When I hiked Annie’s Canyon from the San Elijo Lagoon Nature Center a few years ago, just after crossing the bridge over the lagoon, I noticed that the trail split. We followed the route that led over to Annie’s Canyon, but I wondered where the other trail went. I decided to take a look online and find out the answer. It turns out that it turns southward along the freeway for a short distance before linking up with the La Orilla Trail. Being focused on climbing peaks, I often miss little hidden gems that might be close by. This trail follows La Orilla Creek as it flows into the San Elijo Lagoon and has a trailhead on El Camino Real, just north of San Dieguito County Park. I made the 15-minute drive over to the small parking area and set off down the trail. Right at the trailhead, near the informational kiosk, is an ADA-accessible picnic area. I learned later from the Park Ranger I spoke with upon my return, that this was just recently added, in part due to the requests of some users.
The start of the trail passes through a section where most of the views are blocked either by trees or other plant life. Along the way, benches would line the side of the trail, each dedicated to someone. At about .4 of a mile, the La Orilla trail intersects with the Santa Helena Trail which runs a short distance to the south, and ends at the Santa Helena Trailhead, while the Stonebridge Trail heads to the north. Continuing westward, I passed several pinyon pines, and their smell hung pleasantly in the air as I passed.
The trail soon made a small climb up, and then split. I took the right fork which led off to Tern Point. From this vantage point, you can see the eastern end of San Elijo Lagoon. Two benches provide a nice resting spot. After snapping a few photos, I continued westward, making my way down the hill and back to follow the lagoon’s edge. Here the trail became quite sandy for a section, and a couple of times quite swampy. The trail came to a T junction, with the trail to the right taking you out to another viewpoint, while the other trail became the Santa Inez spur trail. After enjoying the viewpoint, and seeing some of the waterfowl a bit closer, I followed the Santa Inez Trail. This took me past the native plant nursery that is located near the Santa Inez Trailhead, and the trail that follows the freeway and links up the trails that take you onto Annie’s Canyon or to the Nature Center. I opted to turn back at this point, as I still had some work to do. As I neared Tern Point again, I took the other trail I had bypassed earlier and passed by two massive eucalyptus trees, before rejoining the main trail. This trail certainly fits the bill as a “hidden gem”. I logged the entire trail at 3.4 miles.
I am an avid peak bagger, sometimes backpacker, and former sea kayaker living in San Diego. In 2019, I became the third person to complete the San Diego 100 Peak Challenge. Not stopping with that accomplishment, I set my sights on the harder San Diego Sierra Club 100 Peak list, which I completed in 2021. In addition, I have conquered several Six-Pack of Peaks challenges (SoCal, San Diego, Central Coast, and Arizona-Winter). Beyond attempting the San Diego Sierra Club 100 Peak list a second time, I am looking forward to exploring new summits and new adventures across the southwest.