If you're looking for a family-friendly hike in Poway over winter break, we've got you covered! With 78 miles of trails in Poway there's something for everyone. We've listed a few favorites, but it's easy to create a path that's all your own with our online trails map. Click on a trail section for description, level of difficulty and attributes (such as length, slope and elevation range). Look for the "Create a Route" tab and tailor the length and difficulty to try something new.
Community Park Loop
Approximately 1 mile long, this stroll can take anywhere from a half hour up to an hour depending on your stops along the way. Start at the north end of the parking lot near the tennis courts and journey counterclockwise around the park, follow the Poway Creek Trail to Bowron Road and head back to the parking lot.
South Poway Trails from Metate Lane
The South Poway Trail is a patchwork of trails that offers a “build your own” approach to planning a hike. The popular 1.5-mile loop from the Metate staging area offers a moderate incline and sweeping views of the city. The trails are known for being dog-friendly, kid-friendly, good for bird watching and rarely crowded.
Blue Sky Ecological Reserve
For a family-friendly hike, head off on the Green Valley Truck Trail and detour onto the Creekside Trail, then follow the Green Valley Truck trail back to the parking lot. This 1-mile roundtrip excursion includes plenty of shade along the Creekside Trail portion and a wide path along the Green Valley Truck Trail.
South Poway Trail from Bette Bendixen Park
Just a little over a half mile, this stroll from Bette Bendixen Park to The Pond and back again is a perfect way to get some fresh air either before or after a little playtime on the playground.
Espola Road Trail
This regional trail connector begins just west of Valle Verde Park and heads east along the north side of Espola Road. At Lake Poway Road the trail diverts off Espola through rural neighborhoods, open space and connecting trails south to Garden Road. The full trail length is just under 8 miles, but it’s easy to break it in a shorter up-and-back activity.
Tierra Bonita/Avocado Link/Twin Peaks/Dearborn Trails
Build your own hike with this mix of neighborhood trails off the eastern portion of Twin Peaks Road. Explore routes that pass through rural neighborhoods and Poway landmarks like the rodeo grounds and Dearborn Memorial Park cemetery. Trail lengths vary.