Get outside and Discover the possibilities
San Marcos is home to a vibrant network of trails that wind through scenic hillsides, preserved open spaces, and vibrant neighborhoods. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly walk, a challenging hike, or a quiet moment in nature, there's a trail for everyone. Our city maintains over 72 miles of trails that showcase the natural beauty of North County—connecting parks, schools, and communities while promoting outdoor recreation and wellness.
Below, you’ll find a comprehensive list of trails in San Marcos, complete with maps, difficulty levels, trailhead locations, and unique features. Lace up your shoes, grab some water, and enjoy everything our trails have to offer.
AQUEDUCT TRAIL
TRAIL TYPE: Multi-use
LENGTH: 0.85 mile
LEVEL: Easy to moderate
PARKING: 736 Avenida Leon
ACCESS POINT: From Quail Hills Park head south towards South Santa Fe and W Mission.
H | B | HR | R
BORDEN TRAIL
TRAIL TYPE: Soft surface
LENGTH: 2 miles
LEVEL: Easy
PARKING: 1387 Borden Road
ACCESS POINT: Corner of Las Posas and Borden Road.
H | B | HR | R
CANYON TRAIL
CERRO DE LAS POSAS RIDGELINE TRAIL
TRAIL TYPE: Soft surface
LENGTH: 1.55 miles
LEVEL: Moderate
PARKING: 1105 Elfin Forest Road
ACCESS POINT: 1/8 mile north of park along Sunset Trail to the Canyon Trail trailhead.
H | B | HR
CERRO DE LAS POSAS RIDGELINE TRAIL
CERRO DE LAS POSAS RIDGELINE TRAIL
TRAIL TYPE: Multi-use
LENGTH: 5 miles
LEVEL: Moderate to difficult
PARKING: S Twin Oak Valley Road
ACCESS POINT: 0.25 miles north of the fire station
H | B | HR
CIMA DRIVE LOOP TRAIL
TRAIL TYPE: Soft surface
LENGTH: 3 miles
LEVEL: Moderate
PARKING: 650 Foxhall Drive
ACCESS POINT: Lake View Park and head west
H | B | HR
COPPER CREEK TRAIL
TRAIL TYPE: Soft surface
LENGTH: 2 miles
LEVEL: Moderate
PARKING: 1799 San Elijo Road
ACCESS POINT: Adjacent to the small Mahogany Neighborhood Park
H | B | HR
DISCOVERY CREEK TRAIL
DISCOVERY CREEK TRAIL
DISCOVERY CREEK TRAIL
TRAIL TYPE: Multi-use
LENGTH: 2 miles
LEVEL: Easy
PARKING: 650 Foxhall Drive
ACCESS POINT: From Lake View Park trail travels west crossing over Applewilde Drive
H | B | HR | R
DISCOVERY LAKE TRAIL
DISCOVERY CREEK TRAIL
DISCOVERY CREEK TRAIL
TRAIL TYPE: Multi-use
LENGTH: .75 mile
LEVEL: Easy
PARKING: 650 Foxhall Drive
ACCESS POINT: From Lake View Park trail travels around Discovery Lake.
H | B | HR | R
DOUBLE PEAK TRAIL
DISCOVERY CREEK TRAIL
TRAIL TYPE: Soft surface
LENGTH: 2 miles
LEVEL: Moderate
PARKING: 1799 San Elijo Road
ACCESS POINT: Adjacent to the small Mahogany Neighborhood Park
H | B | HR
GARDEN TRAIL
JACK'S POND TRAIL
TRAIL TYPE: Soft surface
LENGTH: 0.51 mile
LEVEL: Easy
PARKING: Adjacent to Questhaven Park
ACCESS POINT: Questhaven Road across from Questhaven Park
H | B | HR | R
JACK'S POND TRAIL
JACK'S POND TRAIL
JACK'S POND TRAIL
TRAIL TYPE: Multi-use
LENGTH: 1 mile
LEVEL: Easy
PARKING: 986 La Moree Road
ACCESS POINT: Jack's Pond
H | B | HR | R
LAKEVIEW TRAIL
JACK'S POND TRAIL
JACK'S POND TRAIL
TRAIL TYPE: Soft surface
LENGTH: 1 mile
LEVEL: Moderate
PARKING: 102 San Elijo Road
ACCESS POINT: Ridgeline Trailhead
H | B | HR
LOS POSAS TRAIL
TRAIL TYPE: Multi-use
LENGTH: 1.5 miles
LEVEL: Easy
PARKING: 1387 W. Borden Road
ACCESS POINT: Corner of Las Posas Road. and Borden Road
H | B | HR | R
MORGAN TRAIL
TRAIL TYPE: Urban
LENGTH: 0.40 mile
LEVEL: Easy
PARKING: 1105 Elfin Forest Road
ACCESS POINT: San Elijo Park
H | B | HR | R
OLD CREEK RANCH & CANYON TRAIL
OLD CREEK RANCH & CANYON TRAIL
TRAIL TYPE: Soft Surface
LENGTH: Old Creek- 5 miles, Canyon- 4 miles
LEVEL: Moderate
PARKING: 1105 Elfin Forest Road
ACCESS POINT: San Elijo Park
H | B | HR
OLIVE HILLS TRAILS
OLIVE HILLS TRAILS
OLD CREEK RANCH & CANYON TRAIL
TRAIL TYPE: Multi-use
LENGTH: 0.84 mile
LEVEL: Easy
PARKING: 751 Mulberry Drive
ACCESS POINT: Mulberry Park, Borden Road or Hollandia Park
H | B | HR | R
PURPLE HEART TRAIL
OLIVE HILLS TRAILS
PURPLE HEART TRAIL
Your donation will help us continue our mission and support our community. Every dollar counts and will make a difference in the lives of those we serve.
QUESTHAVEN TRAIL
OLIVE HILLS TRAILS
PURPLE HEART TRAIL
Have a question or a suggestion? We're always here to help. Contact us today and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.
RAIL TRAIL
Have a question or a suggestion? We're always here to help. Contact us today and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.
RANCHO DORADO TRAIL
Have a question or a suggestion? We're always here to help. Contact us today and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.
SAN ELIJO ROAD TRAIL
Have a question or a suggestion? We're always here to help. Contact us today and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.
SOUTH LAKE TRAIL
TRAIL TYPE: Multi-use
LENGTH: 1.3 miles
LEVEL: Easy to Moderate
PARKING: 975 Sunstone Drive
ACCESS POINT: Through Sunstone parking lot
H | B | R
SUNSET TRAIL
TOWN CENTER TRAIL
Have a question or a suggestion? We're always here to help. Contact us today and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.
TOWN CENTER TRAIL
TOWN CENTER TRAIL
Have a question or a suggestion? We're always here to help. Contact us today and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.
TWIN OAKS VALLEY TRAIL
TWIN OAKS VALLEY TRAIL
TWIN OAKS VALLEY TRAIL
We're always looking for new partners to collaborate with on projects and events. If your organization shares our values and mission, let's work together to make a positive impact.
WALNUT GROVE TRAIL
TWIN OAKS VALLEY TRAIL
TWIN OAKS VALLEY TRAIL
Your donation will help us to continue our mission of supporting our community. Every dollar counts and will make a difference in the lives of those we serve.
Coming Soon
TWIN OAKS VALLEY TRAIL
Coming Soon
We're always looking for new partners to collaborate with on projects and events. If your organization shares our values and mission, let's work together to make a positive impact.