Small Group Hike Through San Diego's Heart and Soul
Overview
This small-group (10 people or less) guided hike through California's most diverse ecosystem spans both cultural and natural history. You'll explore how ancient Rome, gold-rush settlers, and the native 'Iipay-Tiipay-Kumeyaay peoples are interconnected with wildfires, grizzly bears, native bees, and more.
On this hike, you'll experience the road less traveled with opportunities to learn, relax, and explore your curiosity for nature—all while getting your steps in.
Cypress, your guide, is a locally trained naturalist with a deep understanding of San Diego's wildlife and the conservation challenges it faces. Each tour she leads is unique, as Cypress is constantly incorporating science and conservation news, while honoring the rich indigenous history and biodiversity that makes San Diego so special. She is a Certified Interpretive Guide, and is Wilderness First-Aid Certified. Her tours safe, fun, and truly accessible for people of all ages and interest levels.
What's Included
- Sunscreen provided if needed
- Loaner baseball hats for sun protection
- Hiking poles available for folks needing extra balance support.
- Gratuities
Meeting Location
12635 Wildcat Canyon Road
Lakeside, CA 92040, USA
Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
What To Expect
When you arrive at the meeting spot, we will start with introductions and safety, then hit the trail. We’ll walk through dense elfin forests that descend into a lush oak woodland with a seasonally flowing stream. The woodland valley eventually gives way to yet another section of the chaparral habitat that is sunny and overlooks a gorgeous lake.
Along the way, we’ll explore plants, insects, birds, fungi, and mammals using binoculars, foldable field guides, magnifying lenses, identification apps, and more. Cypress, your guide, will share fun “trail tales”, recent science discoveries, indigenous knowledge, and natural history along the way.
If you're visiting California for the first or fiftieth time, this tour will leave you with a deeper appreciation for our world-class wildlife and the curiosity to keep exploring!
This hike is an easy to moderately challenging 2 miles through one of San Diego's most peaceful parks. There is a mix of shade and sun, with plenty of opportunities to rest and enjoy running streams, stunning views, and quiet wildlife.
Get away from the crowded city and bask in the serene beauty of San Diego's wilderness—no serious hiking experience necessary!
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Sturdy walking shoes required (hiking boots or athletic sneakers)
- At least 1 liter of drinking water required, snacks highly recommended
- Sunscreen, hats, sunglasses highly recommended
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 10 travelers
Frequently Asked Questions (8)
Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Small Group Hike Through San Diego’s Heart and Soul?
Cancellation Policy
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Activity code: C-472465P4
Traveler Photos
Reviews
Average 5.00 out of 5 stars based on 1 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor
Additional Info
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Frequently Asked Questions (8)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from Cool Shore Excursions customers.
Filter by:
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
- Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (PST).
- This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
- Sunscreen provided if needed.
- Loaner baseball hats for sun protection.
- Hiking poles available for folks needing extra balance support.
- Gratuities.
This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Apr 2025There is no minimum age for this tour, so bring your wee one along for an adventure. This tour requires at least one adult to accompany children..
Apr 2025If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.
If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.
Apr 2025Accessibility information for the Small Group Hike Through San Diego's Heart and Soul is as follows:
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Small Group Hike Through San Diego’s Heart and Soul will be included in your confirmation email from Cool Shore Excursions. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!
Mar 2024Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.
Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.
If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.
Oct 2026What's Included
- Sunscreen provided if needed
- Loaner baseball hats for sun protection
- Hiking poles available for folks needing extra balance support.
- Gratuities
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Sturdy walking shoes required (hiking boots or athletic sneakers)
- At least 1 liter of drinking water required, snacks highly recommended
- Sunscreen, hats, sunglasses highly recommended
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 10 travelers
