Hiking the Annie’s Canyon Trail via Solana Hills (San Elijo Lagoon), California
Distance: 2.0 - 2.4 miles / 3.2 - 3.9 km
Named in honor of a local Solana Beach resident who played a pivotal role in acquiring the land for the trail, Annie’s Canyon has since become one of San Diego’s most beautiful and popular day hikes!
Furthermore, the true Annie’s Canyon Trail is no more than a quarter mile long. However, the reason why the distance above is variable is because there is no drive-up to the Annie’s Canyon Trailhead. By this, I mean that the hike either begins from the Solana Hills or North Rios Trailhead, which are the shortest and two most popular routes.
In any case, after completing Annie’s Canyon, you could turn directly back to either trailhead or continue along the Gemma Parks Loop—which is what I recommend, as the whole hike is very short and offers unique views along the San Elijo Lagoon when you return.
Solana Hills Trailhead Parking
Parking for the Solana Hills Trailhead is located at the very end of Solana Hills Drive in Solana Beach.
While the Solana Hills Trailhead is arguably the most popular route to hike Annie’s Canyon, finding street parking should be fairly easy, especially if you avoid hiking midday on a weekend.
Google Maps Directions: Solana Hills Trailhead
Hiking Checklist - Southern California
Here is a complete list of must-have things that you will want for any hike in Southern California.
Hiking the Annie’s Canyon Trail via Solana Hills
The Solana Hills Trail begins just after the parking area at the very end of Solana Hills Drive.
Here, the trail will go up and down a number of hills before reaching the Rios Avenue Trail, which is the fastest route to Annie’s Canyon from this direction.
With the exception of the early morning/ late evening hours, such as photos that you see here, there isn’t a lot of shade on the Solana Hills/ Annie’s Canyon Trail, which is why I recommend hiking with a long-sleeved hooded sun shirt, like the ones shown below.
Solana Hills-North Coast Junction
Once at the North Coast Bike Trail, keep straight to continue toward Annie’s Canyon.
Rios Avenue Junction (Annie’s Canyon)
Then, where the Solana Hills Trail splits again, go left on the Rios Avenue Trail to reach Annie’s Canyon, located only 0.3 miles (0.5 km) ahead.
Go left at this short connector trail that leads back to the Solana Hills Trail.
Rios Avenue-Gemma Parks Loop Junction
This is the last junction before reaching Annie’s Canyon, which happens to be the route I recommend returning on after completing the slot canyon.
Here, go left once again, and Annie’s Canyon will be shortly ahead.
Annie’s Canyon Junction
After 0.7 miles (1.1 km), Annie’s Canyon branches to the left into its own short 0.25-mile (0.4 km) loop trail, which is truly the highlight of the entire hike around the lagoon!
Annie’s Canyon (One Way)
Once you come to the split for either the lookout or Annie’s Slot Canyon, it’s important to decide if you’re comfortable hiking in such a narrow canyon, with numerous sets of ladders to climb at the very end.
I say this because Annie’s Canyon is treated as a one-way hike, meaning that it’s not ethical to downclimb through the canyon, as it’s just too narrow in parts for hiking groups to be passing one another.
In any case, go right if you choose to hike through Annie’s Canyon.
Within Annie’s Canyon, there should be numerous signs to keep you from following false routes.
Annie’s Canyon Trail
This short section is the narrowest part of Annie’s Canyon.
At the very end of Annie’s Canyon, the trail climbs a few sets of ladders to reach the lookout trail that comes up from the other direction.
Annie’s Canyon Lookout
After Annie’s Canyon, you can enjoy stunning views from the lookout of the San Elijo Lagoon, especially during the sunset, as shown here.
Rios Avenue Trail
As mentioned previously, you could simply return back to the Solana Hills or North Rios Trailhead after completing Annie’s Canyon, but I highly recommend continuing further, if you have the time.
In all, the full Rios Avenue-Gemma Parks Loop is only 1.2 miles (1.9 km) at its longest and only 0.9 miles (1.4 km) after having made it to Annie’s Canyon.
Rios Avenue-Holmwood Canyon Junction
Go right at the Holmwood Canyon junction to continue toward Gemma Parks.
Gemma Parks Loop Junction
Unless you planned for a much longer hike around the entire San Elijo Lagoon, turn right to continue on the Gemma Parks Trail, which is significantly shorter than completing the loop around the lagoon.
San Elijo Lagoon Lookout
Late in the evening, it was really fun to watch the Striped Mullet feeding along the edges of the lagoon.
While continuing back on the Gemma Parks Loop, there will be a number of trails branching back to the Rios Avenue Trail.
However, it truly makes no difference in terms of distance which route you choose to follow.
Rios Avenue-Gemma Parks Loop Junction
This is the same junction shown previously, or I could have continued further toward the I-5 to link back up with the Solana Hills Trail.
All said, Annie’s Canyon is truly a must-see if you’re staying anywhere near San Diego, and hopefully, you can have a fun, uncrowded experience, like my late evening adventure!
