Noble Canyon Trail

Overview

The Noble Canyon National Recreation Trail offers you a chance to hike mostly downhill from the Laguna Mountain Crest through a gorgeous canyon full of oaks and aromatic bay trees down to the hamlet of Pine Valley. Along the way, you will find serene forests, a trickling stream that provides a reliable water supply for several backcountry campsites, some abandoned mining gear, and later pleasant oak woodlands presiding over rippling grass and chaparral shrubs.   Hikers should take note that the Noble Canyon Trail is a favorite route of local mountain bikers. The San Diego Mountain Biking Association has established a system where bikers can obtain bells that warn hikers of their approach. This early warning system is crucial thanks to numerous blind turns and some steep grades, which mountain bikers enjoy taking at speed. Even with most mountain bikers adopting this courtesy, you will want to stay aware throughout the route to make sure you’re aware of what may be coming your way. Weekends are often the busiest times, although early birds will escape the thickest crowds. Weekdays are best if you’re one of those blessed souls that gets to hike on Wednesdays. From the Penny Pines Trailhead, cross Sunrise Highway and pass through the gate to commence westward travel on the Noble Canyon Trail. The trail undulates gently along a shady, north-facing slope that supports Jeffrey pines and black oaks. Views north across Filaree Flat draw the eye toward the craggy heights of Garnet Peak and the high desert peaks beyond. The trail leaves these views behind as it bends south for the first of three crossings of Pine Creek Road. The first two happen in quick succession before the trail winds around a ridge before settling into a more consistently southerly direction. After passing a junction with the Indian Creek Trail, the trail next descends into Noble Canyon, which it reaches after the final crossing of Pine Creek Road at 3.0 miles. Beyond the road, the trail settles into an extended, junction-less downhill section beneat

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