San Dieguito River Park

I’ve been coming to different trails in the San Dieguito River park as often as I can. The river park has more than 65 miles of trails. I’ve only been to the ones within a short distance from my house so all close to Escondido.
The coast to crest trail at Mule hill is pretty cool. I wanted to go on that trail because I went to the San Pasqual battle field and they talked about mule hill when I made my visit. I was on this learning history phase that day which is always fun. When you are on the trail to see mule hill they have signs explaining the battle. It’s a very easy trail to start off on when you aren’t much of a hiker like me.
The bernardo bay trails are really cool. The view is great with lake hodges. I saw a tarantula recently at the trailhead! It was so cool.
Piedras Pintadas trail is nice. There are signs exploring the life of the Kumeyaay Indians. There is a little waterfall which is beautiful when there is some flowing water. There was more water when I went in January and barely any flowing when I went last week. Lol. I do love this trail in the spring time because of the flowers blooming. So beautiful!
The hike across the Lake Hodges pedestrian bridge is pretty easy. I like to keep going up until I get to the Felicita Creek. It’s very easy. I used to look for little frogs under the bridge when I would go with my friends.
I want to explore more trails within the River Park. Always great to get outdoors and explore.

My old friend chose this trail for us to hike yesterday. We parked in Rancho Bernardo, and did two miles each way right close to one end of Lake Hodges.
The vistas were truly breathtaking, the trails were easy, but there was enough climbing to make for a good cardio workout.
We passed by a memorial to Chelsea King, located on the trail where her body was found. Such a sad and horrible thing, but it was hard to focus on the negative with so much natural beauty around us… still, we paused for a brief moment of reflection and remembrance.
There were ticks… so watch your kids and watch your dogs… one got on my friend, but we dispatched it with a pair of vise grips before it could burrow it’s little head in and feast.
More signage than we are used to seeing, which made it really pleasant from an educational perspective.
Will do more exploring in this park in the future.

It was so clear and beautiful out today. Easy to find right off the main road to Ramona. The trail was a bit loose from all the rain lately. You can choose two different trails, but none of them loop back so when your tired, head back! Beautiful mountain views but watch out for critters cause the path is narrow.

The San Dieguito River Park is a natural open space in the San Dieguito River Valley. What you’re probably most interested in are the park’s numerous hiking trails. The granddaddy of all of the trails is the Coast to Crest Trail. Starting near the coast in Del Mar and ending up in Julian (not a complete trail at this point). This trail is wonderful for exercise and exploration through the various ecosystems and their diverse wildlife.
The location marker for this Unilocal page is the second trail parking lot off Highland in Escondido. From this trail parking lot is a divergence of two trail systems. One heads into Poway via the Old Coach trail system, while the other keeps on the Coast to Crest Trail. I’ve documented some of the stops you can take on the Coast to Crest Trail below.
Coast to Crest Trail (And all trails in-​between)
(San Pasqual Trails)
Starting Form the Sikes Adobe Farmstead (Next to Westfield North County Mall) you can walk the relatively easy hiking trail to historic Mule Hill. If you continue down the trail you’ll walk past Be Wise Farms, and eventually make it to the Raptor Viewpoint where you can see the Safari Park in the background.
— Snakes
— Coyotes yip and can be seen around dusk.
— Deer
(Lake Hodges Trails)
Highlights include Bernardo Mountain, Felicita Creek Bridge, and Adobe Sykes Farmstead.
— Snakes
— Crawfish under the Felicita creek bridge
(Del Dios Gorge trail)
— The trail goes mostly along the Del Dios Highway. So be prepared for loud car noises.
— Many rattlesnake signs, and even a lookout called rattlesnake viewpoint.
— From the parking lot across from Cielo Rancho Fe, it’s about 2 miles to the lookout. A few hills, but any family should be able to make it. Watch out for bikers tho…
— Bats
— Rattlesnakes
In general, the San Dieguito River Park is kid friendly.
I’ve had one as little as 4 hike with us on the various trails. While there are snake, occasional mountain bikers, and a few hillside trails (to raptor peak), it wasn’t really a big deal.
Tips
I prefer the northern trails because there are fewer people.
Parking lots have electric gates. Don’t worry if you come back late, it will open and let you out.
If you do hike the Old Coach trail, it takes you past very large homes in a wealthy Poway neighborhood.

I stopped by the trails right off Villa de La Valle at the end of San Andres Drive in Del Mar right behind the Del Mar Family Dentistry for a morning walk before heading over to the Burger Lounge across the street for and early lunch.
The two trails I hit up where the Coast to Crest and the San Dieguito River Park Trail. Both trails were well maintained and pretty level with loose gravel. (
) The both trails offered use for information for hikers and visitors alike. (
) While I was their I crossed paths with several friendly people and their dogs. Pets are allowed, but be sure to pick up after them, if you know what I mean. There are 5 trails spread out amongst the river park, the largest up to 1.75 miles, so definitely long enough for a moderate work out.
I happen to go on a beautiful morning, so the air was cool and crisp, and some of the local wild life were busily looking for their meals. (
) Going for a nice walk, always makes the coming meal taste that much better.

Nice little open space tucked into Rancho Santa Fe. It’s downstream and below the Lake Hodges dam, part of the Santa Fe Valley/​Del Dios Gorge Trails (
). Nice little trail that follows along the San Dieguito River. Lots of native plants and birds. Easiest way in is to turn in right at the fruit stand Lemon Twist (
) off Del Dios Highway and drive down to the trail head parking lot.