Annie's Canyon Trail - Solana Hills Trailhead Parking Area — Attraction in Solana Beach

First, let me start by saying I am not a small woman. I am 5'8" and 230 pounds. After reading the reviews, I was very concerned about being able to not only fit through the narrow passage but also if I could physically manage the hike. I had no problems whatsoever. I am not in great physical shape, but I do enjoy physical activities. As a matter of fact, I enjoyed it so much that we went back again over the weekend. The actual slot canyon itself is not a long trail. I think it's about 1/4 of a mile. There are definitely some narrow parts, but the hardest part for me was the very last step out of the canyon. One review said it was waist high, and I thought surely it was an exaggeration. Of course, it depends on your height, but it was hip height for me (not too far off from waist height). A lot of people had to kneel to get up. My theory for why that step is so high is that it prevents (or at least highly discourages) people from going the wrong way. And it is definitely one way. There is no room to turn around or pass anyone. It was a very unique hike and something you wouldn't expect to see along the coast in California. I highly recommend doing it! There are a couple of ways to get there. I recommend the N. Rios Ave entrance. You can also take the Solana Hills trail. HOWEVER....I do not recommend the Solana Hills trail unless you REALLY want cardio and enjoy long, steep hills. There is even a warning as you start that trail about how steep it is. Again, I thought, "How bad could it be?" It was crazy. Like a half a mile. All uphill. You have been...

My son and I drove out here. At first, I thought I might have been in the wrong place as parking seems to be on the side of a neighborhood street right next to a highway, not where I imagined a park to be. Inside the gate, it was a hot 10-minute walk trudging up hill, then another 5 minutes down a moderately steep incline before spotting the trail map and sign for the trail. The slotted cavern only takes 5 to 10 minutes tops to get through. It's really cool to see, but it gets very narrow in spots, and then there are 4 short ladders that are mostly vertical to the top. The rungs are fairly spaced out, so if you're bringing smaller children, be prepared to help them climb as there is no turning back. There is an alternative path to the same location at the top that uses steps and trails, which is clearly marked. I recommend that if you're in a group and unsure of a person's ability to use the rigorous trail, you split up and meet at the top first. The actual trail is short, and you can return through it pretty quickly. Afterward, it's another 15-minute trudge up and downhill...

This is a gray trail and you would never know certain parts of it exist! It's a little precarious and can be tight quarters walking through, and there's definitely a part that requires some climbing up this secure metal ladder. But it's so fun! Very unexpected and unique part of the hike... It's pretty short and then there's the trail that goes down by the water/ wetland area. Super fun and really doesn't take a lot of skill, but again if you are claustrophobic or need more space than the average human, it's...