Mission Trails Regional Park
With nearly 5,800 acres of both natural and developed recreational acres, the
rugged hills, valleys and open areas represent a San Diego prior to the arrival of
European explorers. Originally used by the Kumeyaay, the park is the site of the
Old Mission Dam, built to store water for the Mission San Diego de Alcala.
With over 40 miles of trails, boating on Lake Murray, camping at Kumeyaay Lake,
equestrian trails, numerous informative hikes, and a state-of-the-art Visitor & Interpretive Center,
Mission Trails Regional Park has something to offer everyone.
The Mission Gorge section provides the best rock-climbing experience in San Diego.
Visitor Center
One Fr. Junipero Serra Trail, San Diego CA 92119; 619-668-3281;
Open Daily: 9AM-5PM (Exc: Major holidays)
Learn about the parks history, natural plant and animal communities, and the various activities and destinations available within the park.
Also includes 94-seat theater showing different films about the region's history.
Equestrian Staging Area
Intersection of SR 52 and Mast Blvd.
This is the entrance to the East Fortuna region of the park and trails
for hiking, mountain biking and horse back riding.
Old Mission Dam
North east end of Father Junipero Serra Trail
This is a nationally registered historic landmark and a starting point for hikes into Oak Canyon,
the East Fortuna Mountain region, or along Father Junipero Serra Trail and the San Diego River.
Rock Climbing - Mission Gorge
Mission Gorge offers the best outdoor rock-climb experience in San Diego.
The part riparian and part desert terrain park is home to many animal and plant species,
the San Diego River watershed, and lots of rock. The cliffs and rocks here are unique
in that they provide outstanding routes for the first time and advanced climbers.
Lake Murray
5540 Kiowa Drive, La Mesa, CA 91942; 619-668-2050;
The lake is open for shore fishing and private boats (when water level allows) seven days a week.
Rental boats are only available on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
This lake is very popular for bicycling, jogging, walking, rollerblading, and picnicking.
The reservoir has Florida-strain largemouth bass, bluegill, channel catfish, black crappie and trout.
State fishing license is required.
Mission Trails Race - 15K & 5K - Early Feb
Start: Mission Trails Equestrian Staging Area;
Race Website;
Two challenging courses: 15k & 5k, featuring the beautiful and rugged scenery of Mission Trails Regional Park.
Have a great day in the park, win awards, a t-shirt and raffle prizes!
This race is held in Mission Trails Regional Park. The start is at the Equestrian Area
which is at the intersection of Route 52 and Mast Blvd.
Mission Trails Golf Course
7380 Golfcrest Place, San Diego, CA 92119; 619.460.5400;
Trails
A very scenic golf course adjacent to Cowles Mt. and Lake Murray. The mountain, canyon and lake views
will really add great value to any golfer's scorecard.
This 18-hole Par 71 located in the San Carlos area of San Diego is a favorite of course for local golfers.
Save some strength and your uphill lie skills for the Mission Trails closing hole which is a very challenging
275 yard Par 4 shot straight up hill with some very rewarding and panoramic views of Lake Murray to end a great round of golf.
Other Points of Interest
- Cowles Mountain - Elevation 1592 ft.
- Kumayaay Lake Campground - Campers have their choice of 46 primitive (no water or electricity) sites for tents or recreational vehicles.
CaliforniaResortLife.com
