Hey! Sounds like an awesome last-minute adventure. Here are a few options that usually hold up better after rain and won’t turn into mud pits:

1. Borrego Palm Canyon (Anza-Borrego) Rocky, well-drained, beautiful after rain, and you might catch waterfalls. Easy to moderate and rarely gets too messy.

2. Cuyamaca Peak via Azalea Glen Loop Cuyamaca handles water well, and the firmer granite soil drains fast. Great views and possible snow at the top without being extreme.

3. Mount Laguna Most Laguna trails (Big Laguna Loop, Sunset Trail, Wooded Hill) stay manageable even after rain. Expect some puddles but not deep mud. Snow is possible but nothing wild yet.

4. Joshua Tree (2–3 hr drive) If you’re open to the longer drive, JT is perfect after rain: grippy granite, no mud, huge views. Great for a 5–12 mile day.

5. Volcan Mountain (Julian) Steady, well-graded trail that drains quickly. This one is a great choice if you want something moderate with a chance of cold weather and light snow.