Know where to Park: You can park on the street near the Rios Avenue trailhead (off Lomas Santa Fe Dr) in Solana Beach, or at the Solana Hills trailhead (Solana Hills Dr). Be respectful of the residential areas by checking for “no parking” signs and not blocking driveways. The San Elijo Activity Hub Park & Ride is another option. 

Parking options

• Rios Avenue: Park on the street along Rios Avenue, observing all posted signs. Head to the end of the cul-de-sac and take the eastern entrance to the San Elijo Lagoon to find the trailhead.
• Solana Hills Drive: Park along the side of Solana Hills Drive, where the trailhead is located at the end of the street.
• San Elijo Activity Hub Park & Ride: Use the parking at this location. 

Important considerations

Restrooms: There are no restrooms at the trailhead. 

Respect neighbors: Since you are parking in a residential area, be mindful of driveways and local parking restrictions.

Trailhead: Both the Rios Avenue and Solana Hills Drive trailheads will lead you to the same trail system.

Start Early: The trail can get crowded, especially on weekends. Arriving early ensures a cooler hike and fewer people, which is great for kids who love to explore without feeling rushed.

Wear Good Shoes: While the trail is generally easy, the slot canyon section can be a bit challenging. Proper shoes will help navigate the narrow pathways and sandy areas.

Bring Plenty of Water: Although the hike is only about 2 miles, Southern California’s sun can be intense. Make sure everyone has enough water, especially if you’re hiking with kids.

Prepare for Tight Spaces: The slot canyons are narrow and may feel tight for younger children. Encourage them to take their time, and make sure everyone feels comfortable before entering.

Enjoy the Viewpoints: Don’t rush through the trail. Take time to stop at the viewpoints and enjoy the stunning vistas of the lagoon and the surrounding hills. They make great spots for family photos!

Make It an Adventure: Create a mini scavenger hunt where your kids can look for interesting rocks, unique plant life, or birds in the lagoon.

Go Slow in the Slot Canyon: The narrow slot canyon can feel overwhelming for younger children, so let them take their time and offer plenty of encouragement along the way. Circle back and go through a second time if they enjoy it!

Plan for Rest Breaks: The trail is short, but the climb up the canyon can get tiring for little ones. Take breaks at scenic spots to rest and enjoy the view.

Teach Trail Etiquette: Annie’s Canyon Trail can get busy, so it’s a good opportunity to teach kids about sharing the trail and letting faster hikers pass.

Hike Through the Slot Canyons: The main highlight of Annie’s Canyon Trail is the unique slot canyon experience. Wind your way through narrow sandstone walls and enjoy the thrill of squeezing through the tight sections.

Visit the Scenic Overlook: Once you make it through the canyons, there’s a viewpoint at the top that offers panoramic views of San Elijo Lagoon and the Pacific coastline. We saw some interesting shore birds and wildlife. Keep your eyes peeled and don’t forget to look up too!

Explore the Lagoon: After your hike, explore the nearby San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve. It’s a great spot for birdwatching and learning about local wildlife.

Family-Friendly Adventure: This trail is short and relatively easy, making it ideal for families with children who are new to hiking.

Unique Slot Canyon Experience: Slot canyons are rare in Southern California, so this is a special opportunity to experience one close to home.

Beautiful Views: The views from the overlook are breathtaking, giving you a great sense of the surrounding natural beauty.

Educational Experience: The hike offers opportunities to learn about the local ecosystem and wildlife in San Elijo Lagoon, making it both fun and educational for kids.