Ho Chi Minh Trail

The Ho Chi Minh Trail (also known as the Saigon Trail or simply La Jolla Trail) is a unique hiking trail that descends from the northern neighborhoods of La Jolla to Blacks Beach. It is used by locals to access one of the only clothing optional beaches in the San Diego area.

This unofficial trail is steep and treacherous in spots and follows a natural drainage down an eroded hillside. On this hike you’ll descend narrow sandstone passages, walk across a plank (you can avoid this if chicken), and use a rope for the final drop. Wear good shoes (put the flip flops in your backpack) and avoid this hike during wet times to make it safer. That said, if you are uncomfortable with dangerous exposure and steep hikes (remember that you have to come back up again), then avoid this trail. A safer alternative is just south of here and goes to South Blacks Beach (this can also be used as the return hike).

The entrance to Ho Chi Minh Trail is located at these coordinates 32.8852, -117.2492 (copy and paste these numbers into Google Maps for routing from your location). Note that it is obscured by a large bush and can be hard to spot. See also the map linked on this page.

Parking can be found along the shoulder of La Jolla Farms Road, but do not block any driveways. Note that parking is limited to two hours all along this road, which is no problem for a round-trip hike, but doesn’t allow for a lengthy day at the beach. The trail is less than a half-mile long and takes just 15-20 minutes to descend. If you want to take public transit, there’s a bus stop on N Torrey Pines Road near the entrance to La Jolla Farms Road and it’s about a one-mile walk on sidewalks to the trail (this access is called the “Saigon Trailhead” in Google Maps).

Address

La Jolla Farms Rd
La Jolla, CA 92037