San Diego’s wild side is calling, and the best guides in town are ready to answer. The San Diego Natural History Museum’s beloved Canyoneers have launched their 52nd hiking season, offering 60 unique guided hikes across the county between now and June 2026.
Led by volunteer naturalists trained by Museum scientists, each hike is a journey through one of the most biodiverse regions in the country — from coastal canyons to desert washes. This season brings 14 brand-new trails to the lineup, including Bridge to Nowhere in Eagle Peak Preserve, Kwaamii Point in Cleveland National Forest, and Ash Wash in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park.
Every outing is free (advance registration is appreciated) and designed for all levels — there’s truly something for everyone, from first-time hikers to seasoned explorers. Along the way, Canyoneers share the stories of the region’s plants, animals, and landscapes, turning every walk into a living natural-history lesson.
To celebrate, the Museum is also releasing the long-awaited second edition of “Coast to Cactus: The Canyoneer Trail Guide to San Diego Outdoors” — a guide that encourages readers to stop, look, listen, touch, and smell their way through San Diego’s great outdoors. Grab your hat, lace up your shoes, and see the county the happy way.
Photo: Michael Field / San Diego Natural History Museum
