Many college students in San Diego are unaware of the amazing wilderness lying only an hour east of downtown. It's a great day trip and there are plenty of hikes for beginners or for those who have gone on multiple backpacking trips.

There are many benefits to being outdoors. Not only is going outside proven to relieve stress--something we college students are always trying to alleviate--but it also shows us how important it is to conserve the beauty we are so lucky to be able to experience.

Cuyamaca Rancho State Park is about an hour and 15 minutes away from the USD campus, and other than the $8 dollar parking fee, it's a pretty cheap outing. The hike itself is a bit strenuous, but nothing you can't manage after walking up the valley stairs a few times. It is six miles round trip, but has an elevation gain of 1,700 feet. The trail is an old fire road, so it's hard to get lost. This peak is the second highest peak in San Diego, only losing by 23 feet to to Hot Springs Mountain.

Since the peak is so high above the surrounding landscape, it is possible to see all the way out to the Pacific Ocean in the West and the Salton Sea and Anza Borrego Desert in the East. When I went, I was lucky enough to even see snow on the top of the mountain.

On your way back, take a detour to the small mountain town of Julian, where they are famous for apple pie. The main street is absolutely charming, with horse-drawn carriages plodding up and down the street every day. Any of the little pie shops are amazing, and a warm slice of pie with ice cream can't hurt after hiking six miles.

Next time you have a free day, grab your friends and head to the mountains; you'll be surprised how much fun you'll have.