the common fiddleneck (Amsincka intermedia) with bright yellow flowers fills the open areas between shrubs. The even brighter yellow flowers of the large, tree-like cyclops acacia, an abundant but non-native species that flowers in early spring, are just up ahead.

Sponsored
Sponsored
The slot canyon trail narrows

At about 0.6 mile from the trailhead, you reach a eucalyptus grove where you will see a green sign for “Annie’s Canyon Trail” with arrows pointing right and left. This whole area was very run-down and off-limits to the public until funds were donated by a long-time San Elijo Lagoon Conservancy supporter named Annie. With the help of many groups and volunteers, the area was cleaned up and restored, a great gift on behalf of the environment and people. The arrow to the right points to a one-way loop, a strenuous trail that becomes exceedingly narrow as it progresses upward through an eroded sandstone slot. To the left, the arrow points to a

moderate, well-maintained trail with a series of switchbacks. There is breathtaking scenery and views down into the canyon itself that eventually take you to the summit viewpoint. If you go up the slot canyon trail, the more strenuous choice, you will come down to the same summit viewpoint and then loop back through the switchbacks to the trailhead. Both trails are about 0.25 mile long, so either way you walk 0.5 mile for the trip. The slot canyon includes a short diversion into a cave that is still marred by an array of graffiti, the sandstone too delicate for removal. You can see photos of the cave before the clean-up on the internet, as well this video that give you a preview of the trail as it is today.

Video:

Annie's Canyon Virtual Hike

After exploring Annie’s Canyon, continue your hike to the east on what is now called the Solana Hills Trail. Though currently closed a short distance ahead, it connects to a short trail heading north, out toward the wetlands. As it turns west, it skirts the wetlands, often at the border between salt marsh vegetation and coastal sage scrub. The San Elijo Lagoon map calls this trail the Gemma Parks Loop, so named to recognize the contributions of this naturalist to the preservation of the Lagoon. It is an interpretative trail with many labeled plants, though not necessarily reflecting current reality. On your right, you will find pickleweed, some tule, alkaline heath, California cord grass, and salt grass, among many other salt-tolerant species.

Gemma Parks Loop Trail is next to the wetlands

Many birds depend on the wetlands and mudflats. There is a local population of marsh wrens that overwinter in the lagoon and probably nest here as well. The Ridgway rail depends on cord grass for its survival and, as the cord grass continues to make a comeback, it is hoped that this endangered species also will come back.

Directions: (Solana Beach) From I-5, exit at Lomas Santa Fe Drive and continue west one mile to Rios Drive. Turn right on (N) Rios Drive and follow it about 1 mile to the end of the road, addressed on Google as 126 Solana Point Circle. Park on the street at the curb. Although marked on Google Maps as “Mushroom Caves Trailhead,” it is the trailhead for Annie’s Trail and the temporarily closed “Solana Point Circle and Pole Road Trails.” Freeway construction and habitat restoration have led to closure of a number of trails in the San Elijo Lagoon, but Annie’s Trail is open from this trailhead.

Hiking length: 2+ miles, loop. Allow 1.5 hours hiking time.

Difficulty: Easy but includes a strenuous alternative. Elevation gain/loss: 300 feet. Leashed dogs allowed on trail.

Comments
Sponsored

The latest copy of the Reader

Please enjoy this clickable Reader flipbook. Linked text and ads are flash-highlighted in blue for your convenience. To enhance your viewing, please open full screen mode by clicking the icon on the far right of the black flipbook toolbar.

Here's something you might be interested in.
Submit a free classified
or view all
Previous article

Jayson Napolitano’s Scarlet Moon releases third Halloween album

Latest effort has the most local vibe
Next Article

At 4pm, this Farmer's Table restaurant in Chula Vista becomes Acqua e Farina

Brunch restaurant by day, Roman style trattoria by night
Comments
Ask a Hipster — Advice you didn't know you needed Big Screen — Movie commentary Blurt — Music's inside track Booze News — San Diego spirits Classical Music — Immortal beauty Classifieds — Free and easy Cover Stories — Front-page features Drinks All Around — Bartenders' drink recipes Excerpts — Literary and spiritual excerpts Feast! — Food & drink reviews Feature Stories — Local news & stories Fishing Report — What’s getting hooked from ship and shore From the Archives — Spotlight on the past Golden Dreams — Talk of the town The Gonzo Report — Making the musical scene, or at least reporting from it Letters — Our inbox Movies@Home — Local movie buffs share favorites Movie Reviews — Our critics' picks and pans Musician Interviews — Up close with local artists Neighborhood News from Stringers — Hyperlocal news News Ticker — News & politics Obermeyer — San Diego politics illustrated Outdoors — Weekly changes in flora and fauna Overheard in San Diego — Eavesdropping illustrated Poetry — The old and the new Reader Travel — Travel section built by travelers Reading — The hunt for intellectuals Roam-O-Rama — SoCal's best hiking/biking trails San Diego Beer — Inside San Diego suds SD on the QT — Almost factual news Sheep and Goats — Places of worship Special Issues — The best of Street Style — San Diego streets have style Surf Diego — Real stories from those braving the waves Theater — On stage in San Diego this week Tin Fork — Silver spoon alternative Under the Radar — Matt Potter's undercover work Unforgettable — Long-ago San Diego Unreal Estate — San Diego's priciest pads Your Week — Daily event picks
4S Ranch Allied Gardens Alpine Baja Balboa Park Bankers Hill Barrio Logan Bay Ho Bay Park Black Mountain Ranch Blossom Valley Bonita Bonsall Borrego Springs Boulevard Campo Cardiff-by-the-Sea Carlsbad Carmel Mountain Carmel Valley Chollas View Chula Vista City College City Heights Clairemont College Area Coronado CSU San Marcos Cuyamaca College Del Cerro Del Mar Descanso Downtown San Diego Eastlake East Village El Cajon Emerald Hills Encanto Encinitas Escondido Fallbrook Fletcher Hills Golden Hill Grant Hill Grantville Grossmont College Guatay Harbor Island Hillcrest Imperial Beach Imperial Valley Jacumba Jamacha-Lomita Jamul Julian Kearny Mesa Kensington La Jolla Lakeside La Mesa Lemon Grove Leucadia Liberty Station Lincoln Acres Lincoln Park Linda Vista Little Italy Logan Heights Mesa College Midway District MiraCosta College Miramar Miramar College Mira Mesa Mission Beach Mission Hills Mission Valley Mountain View Mount Hope Mount Laguna National City Nestor Normal Heights North Park Oak Park Ocean Beach Oceanside Old Town Otay Mesa Pacific Beach Pala Palomar College Palomar Mountain Paradise Hills Pauma Valley Pine Valley Point Loma Point Loma Nazarene Potrero Poway Rainbow Ramona Rancho Bernardo Rancho Penasquitos Rancho San Diego Rancho Santa Fe Rolando San Carlos San Marcos San Onofre Santa Ysabel Santee San Ysidro Scripps Ranch SDSU Serra Mesa Shelltown Shelter Island Sherman Heights Skyline Solana Beach Sorrento Valley Southcrest South Park Southwestern College Spring Valley Stockton Talmadge Temecula Tierrasanta Tijuana UCSD University City University Heights USD Valencia Park Valley Center Vista Warner Springs
Close

Anchor ads are not supported on this page.

This Week’s Reader This Week’s Reader