Annie's Canyon Trail
A unique slot canyon hike with sandstone walls, ladder climbs, and stunning ocean and lagoon views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temps
Annie's Canyon Trail
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temps
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A unique slot canyon hike with sandstone walls, ladder climbs, and stunning ocean and lagoon views.
"A fun, short, and unique hike with a memorable slot canyon experience."
Park Smartly
Park on N. Rios Avenue or Manchester Ave near the gas station. Signs guide you to the trailhead. :car:
Wear Grippy Shoes
Essential for sandy, rocky, and steep sections. Avoid slippery conditions. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Slot Canyon
Main canyon path
Navigate a narrow sandstone passage, a unique and thrilling experience for hikers.
Ladder Ascent
Upper section of the slot canyon
Climb steel ladders to reach the canyon's rim for rewarding views.
Lagoon Overlook
Top of the canyon loop
Enjoy panoramic views of the San Elijo Lagoon and the Pacific Ocean.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for the Slot Canyon
Gear Up for Adventure
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Park Smartly
Park on N. Rios Avenue or Manchester Ave near the gas station. Signs guide you to the trailhead. :car:
Wear Grippy Shoes
Essential for sandy, rocky, and steep sections. Avoid slippery conditions. :athletic_shoe:
Hydrate!
Bring plenty of water; there are no restrooms or water sources on the trail. :droplet:
Choose Your Path Wisely
Take the right path for the challenging, narrow slot canyon experience. :hiking_boot:
Tips
from all over the internet
Park Smartly
Park on N. Rios Avenue or Manchester Ave near the gas station. Signs guide you to the trailhead. :car:
Wear Grippy Shoes
Essential for sandy, rocky, and steep sections. Avoid slippery conditions. :athletic_shoe:
Hydrate!
Bring plenty of water; there are no restrooms or water sources on the trail. :droplet:
Choose Your Path Wisely
Take the right path for the challenging, narrow slot canyon experience. :hiking_boot:
Leave Little Ones Home
Not ideal for toddlers or dogs due to ladders and tight spaces. :noentrysign:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Annie's Canyon Trail is a highly recommended, unique short hike offering a thrilling slot canyon experience and beautiful coastal views. Visitors praise its free access and adventurous elements like ladder climbs. However, it can be challenging for those with claustrophobia or mobility issues, and proper footwear is essential.
"Annie’s Canyon is a beautiful place to hike with more experienced hikes, it’s very tight in the slots. Make sure you have good hiking shoes or sneakers that grip because there is loose sand and rocks to climb up.
The parking is across the street off of Manchester next to the gas station, and plenty of signs to direct you to the hiking area.
Make sure you take water with you and there are NO restrooms at all unless you buy something at the gas station.
Do not take little kids or dogs if you are planning on hiking up because there is a ladder you have to climb. 🧗♂️"
Julie S
"What a fun, short hike! We found free street parking at the trailhead and it took about half an hour of leisurely walking to get to the mouth of the canyon. It's a tight slot canyon, but short, with a fun exit up steel ladders. The top of the canyon loops back to the trail. Total time round trip was less than two hours including some sitting time. Take the side trail down close to the water to see some birds and perhaps other critters."
Dan's Inferno
"Mos def an experience to try. I went early and on a weekday, so that there was nobody there. Had enough time to go thru the trail twice without anyone nearby. The earlier you go, the better. It's cooler then. Once that sun comes out, it gets warm. It can be a bit challenging if you're claustrophobic, so be prepared. I recommend that you try this trail hike. I'm from San Diego and have never heard of this!"
Andre Eusebio
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Annie's Canyon Trail is located in Solana Beach, California, specifically within the San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve. The trailhead can be accessed from N. Rios Avenue or Manchester Avenue, near a gas station. 
You can access the trailhead by parking on N. Rios Avenue or Manchester Avenue. Follow the signs directing you to the hiking area.
Yes, there is free residential parking available on the street near the trailhead. It's generally easy to find.
Information on public transportation is limited, but driving and parking are the most common methods mentioned by visitors.
Absolutely! It's about a 40-minute drive from the San Ysidro border and a popular day trip destination for families and individuals.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Annie's Canyon Trail is a free hike. You do not need to purchase any tickets to enter.
The trail is generally open, but it's advisable to check recent conditions, especially after rain, as it can be temporarily closed.
No advance booking is required as the trail is free and open to the public.
Dogs are allowed on the trail but not in the canyons themselves. Strollers are not permitted.
It's strongly advised not to hike in canyons after heavy rain due to saturation and potential risks. Check recent trail status before visiting.
🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience
The loop trail is approximately 1.5 to 2 miles long and typically takes about 1 hour to complete.
It's generally considered an easy to moderate route. The slot canyon section involves narrow passages and some scrambling, with ladders to ascend.
Wear sturdy hiking shoes with good grip for sandy and rocky terrain. Comfortable clothing is recommended.
While it's a short hike, the narrow canyons and ladder ascents make it less suitable for very young children or those with mobility issues.
Dogs are permitted on the trail, but they are not allowed inside the narrow slot canyon sections.
The most unique features are the narrow slot canyon, the ladder climb to the rim, and the scenic overlook of the lagoon and ocean.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
No, there are no restrooms or food facilities directly on the trail. You'll need to bring your own water and snacks.
There are shops and stores near the parking area where you can buy snacks and water.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the unique textures of the sandstone slot canyon, the challenging ladder climb, and the expansive views from the overlook.
The narrowness of the canyon can make it challenging to maneuver with a camera, especially when it's crowded. Consider a compact camera or phone.
Early morning light can be beautiful, but the canyon walls create dramatic shadows throughout the day. The overlook is great for sunset.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Key recommendations: Bring plenty of water and snacks, as there are no facilities. Ensure children wear sturdy shoes with good grip. Parking is free and readily available. Consider visiting on a weekday morning to avoid crowds and make the experience more enjoyable for everyone.
💰 Budget Travelers
+1Tips for saving: Pack your own water and snacks to avoid purchasing them nearby. The hike itself is a rewarding experience that costs nothing, making it a perfect addition to a low-cost itinerary in the San Diego area.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1Photography tips: Visit early in the morning for softer light and fewer people. Be mindful of the tight spaces when maneuvering with your camera. The ladder ascent and the lagoon vista are also prime spots for memorable photos.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Slot Canyon
To fully enjoy the slot canyon, it's recommended to take the path on the right when you see the sign for Annie's Canyon Trail. This route offers the more challenging and exciting ascent, including steep parts and stairs. Be prepared to use both hands and feet in some sections.
Important Note: Due to the narrowness and potential for scrambling, this part of the trail is not recommended for those who are claustrophobic or have difficulty with tight spaces.
The Ladder Climb and Overlook
Once at the top, you're rewarded with a beautiful overlook of the San Elijo Lagoon and the Pacific Ocean. This is a fantastic spot for photos and to take a moment to appreciate the coastal scenery. The loop trail then guides you back down, offering a different perspective.
Tip: Some reviewers suggest taking the side trail closer to the water on your way down to spot birds and other wildlife.
Trail Conditions and Safety
It's vital to be aware of trail closures, especially after rain. The Reddit community has noted that canyons can be closed due to saturation, posing a risk. Always check recent trail reports before your visit.
Remember to bring ample water, as there are no facilities on the trail. While dogs are allowed on the main paths, they are not permitted within the slot canyon itself.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit