Hollenbeck Canyon Hike

6.5 miles, 800ft ascent. Hazards - 3 creek crossings, stepping stones provided. Poles useful. About 0.5 miles of narrow trail with steep drop-off. There is an alternate trail that can be taken to avoid this stretch.

Description:
A pretty loop that includes coastal sage scrub, chaparral, oak woodlands, riparian forests, freshwater marshes and grasslands. A seasonal creek is running along the canyon floor so several creek crossings, but with stepping stones. The approximately 6,100-acre Hollenbeck Canyon Wildlife Area provides a wildlife corridor between Otay Mountain and the Jamul Mountains. Elevation ranges from a low of 750 feet to 2,100 feet at the highest peak. We last hiked here in April 2025.
https://www.meetup.com/sandiegodayhikers/events/307289753

A CDFW Lands Pass must be carried by each visitor who is 16 years of age or older. Visitors who are carrying a valid California hunting or fishing license in their name are exempt from this requirement.

Lands passes may be purchased on-line
https://www.licenses.wildlife.ca.gov/internetsales
Continue as Guest at top in blue.
Under Menu, choose 2026-Lands Pass, choose 1-day $5.97,
enter date 04/02/2026,
select location Hollenbeck Canyon,
checkout,
enter credit card info,
check email confirmation,
complete transaction,
download receipt/licenses and take a screen shot, or print.
By phone at (800) 565-1458, or in-person at locations wherever hunting and fishing licenses are sold. Rangers do check passes somedays.

FROM SAN DIEGO: Take I-805 South then Hwy 94 East past Jamul and Jamul casino for about five miles. Turn left on Honey Springs Road. The parking lot is on the left.
Google maps: Hollenbeck Canyon Wildlife Area
Apple maps: Hollenbeck Canyon
GPS: 32°40'14"N 116°49'22"W

Wear good hiking shoes and dress in layers. A high of 66º forecast. Take water, a snack, a hat and sunscreen. Leashed dogs are allowed. Toilet.

CONTACT:
Nick Burke text - 858-264-7787
Cell phone service is unreliable in this area, but OK at the trailhead.