Things to Do in Mission Trails Regional Park in San Diego, California

Mission Trails Regional Park includes about 5800 acres of great hiking, camping and biking space. Located minutes from downtown San Diego, Mission Trails Regional Park is a way for all San Diegans to get out and get in touch with nature again, quick and easy. If you are looking for areas to hike, bike and leisurely stroll for a day, here are some great trails to try right inside Mission Trails Regional Park. There is a trail for every hiking level, from leisurely to challenging, and a chance to connect with nature by way of camping.

Inside the park, there is a Visitors and Interpretive Center. Inside the Visitors Center, you can learn about the history of the indigenous peoples of the area. Through the Mission Trails Park Foundation, art shows are on display and rotated throughout the year. The Old Mission Dam is another place to explore, which is a nationally registered historic landmark right in the park itself.

Since the park has water pipelines underneath the park, sections of the park's trails are off limits during the San Diego County Water Authority's upgrade. Visit the San Diego County Water Authority information page regarding the Mission Trails Project for the latest developments and a full project map.

Mission Trails Regional Park Trails & Loops

For those interested in leisurely trails or trails and loops that aren't too challenging, try easy loops in the park. The Kumeyaay Nature Trail and the Deerfield BMX Loop are both 1/2 miles. For something a little longer, try the Shepard Loop, Oak Grove Loop Trail or the Grasslands Loop Trail. The Lake Murray Trail is considered a leisurely trail, but is 3.2 miles.

The Rim Trail Loop is a moderate trail and while a great place to spend a day, it is currently closed except for Sunday's due to the construction from the San Diego Water Authority. The Rim Trail Loop is 4 miles and is also a moderate trail.

For those interested in something a bit more challenging, seek out the North Furtuna Trail at 4 miles or the South Fortuna Trail at 1.75 miles. The San Diego River Crossing is 2.6 miles and the Mesa Trail is 2.2 miles. If length is something you need, the North Perimeter Trail is 4 miles longs and is considered moderately challenging.

Advanced hikers (and bikers, depending on the trail) can try for the Fortuna Saddle Trail which is 3 miles. Short challenging trails include the Climbers Loop Trail at 1 mile and the Kwaay Paay Trail at 1.1 miles. The Big Rock Trail is a little over two miles.

Mission Trails Regional Park
Visitors Center
One Father Junipero Serra Trail
San Diego, CA 92119
(619) 668-2748 for campground information

Sources:
Mission Trails Regional Park
www.mrtp.org

San Diego Water Authority
www.sdcwa.org