Emerald Hills experiences warm, sunny San Diego weather most of the year with no need to bundle up or put on rain gear. Some wet weather occurs in the winter and spring, but is usually short-lived, and temperatures in the winter are generally well above freezing. Summer heat can be a factor for outings with your canine companion. Choose cooler times of the day, keep your walks short, and pack water for you and your furry friend on long excursions.
This is a hilly neighborhood with elevation changes and you and your dog will need to trek up and down some inclines to get around the neighborhood. There is plenty of natural open space in Emerald Hills, including the highest point, a hill on the east side, which is the location of radio towers in the area. There are also ravines with rough terrain on the south and north sides and Radio Canyon is located on the east side of the community. These ravines can be difficult to cross on foot, although they do have trails through them.
Chollas Creek flows through the neighborhood and area streets provide access across the waterway. Most of the area is developed residential property with single-family homes on well-landscaped lots.
Emerald Hills Park is a developed greenway located on the north side of the community. This peaceful park is lightly used and has tennis and basketball courts and a playground. A paved walking path around the park makes an ideal location for a leisurely stroll with your pup. There are also restrooms in the park. Keep your dog leashed and be prepared to clean up after them to use this green space.
Numerous natural spaces and canyons, including the radio tower hill and radio canyon on the southeast side, provide great locations for a hike with your hound and have natural trails through them. The terrain is rough and there are some elevation changes when accessing ravine trails. Coyotes and other wildlife are prevalent in the open areas, especially at night, so use caution, keep your dog leashed, and avoid strolls in the wilderness areas at dusk and after dark to avoid run-ins with your canine's wild cousins.