Scripps Coastal Reserve – Biodiversity Trail

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The Scripps Coastal Reserve is part of UC San Diego’s Natural Reserve System. The Scripps Reserve consists of almost 1000 acres, including an underwater marine portion, coastline area, and an upland cliff area known as “The Knoll.” The Knoll is home to the Biodiversity Trail – a short but very scenic interpretive loop tucked in amid the palace-like residences of La Jolla.

On a horrifically hot summer day, a short easy stroll on the coast sounded like a great choice, so we headed up to the Reserve. We were able to spot the entrance gate as we drove by, then had to continue a little ways up the street to park and walk back. The entrance is pretty subtle: a wrought iron gate with small sign sandwiched between two large houses.Scripps_Coastal_Reserve_DSC_8237

Once through the gate, it was just a short stroll to the beginning of loop. There was a clipboard with a sign-in sheet at the informational kiosk to help the researchers track visitors, so we dutifully signed in. We decided we’d do the loop counter-clockwise and headed down the right fork.Scripps_Coastal_Reserve_DSC_8238

There were periodic signs with information about the Reserve and the plants and animals that inhabit the area, which is a great way to learn about the local habitat. Being somewhat late in the summer, there weren’t any flowers to enjoy, and the landscape was dominated by chaparral broom and dry sage.Scripps_Coastal_Reserve_DSC_8239

There was plenty of wildlife to enjoy, however. We spotted a rabbit enjoying a small patch of shade.Scripps_Coastal_Reserve_DSC_9398-Edit

And there were numerous birds flying around and hopping through the bushes.Scripps_Coastal_Reserve_DSC_8250

To the north was Black’s Canyon. Across the canyon we could see some enormous homes perched atop the sculpted cliffs. A paved path providing access to Black’s Beach ran down through the canyon.Scripps_Coastal_Reserve_DSC_8268-Edit

Around .2 mile there was a small overlook along the edge of the cliffs. Scripps_Coastal_Reserve_DSC_8271

There were numerous signs warning us to stay back from the edge of the unstable cliffs, but even from a safe and conservative location we were able to get some beautiful views of the coastline and see Scripps Pier below.Scripps_Coastal_Reserve_DSC_8275-Edit

The trail continued south along the cliff edge for a little way.Scripps_Coastal_Reserve_DSC_8279

Then it soon turned inland again. We spotted a large Bladderpod plant with some Harlequin Bug nymphs crawling on it.Scripps_Coastal_Reserve_DSC_8286

There were also large patches of Coastal Prickly Pear Cactus, because in San Diego, even the beach has cacti!Scripps_Coastal_Reserve_DSC_8297

More birds entertained us with their songs.Scripps_Coastal_Reserve_DSC_8301

Before long, we found ourselves approaching the start of the loop again. We thought we were done and started heading towards the gate when we spotted this beautiful little guy in the brush.Scripps_Coastal_Reserve_DSC_8335

For such a short trail, we certainly got our fair share of wildlife, and definitely felt it was worth the trip.


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Directions:
From I-5, take the La Jolla Village Drive exit and head west on La Jolla Village Drive. Continue as La Jolla Village Drive turns into N Torrey Pines Road. Turn left onto La Jolla Shors Drive, then right onto La Jolla Farms Road. The entrance to the Reserve will be on the left after approximately .1 mile. Find parking on the street where you can. map

Total Distance: .5 mile
Difficulty: Easy
Total Ascent: Negligible
Dog Friendly?: Dogs not allowed
Bike Friendly?: Bikes not allowed
Facilities: None
Fees/Permits: None

For more information, visit:
UC San Diego Natural Reserve System – Scripps Coastal ReserveView route or download GPX from CalTopo

This Week in San Diego Hiking – August 22, 2016

20160214_DSC4341-EditEagleRockPhoto: PCT to Eagle Rock

Hello Hikers!

Well it looks like the horrific heat is over for now. Just remember to check the forecast before you head out as things can always change.

This Thursday through the weekend, August 25 – 28, there will be free admission to National Parks in honor of the National Park Service Birthday!

Mark your calendars for September 24th, when the thrid annual Wildlife Hike-A-Thon will be held at Border Field State Park. All proceeds will benefit the Fund For Animals Wildlife Center in Ramona, allowing it to continue its rescue and rehabilitation services to ill, injured and orphaned wildlife and to provide care to permanent sanctuary residents. This event takes place on a scenic trail from Border Field Park to the Pacific Ocean. Bring the whole family and take the leisurely hike to the half-way point where you can enjoy a refreshing view of the Pacific Ocean and Monument Mesa before turning back to the finish line. Games and activities will be set up before and after the hike, including “Duck Rescue”, Wildlife Trivia and more! Go here for more information and to register.

The County Board of Supervisors  has voted to authorize the Department of Parks and Recreation to apply for $750,000 grant to acquire lands for the future San Luis Rey River Park. If acquired, these funds would be used to acquire 37 acres of riparian and wetland habitat along Highway 76.

Here’s the latest outdoor and fitness deals from Amazon:

Have a good week!

Mission Trails Regional Park - West SycamorePhoto: Mission Trail West Sycamore

San Diego National Wildlife Refuge – Par 4 Trail

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Although we’ve been frequent visitors to the western portion of the San Diego National Wildlife Refuge in Rancho San Diego, we’d never managed to make it over to the eastern side. In fact, for many years we had no idea there was another part of the refuge, as the main trailhead to the area lies a the end of a remote suburban cul-de-sac.

The Par 4 trailhead leads to a nice little loop trail that runs along the Sweetwater River near the Cottonwood Golf Course and along the hills just north of Steele Canyon High School. There’s a network of use trails running through the area so you can do some exploring. We ended up doing something of a figure-8 loop that seemed to incorporate most of the highlights of the area. Continue reading San Diego National Wildlife Refuge – Par 4 Trail

This Week in San Diego Hiking – August 15, 2016

20160514_DSC0163-EditSan ClementePhoto: San Clemente Canyon

Hello Hikers!

I hope everyone’s been staying safe in this stupid heat. I for one, have had enough. Fortunately, the forecast is calling for today to be the worst of it, and then it should start to call off. Hopefully the upcoming weekend will be more pleasant!

There is a small wildfire burning just south of the border near Portrero. As of Sunday, it was at approximately 120 acres. Cal Fire is monitoring the situation.

The San Dieguito River Park has announced that construction of the Pamo Valley segment of the Coast to Crest Trail should begin this fall. The trail through Pamo Valley will link two existing Forest Service trails to add 12 more miles to the Coast to Crest Trail.

Next Sunday there is a volunteer workday at Palomar Mountain State Park! This workday will focus on general park improvements. Kids 12 and up welcome with a legal guardian. Free RV/camper camping available Saturday and Sunday (no hookups). Tent camping available Sunday only for preregistered volunteers. Visit calparks.org/parkchampions to register and see a complete calendar of upcoming events.

Here’s the latest outdoor and fitness deals from Amazon:

Have a good week!

20160313_DSC1044-EditKitchen Creek FallPhoto: Kitchen Creek Falls

Lopez Canyon

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Lopez Canyon is a small offshoot of western Los Penasquitos Canyon. The seasonal Lopez Creek runs through it, with an accompanying lush riparian habitat. Lopez Canyon is usually less busy than neighboring Penasquitos, so its a great alternative if you’re seeking a bit of quiet solitude, or you can combine the two trails if you’re looking for some extra mileage.

Starting from the western Penasquitos parking area, we passed through the gate at the trailhead, and followed the trail through the thick riparian brush.
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In several hundred feet, we came to a “T” junction. We turned right, following the signs for Lopez Canyon. (Los Penasquitos Canyon lies to the left.)2016Lopez CanyonDSC_6713-Edit

The trail ran through an open grassy area for a short stretch before bending to the right and crossing over the dry creek. Thick tangles of willow, mule fat and other riparian vegetation grew along the creek bed.2016Lopez CanyonDSC_6717-Edit

On the far side of the creek, we found ourselves flanked by the dry, grassy slopes of the canyon wall on one side and the lush green of the creek on the other.2016Lopez CanyonDSC_6724

Abundant patches of Sacred datura, with its large trumpet-shaped white flowers lined the trail.2016Lopez CanyonDSC_6723-Edit

Around .65 miles we found ourselves passing through a field of enormous, dried flower stalks.2016Lopez CanyonDSC_6746-Edit

In the midst of this field we came to a “Y” junction in the trail. The right fork was an old dirt road (Lopez Road) leading up to another trailhead near an office park. If you’re looking for a slightly more challenging route, you can get a bit of climbing in by following this trail up to the canyon rim. We were more interested in scenery today, however, so turned left to continue along the creek.2016Lopez CanyonDSC_6750

We emerged from the field of dry stalks and continued along the narrow footpath.2016Lopez CanyonDSC_6754

As with just about all riparian areas, there was a considerable amount of poison oak along the trail.2016Lopez CanyonDSC_6759-Edit-Edit

Just shy of the 1 mile point, we crossed the dry creek bed again.2016Lopez CanyonDSC_6762

We were deep in the canyon now, and despite the fact that we could occasionally glimpse houses and buildings on the canyon rim above us, we felt blissfully secluded on the quiet canyon floor.2016Lopez CanyonDSC_6764

Tall Sycamore trees provided a leafy canopy overhead, and flowering buckwheat dotted the trailside.2016Lopez CanyonDSC_6765

Around 1.15 mile a side trail branched off to the right, leading up towards more office buildings above. We took the left fork to maintain our course along the creek.2016Lopez CanyonDSC_6770

At 1.3 miles we crossed the rocky creek bed again, the smooth river rock crunching loudly beneath our feet.2016Lopez CanyonDSC_6777

As we continued, the sound of snapping branches made us look up to the hillside on our left. A small herd of deer was grazing in the brush. Most of them ran off upon noticing us, but one doe hung around for a couple of minutes, staring back at us as we stared at her.2016Lopez CanyonDSC_9266-Edit

She finally wandered off to find the rest of her herd, and we continued on our way. More beautiful Sycamores awaited us.2016Lopez CanyonDSC_6778

At 1.5 miles, the trail we had been following led to an open, rocky expanse and disappeared. You can follow the rocky creek bed for awhile and pick up the trail again as it leads towards a bridge where Camino Santa Fe Road passes over the canyon. But as the sun was quickly burning off the cooling marine layer and the high humidity was sapping our energy, hiking along the exposed creekbed just to reach a road wasn’t sounding especially appealing to us. So, we decided to make this our turnaround point and headed back the way we had come.2016Lopez CanyonDSC_6784


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Directions:
From 805-N, take exit 27B for Sorrento Valley Road. Turn left onto Vista Sorrento Parkway and continue for approximately 1 mile. Turn right onto Sorrento Valley Blvd. The trailhead will be on your right in just under 1 mile. map

Total Distance: 3 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Total Ascent: 110 feet
Dog Friendly?: Leashed dogs allowed
Bike Friendly?: Bikes allowed
Facilities: Port-a-potty at trailhead; no water
Fees/Permits: None

For more information, visit:
View route or download GPX from CalTopo
City of San Diego Parks & Recreation: Los Penasquitos Canyon Preserve
County of San Diego Parks & Recreation: Los Penasquitos Canyon Preserve
Friends of Los Penasquitos Canyon Preserve
Trail Map

This Week in San Diego Hiking – August 8, 2016

2016BlkMtn_DSC5642-EditPhoto: Miner’s Ridge Loop – Black Mountain

Hello Hikers!

There was a small fire in the Laguna Mountain Recreation Area on Saturday morning, just northwest of Penny Pines. A 911 caller reported the fire around 3 am, and it was contained at approximately 1.5 acres. Investigators have not yet determined the cause. Please note that within the Laguna Mountain Recreation Area camping outside of established campgrounds is NOT ALLOWED, and campfires are not allowed outside of approved fire rings in campgrounds and picnic areas.

A new Nature Center has opened at the Batiquitos Lagoon. The new modular building replaces the old construction trailer that housed the old Nature Center. It also sounds like other changes are coming to the Lagoon as part of a transportation improvement project, which will include widening I-5 with a new bridge that will include a separate span for pedestrians and cyclists, and a trail underneath the bridge that will connect existing trails along the lagoon that currently end on either side of the freeway.

The invasive Shot Hole Borer Beetle has been found in the Elfin Forest area, prompting the Escondido Creek Conservancy to close some trails to hopefully prevent it from spreading further. I’m trying to get more details on exactly where the closures are, but according the SDMBA Facebook page, its trails within the the Escondido Creek Conservancy, west of Elfin Forest Recreation Reserve. It sounds like the Reserve itself is still open. We’ll keep you posted with any updates, but please respect any closure notices you encounter – the effects of this creature can be absolutely devastating.

The Perseid meteor showers will be peaking this week on Thursday night through Friday morning. The best viewing will be after 1 a.m. once the moon has set.

Here’s the latest outdoor and fitness deals from Amazon:

Have a good week!

20160628_DSC5573_Knott_GrovePhoto: Knott Grove

This Week in San Diego Hiking – August 1, 2016

20160530_DSC1907-EditBig LagunaPhoto: Big Laguna/PCT Loop

Hello Hikers!

Welcome to August. The following San Diego County Parks are closed during the month of August due to extreme heat: El Capitan Open Space Preserve (El Cajon Mountain), Mount Gower Open Space Preserve, Hellhole Canyon Preserve, and Wilderness Gardens. Silverwood Wildlife Sanctuary in Lakeside is also closed in August and September.

San Diego County Parks and Recreation has posted an update on the progress regarding the new Boulder Oaks Preserve in Ramona. They are currently processing all of the comments they have received. Another community meeting will be scheduled, likely sometime in 2017.

Next Sunday head on over to Oakoasis Preserve for an Oakoasis Sunday Stroll. This is a nice and moderately challenging walking opportunity that the whole family can enjoy. Be prepared for a few hundred feet of elevation gain and loss on a dirt trail that is steep and slippery in some areas. Please dress in layers, wear sturdy shoes and bring water for this 3-mile loop that features fantastic overviews of San Vicenete Reservoir. Go to the San Diego Parks and Recreation Program Guide for more information, or visit our Events Page to find even more upcoming hikes and events.

Here’s the latest outdoor and fitness deals from Amazon:

Have a good week!

20160514_DSC0144-EditSan ClementePhoto: San Clemente Canyon

Airplane Monument & Arroyo Seco Loop (Cuyamaca Rancho State Park)

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On December 7, 1922, a twin-seat model biplane carrying Col. F.C. Marshall and Lt. C.L. Webber crashed into a ridge near Cuyamaca Peak. Despite extensive searches, the wreckage and pilots’ remains weren’t discovered until May the following year. A monument to the two men was built and today is an interesting bit of history residing in the western portion of Cuyamaca Rancho State Park. Continue reading Airplane Monument & Arroyo Seco Loop (Cuyamaca Rancho State Park)

This Week in San Diego Hiking – July 25, 2016

20160626DSC_8948-EditAnniesCanyonPhoto: Annie’s Canyon Trail

Hello Hikers!

I hope everyone has been taking it easy in the heat. It looks like the warm weather is going to continue for a while, so be careful out there. As always, check the forecast before you head out, and make sure you’ve got lots of water!

Next Sunday head to the Tijuana Estuary for a Bird Walk. Take a leisurely stroll down the McCoy Trail and view and learn about some of the 370 species of birds that live or stop by this Reserve on their yearly migration. Bring binoculars if you have them. All ages welcome. Walks begin at the Visitor Center. Visit the Tijuana Estuary Calendar for more details, or check out our Events Page to find even more upcoming hikes and events.

Here’s the latest outdoor and fitness deals from Amazon:

Have a good week!

20150912_DSC5418-EditAguaDulcePhoto: Agua Dulce Loop

Black Mountain via the Miner’s Ridge Loop

2016BlkMtnDSC_9058Black Mountain is a nice little peak in the Rancho Penasquitos area of northern San Diego. There’s a good network of trails that offer several different potential routes to the summit. We previously hiked Black Mountain via the Nighthawk Trail and have had this route on our list for awhile. The warm summer months seemed like a good time to get up early and tackle this relatively short hike before the midday heat set in.

Continue reading Black Mountain via the Miner’s Ridge Loop

Hiking trails in and around San Diego County