West Side Road

Dogs Leashed

Features Views · Waterfall

Climbing at a relatively steady grade, this trail passes a number of spectacular views of the canyon below, stretching all the way to El Capitan Reservoir. At the top, you get a view of the granite slabs that make up Dye Canyon and maybe a view of one of the area's tallest ephemeral waterfalls.

Start at the very end of Ramona Oaks Road in the San Diego Country Estates, where there is plenty of parking. Head up on your left along what looks like a driveway. This paved section will turn to the right, where you'll see a gate. Head around the gate and hike for a very short while on pavement.

The paved section quickly turns to dirt and the dirt road that follows soon becomes rockier as you continue up the grade. Near the top, the trail levels out and the road finally gives up trying to be a road and turns to a trail through chaparral.

Hike through the bushes until you reach a sharp switchback. Here, enjoy the views and rest for a second before heading back downhill. To the right, you'll look over Dye Canyon and, if you're lucky right after some heavy rains, you'll see Devil's Jump Off waterfall cascading hundreds of feet over the cliffs. Even if the falls aren't running, the canyon rocks are impressive and beautiful.

The trail does go on forward over some rocks, but you'll run into some "No Trespassing" signs in just a few more feet as the trail enters private property. Instead, enjoy the views before heading back down.

During the summer this trail can get very hot - there is little shade - so avoid hiking in the middle of the day during the hotter months.