Hollenbeck Hiking

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