Annie's Canyon Trail

This was an awesome hike. Definitely bring some good shoes with tread, theres slight climbing. I recommend some mosquito repellent. There were lots. Go in the morning to avoid the crowd and hot sun. We arrived around 6:40am and finished around 8. Beautiful views and such amazing formations. However, it's unfortunate to see so many carvings from losers who can't simply appreciate nature without destroying it. Always take water. At the beginning, there's a fork in the trail, take the "difficult" route to see the amazing formations this canyon has to offer.

Fun and easy ! There is a section that gets tight and challenging to climb but it’s worth it. Had a great time doing the trail with my 6-9 year old kiddos.

Great hike for young kids. Took my 3 year old and had to carry her a little because she "rocked climbed" 2x. No dogs allowed on the section where the rock trail starts so my husband and I took turn meeting each other at the tippy top of the rock. There was plenty of parking even on the Saturday that we went.

Annie’s canyon trail is an awesome place to hike and enjoy nature’s beauty. Need to walk about 3/4 mile to get to the trail. Its a bit of ups and downs. Once you reach the trail you will walk through the tress for about half a mile. Then your adventure starts. You will have difficult and moderate options. Choose difficult option you will enjoy it won’t find it difficult. Need to walk through narrow passages and climb through canyons. There are some steep steps as well. But overall awesome experience. Moderate route won’t even give10% of experience you get in difficult route.

How could I have driven by this spot so many times & never saw it? Lots of parking in the commuter lot, then cross the street & take a pedestrian bridge under the freeway (5) and follow the signs or people. Many nice walkways & paths near the lagoon, but the climb up Annie's Canyon is narrow & considered above moderate. If you have claustrophobia, this may be too much as the walls are narrow & tall but otherwise worth the short, steep climb. Only one way up & another down.

Such a fun hike!! One of our favorites in north county. Trail itself is flat, very easy, but the canyon (optimal offshoot) is narrow for a couple of minutes so not for anyone with severe claustrophobia. It’s a great view from the top!

A nice hike with a variety of scenery. We went up the harder trail option through the canyon slots. It was a lot of fun and has some surprising views.

I hiked to Annie's Canyon via the La Orilla trail, turning it into a 5 mile out and back hike. Loved every minute of it and want to do it again. The canyon was smaller and shorter than expected but I still loved the hike over all.

Easy to moderate hike. Stunning views. You can easily spend an hour or more on the trails. Parking was easy on a Sunday afternoon. I would love to explore more next time.
Make sure you have shows with traction. Take some water and a hat.

A fun unique and short hike. The Western end of the trail has the most parking options... Fun!!

We loved this trail a lot!
It was many things, the walk to the trail, the different types of flowers and shrubs and trees, the canyon feel, the little elevation challenges in the canyon paths, the view from the top!

The view has two sides, one with highway with super speed cars that looks beautiful with the water under that. Another side is the canyon.
Both wonderful!
We love a hike and this was certainly the smallest we have done but it’s worth the experience. Also it’s not too long so you ll be fine. If you don’t like compact places it might not be for you. Some places were very narrow.

2024/5 two tourists
easy trail with a surprise funny valley
Recommend!

This difficult canyon trail is amazing. The path is very narrow that only one person can pass. One also needs to climb the ladder to get up. The trail is short but exciting. Would love to go there again.

Annie’s Canyon Trail has two trail options: Moderate and difficulty. Guess which one we tried? We tried the difficulty and it was honestly a great hiking experience. My kids didn’t go on the hike with us and honestly I feel they wouldn’t be comfortable yet but the older kids would enjoy it.

The trail starts off with a wide trail and once you pass the sign “Annie’s Canyon Trail “ the trail then begins to become very narrow and you will be unable to pass people, be mindful people are enjoying the hike and the wonderful canyon. There is a ladder you have to climb at the very end to finish the slot canyon loop. Once you reach the top, enjoy the beauty of the surrounding wetlands.

There are multiple benches if you need a break while hiking.

We parked near N Rios Ave

Beautiful and exciting trail, take the advance route to the right from the sign, keep in mind it will be tight in places with wise and yes it is one way traffic.

That said it will be fun and memorable experience for your kids. Short, fun, mostly incline path loops at the top, right about an hour at most to complete and yes it will be mostly up the hill back. Great workout and awesome scenery. Enjoy the outdoors!!!

Spring flowers are in bloom and they smell so sweet. 💐🌹🥀🌺🌷🌸💮🏵🌼🌻

Short hike in the morning. We really enjoy it. Dont be fooled by picture that a really easy trail well maintened.

Take about an hour from the parking with 2 kids.

Enjoy and leave no trace please.

Beautifully hike, and fairly easy if you’re fit. There are a couple of stretches of inclines and declines so save your strength for the walk back to your car. Make sure to bring at least 2 liters of water if you’re going to explore the whole reserve. On a hot day, bring a hat and sunscreen, most of it is uncovered. The canyon is a very tight space, so if you have claustrophobia, it might not be the ever route for you. You can still get to the top by doing the moderate route. Go on a weekday to avoid large crowds; we went on a Sunday and it was super crowded. We found parking down the road, and that adds to your hike. Get your steps in!

Free street parking on residential areas. The last part can be a little steep but not too bad. The canyon is one way and can be narrow. There are metal ladders dogs cannot use. The terrain is unusual. It can be warm during the day. The trail also goes around the lagoon

Fun hike. Mostly flat around the lagoon, but Annie's Canyon requires a decent level of fitness. Narrow channel walls with some steep spots, and two steep ladder climbs (or descents depending on the direction you're going) are involved. There is a moderate alternative trail that leads to the lookout point above Annie's if you don't feel up to the challenge of the slot canyon trail. We did encounter a 3' rattlesnake lying across the trail near the freeway. It crawled off without incident after a few minutes, but be aware and watch where you step. This was a very fun and interesting hike.

Gorgeous trail, there's two ways to reach, one easy one moderate/difficult. But certainly worth visiting.