Sweetwater Reservoir to Cactus Hill

Overview: Sweetwater Reservoir to Cactus Hill is about 5.1 miles long and located near San Miguel Ranch, California. The trail is great for hiking and normally takes 1-3 hours.

A great hike close to town but with the wide open spaces and views most hikers crave. The trail starts at the Sweetwater County Park and parking for day use is free. While you feel like you're close to an urban environment (highway buzz and planes overhead), you can hear the birds chirping, cawing, and screeching and see spring flowers in full bloom! The trail is pretty easy to navigate and you can make this an out-and-back trip if you'd prefer. The summit of cactus hill is a good place to start heading back, or you can continue on to make it an 8 miler. The top of cactus hill has a nice picnic table and good views all the way out to the Pacific. Enjoy!

Tips: There isn't a ton of shade, so I'd do this hike on cooler days. As always, bring plenty of water! If it's a wet day, be prepared for muddy shoes.