Heavenly Hellhole

Hiking Hellhole Canyon Country Preserve in Pauma Valley

Rounding up some friends to go to a hellhole? Maybe it doesn't sound appealing, unless you're talking about Hellhole Canyon County Preserve. Its 1,907 hilly acres are home to a strenuous 4.9-mile trek with 750 feet of gain (and opportunities to extend for those who want to test their leg muscles).

You’ll immediately descend 300 feet into Hellhole Canyon, enjoying fine views as you’re surrounded by a plethora of flora and fauna—from hoaryleaf lilac, black sage, and California blackberry to red-tailed and Harris’s hawks and American kestrels. As you reach the vibrantly green environment surrounding Hell Creek, savor the only shade on this trail, provided by sycamores and oaks. Look for dudleya on the canyon wall to your right, a succulent also known as the live-forever.

You’ll enjoy canyon vistas for the remainder of the hike. Stay left at the junction for the 1.3-mile Horsethief Trail loop, on which you’ll encounter a vividly orange section of witch’s hair covering chamise against a granite wall. Stay left to continue on Canyon View Trail. At the 2.6-mile mark, you can diverge left for an optional gut-busting ascent to Rodriguez Peak. Head right as the path roller-coasters on a challenging stretch of narrow switchbacks.

Stay right at the next two junctions until the trail connects with the Horsethief Trail at 3.6 miles. Swing a left to reconnect with the Hell Creek Trail. Look for horned lizards scurrying across the path that leads you back to the start.

Take I-15 to Gopher Canyon Rd. toward Old Castle Rd. and head east for 5.5 miles. Continue onto Lilac Rd. for 3.3 miles and turn right onto Valley Center Rd. After 1.2 miles, turn left onto Woods Valley Rd. Continue onto Paradise Mountain Rd. After 3 miles, turn left onto Kiavo Dr. and after 0.5 mile, follow the signs to the preserve up the hill on your left. Open Friday through Monday, 8 a.m. to sunset. Closed in August. Dog-friendly!

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