Hollenbeck Hiking

Hike the Hollenbeck Canyon Wildlife Area in Jamul San Diego County

When autumn settles into East County, the canyons take on a different kind of beauty. Gone (mostly) is the deep heat of summer and what arrives is special: golden hillsides, soft breezes, and trails bathed in long, late-day shadows. One bona fide Jamul gem thoroughly takes advantage of these fall features: the Hollenbeck Canyon Wildlife Area.

With coastal sage scrub, chaparral, oak woodlands, freshwater marshes, and riparian forests all tucked into one 6.2-mile loop (820 feet of gain), this moderate hike is a sampler platter of Southern California habitats, and perfect for an afternoon fall frolic. Before heading to the trailhead at the junction of the CA-94 and Honey Springs Road, you’ll need to grab a pass (as of 2025, daily $5.66; annual $32.66) from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. The fee is more than worth it, plus you’re supporting the maintenance of important wildlife sanctuaries like this one and the neighboring protected 5,600-acre Rancho Jamul Ecological Reserve (not open to the public).

Park in the dirt lot and start on the Honey Springs Ranch Trail, where rolling hills dotted with sprawling oaks invite you deeper into the quiet canyon. In fall, the massive, gnarly oaks provide hulking shade in the afternoon, perfect spots for a picnic or a mid-hike water break. Take a right at the first junction and drop down toward the stream, its banks shaded by more arboreal varieties—sycamores and cottonwoods. Hawks often ride the thermals above the meadows here, and you might spot deer or coyote taking advantage of the cooler season. As the sun arcs lower, glance back—the play of light across the canyon and prominent Otay Mountain is the kind of fall spectacle that elicits audible “oohs” and “ahs.”

Past some old cabin ruins, stay right at the junction and follow the loop as it climbs to broad vistas of rocky hills and distant ridgelines, which glow a calming amber at golden hour. Continue onto the Daley Ranch Truck Trail until mile 4.3, then swing left to reconnect with Honey Springs and return to your car. In these “off-season” months, with fewer hikers on the trail, you’ll feel like the canyon is putting on its fall show just for you!

BONUS WINERY: Just a few miles down the CA-94 is a perfect pairing to this hike. Dulzura Vineyard & Winery is known for its full-bodied reds (though their whites are delicious too!), which are best enjoyed with your own picnic supplies at a picnic table on the beautiful grounds or with panoramic vistas from the observation deck.

To get to the Hollenbeck Canyon trailhead, take the I-805 to the CA-94 and head east. You’ll be on the CA-94 for about 20 miles until you see signs for Honey Springs Rd. (just make sure you follow signs to stay on the highway). Take a left and the dirt lot will be on your immediate left. Dog-friendly!

Story and photos by Matt Pawlik, @mattitudehikes

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Gentle Giants

    Some people visit national parks to marvel at the iconic sights, while others come seeking solitude in nature. With visitation on the rise, it can be hard to find both. But in Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, this pair of trails offers both....

    View
  2. Screaming Good Garden

    Combine a classic scary movie backdrop and life-size elephant garden sculptures in beautiful downtown Sonoma.

    View
  3. A Hike to the Past

    This 5.2-mile redwoods hike through El Corte de Madera Creek Open Space combines a relaxing stroll with unique geologic formations and historical artifacts.

    View
  4. Golden Mile

    Dubbed the Golden Mile, this car-free stretch of road in Golden Gate Park features rotating art installations of murals, sculptures, and abundant bright yellow Adirondack chairs for kicking back to relax. See Naga, the recent new addition here, an impressive sea serpent art installation at Golden Gate Park's Rainbow

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Sponsored

    Chase Fall Colors & Family Fun in Reno Tahoe

    Ready to Reno? We’re so with you! Reno Tahoe is the ultimate urban basecamp for gathering family and friends for all kinds of fall fun and festivities.

    View
  2. Welcome to the Ice Age

    Only in LA can you stumble upon a lake of bubbling black goo right in the middle of the city—complete with a life-size family of mammoths frozen in time. Take a whiff and you’ll catch the unmistakable scent of asphalt: Yep, you’ve made it to the La Brea Tar Pits & Museum.

    View
  3. Griffith's Golden

    With over 4,200 acres and hundreds of trails, Griffith Park is the gold standard. Opt for the lesser-hiked northwestern end of the park and visit the 2.25-mile Skyline and Oak Canyon loop from Travel Town.

    View
  4. Mulholland's Most Majestic

    Take a leisurely drive along Mulholland Drive to discover beautiful urban scenery and unexpected wild beauty, right in the middle of the city. 

    View