Hiking through wide-open spaces can be quite exhilarating, and finding the right trail can be somewhat of a challenge. But Encinitas is lucky to have a hidden gem in the form of a hiking trail: the Manchester Preserve Hiking Trails. Just a mile east of Interstate 5 in Encinitas lies the Manchester Preserve, a 123-acre open space that offers several miles of trails through coastal sage scrub and chaparral.

Manchester Preserve Hiking Trails has three hiking trails that pass through a gently sloping canyon and eventually rise along the steep and eroded canyon walls providing a beautiful view. The preserve is in the middle of suburban development, so although you’re not in deep backcountry, it’s a remarkably pristine place to hike.

“Open space trails. If you like small animals and lots of birds, especially in spring mornings. Late afternoon is a treat. The sunsets are spectacular!”

The Manchester Preserve Hiking Trails are open to hikers, bicyclists, and horseback riders, but no motorized vehicles of any kind are allowed. There are signs throughout the preserve urging hikers to stay on the trails to help protect the surrounding habitat. Dogs are welcome, but must be leashed.

Wherever you prefer to go hiking and walking, is always a chance that you may injure yourself. If an injury does occur during your outing, then you are very lucky that one of Encinitas best chiropractors is closeby. Innate Health and Healing is a mere 5.5 miles northwest of the Manchester Preserve Hiking Trails.

Driving directions:

1. Leaving Manchester Preserve Hiking Trails, head west on Calle Ryan toward Calle Christopher
2. Turn right onto S El Camino Real
3. Turn left onto Encinitas Blvd
4. Turn right onto Saxony Rd
5. Turn right onto Sunny Dr
6. Arrive at 169 Saxony Rd #105

If you’re ready to take a break and enjoy the beach, or perhaps have a family picnic, you can visit the nearby Moonlight State Beach. Fishing, scuba diving, snorkelling, swimming, surfing, or windsurfing, there truly is something water-related for everyone to do there.