Bridle Loop Trail

If you have ever driven south on Hwy. 163 through Balboa Park, you’ve probably noticed some trails on the west side of the highway. Well, it turns out that trail is part of the Bridle Loop Trail, so I decided to make this my next hike. Starting from the southwest corner of Balboa Park, I headed north along the sidewalk until I reached the Juniper Stairs (thanks to the California Conservation Corps), which took me down to the trail that runs along Hwy. 163. The trail finally stopped paralleling the freeway and climbed back up near the Marston House. I cruised along the sidewalk, past the playground, and the bocce ball courts, and soon I was back at the car. Apart from the noise near Hwy. 163, this was a nice loop.

I am an avid peak bagger, sometimes backpacker, and former sea kayaker living in San Diego. I am the co-author of Urban Trails:San Diego, coming in Spring 2026!

In 2019, I became the third person to complete the San Diego 100 Peak Challenge. Not stopping with that accomplishment, I set my sights on the harder San Diego Sierra Club 100 Peak list, which I completed in 2021. In addition, I have conquered several Six-Pack of Peaks challenges (SoCal, San Diego, Central Coast, and both the Arizona-Winter and Arizona-Summer). I am looking forward to exploring new summits and new adventures across the southwest.

Otay River Valley Trail

Only a couple of cars were in the parking lot when I pulled in just after 8 am. The forecast was calling for a slightly warmer day, and I knew I was not going to have a lot of shade along the trail, so an earlier start was in order. I grabbed my gear and crossed the road at the light. The wide dirt trail runs along the river valley and it soon passed one of the several ponds that line the valley floor. Along the way, bilingual interpretive signs lined the trailside.

The wildflowers were still blooming as I continued eastward. After passing the second pond, a wooden boardwalk weaved across a small section of marsh. A few others were also out enjoying the trail, but for the most part, I enjoyed the solitude and sounds of the occasional bird. This area is a major locale for bird watching, and I certainly spotted several unique ones during my hike.

At a grove of eucalyptus trees, I reached my turn-around point and had a short break. I crossed over the flowing Otay River to make this route more of a “lollipop” hike rather than a simple out-and-back. I continued west along the north side of the river valley for a bit, passing a very large white church, and my route had me crossing the river once again. Soon I neared the Ranger station. Without stopping at my car, I continued west toward yet another pond. I followed the trail part way around it, enjoying the views. While the trail continued westward, my knee wasn’t up for the additional distance.

I am an avid peak bagger, sometimes backpacker, and former sea kayaker living in San Diego. I am the co-author of Urban Trails:San Diego, coming in Spring 2026!

Rancho Mission Canyon

After enjoying a nice biscuit I picked up from Rise, I grabbed gear and set off up Middle Rancho Mission Canyon. The trail was nice, with a few wildflowers here and there, and the sound of flowing water from time to time. Soon the trail made its short climb up to Cabaret Street. Two workers were there doing some trail maintenance, and we chatted a bit before I thanked them for their efforts and retraced my route. I wanted to log each route fully so I passed the junction to Lower Rancho Mission Canyon, went back to the trailhead, and reset my tracker.

I again walked for about 1/10 miles until I reached the junction for Lower Rancho Mission Canyon. The trail turned south and quickly encountered the stream that was flowing through the canyon. Thankfully the stream was not flowing too heavily so crossing it was easy, and from there, the trail climbed up a ravine. It was clear that the trail had been “upgraded “ for mountain bikers enjoying their downhill ride. Being mid-week, I doubted I would encounter anyone. The trail eased and passed some nearby houses for a bit before continuing to work its way toward Navajo Road. Some palm trees rose in the distance and from scouting this hike on Google Maps, I knew I was almost at my turn-around point. I tapped the sign at the trail’s end at Navajo Road and returned back down the canyon.

Back at the car, I checked my watch and had a little bit of time before the scheduled lift-off of the last Delta IV Heavy rocket from Florida, but would need to be mindful of the time while I hiked Upper Rancho Mission Canyon. This trailhead was next to the playground, which was just above the other trailheads. After a short climb from the playground, the trail eased up and worked its way along the side of the hills. As the countdown neared zero, I found a shady spot to watch the launch. Once the broadcast was done, I continued cruising along the trail. Soon I was greeted with a sweeping view of the Mission Trails Regional Park, just to my north. Finally, I reached the trailhead at Hemingway Drive, tapped that sign, and retraced my route back to the car.

I am an avid peak bagger, sometimes backpacker, and former sea kayaker living in San Diego. I am the co-author of Urban Trails:San Diego, coming in Spring 2026!

Chollas Radio System Open Space

A couple blocks away from where I parked for Emerald Hills East, was the Chollas Radio System Open Space, so I decided to make the short drive over and explore it. This trailhead is located at the end of Zircon Street, and I found a spot in front of one of the homes. The trail headed west and down the slope, with no wooden stairs this time. Portions of this open space are fenced off to protect the habitat, and there are clear trail signs for to follow. I passed three ladies who were also out enjoying the trail. Soon, I came to the creek that runs along nearby Hwy. 94. Since we had some late-season rain, it had some water flowing. I crossed it without incident and reached the formal end of the trail. I again retraced my route and called it a day.

I am an avid peak bagger, sometimes backpacker, and former sea kayaker living in San Diego. I am the co-author of Urban Trails:San Diego, coming in Spring 2026!

Emerald Hills

After exploring Chollas Lake, I decided to explore nearby Emerald Hill Canyon. The parking lot at the Emerald Hills Neighborhood Park was almost empty and red wooden stairs led the way down the hillside. From there, the trail was actually paved, although it could use some plant maintenance, as the brush was starting to become overgrown. Once the trail reached the canyon floor, the pavement ended, and it then turned east to parallel Hwy. 94. Unlike other canyon hikes I have recently done, this one never left the noise of the city behind. The trail quickly ended at Federal Blvd., so I retraced my route back to the car.

I am an avid peak bagger, sometimes backpacker, and former sea kayaker living in San Diego. I am the co-author of Urban Trails:San Diego, coming in Spring 2026!

Chollas Lake

Decided to explore Chollas Lake in the morning. The parking lot was surprisingly full as I pulled into one of the last open spots. I grabbed my gear and headed down to the edge of the lake. I followed the lakeshore for a bit until a side trail called my name. The trail was nicely shaded under the eucalyptus trees as it worked its way up and then back down toward the dam.

From there, I left the lake behind and entered a wide urban canyon. I came to a signpost highlighting various destinations both near and far. While the trail continued along the canyon floor, another trail made the short climb to the top of the mesa. From the mesa, I had a sweeping view of the canyon, as well as a nice view of downtown San Diego. The wide trail looped around the baseball field, where a team was having a practice session.

Once back on the canyon floor, I crossed the parking lot to link back up with the trail. I took the single-track option to make the gentle climb to Gloria’s Mesa, rather than the direct trail along the canyon floor. Once at Gloria’s Mesa, I explored the amphitheater and the lovely wildflowers in bloom. I headed down a flight of stairs past a wooden gazebo near the southwest corner of the lake. Turning east, I followed the wide path back toward the start. I was amazed at the number of picnic tables and pavilions that were located along the lake. This area certainly had plenty of spots to come to enjoy the scenery. When I got back to the parking lot, there were cars actively waiting to park. If this is an issue when you visit, drive down to Gloria’s Mesa, and you will probably not have any issues parking there.

I am an avid peak bagger, sometimes backpacker, and former sea kayaker living in San Diego. I am the co-author of Urban Trails:San Diego, coming in Spring 2026!

Seven Bridges

When I had my neck issue five years ago, one of the first outings after I recovered was a portion of the Seven Bridges hike. Now, after my cervical fusion, it seemed fitting to do this hike again, and hopefully, this time, I could complete all seven bridges! We found parking near the Spanish Arts Village, and after a fellow dog owner lent us a couple of poop bags (as we forgot ours at home), we crossed our first bridge over Park Boulevard. We then continued north along Park Boulevard, until we made the short turn onto University and over its small bridge. Then we headed northwest along Lincoln Avenue until we turned south on Vermont, and across our third bridge.

Back along University Avenue, we made a pit stop at Starbucks for a beverage, then continued west to First Avenue. Next up was the Spruce Street Suspension Bridge. Neither Anita nor Rocky enjoyed this one. Once we made it across, we continued onto the Quince Street Bridge. The construction down below in Maple Canyon was quite evident. Next up was the First Avenue Bridge, which also spans Maple Canyon. We continued along First Avenue until we reached Laurel Street and turned eastward back toward Balboa Park.

Workers were finishing cleaning up from the Race for Autism that occurred earlier in the day. We crossed the famous Cabrillo Bridge that spans the 163 and into the park. With that, we soon found ourselves back at the car. Overall, the neck felt pretty good…

I am an avid peak bagger, sometimes backpacker, and former sea kayaker living in San Diego. I am the co-author of Urban Trails:San Diego, coming in Spring 2026!

Del Mar Mesa Preserve

I found parking at the end of the cul-de-sac under the shade of a tree. Since I normally don’t hike in the mid-afternoon, I had to stop and think about wanting the car to stay cool for my return. When hitting the trailheads in the early morning, that isn’t usually the first thing you think about. I wanted to get out on the trails one more time before I headed into the hospital to have surgery to fuse two of the vertebrae in my neck. So, why not take a stroll through Del Mar Mesa Preserve? We have had some rain recently, and the vernal pools might be filled. I passed the gate and headed south toward the signboard. A notice cautioned users of the preserve not to disturb the pools on the mesa. I started down the service road for the power lines. Off to the west, shimmering in the afternoon light, was one of the catch ponds for Deer Canyon Creek. As I neared the bottom of the canyon, the trail split. Straight ahead, the service road continued up the canyon and is affectionately known as “Cardiac Hill”. To the left, a trail would follow the side of the canyon until it reached “Tunnel #4”. Being midday on a Wednesday, I did not expect to encounter many, if any, mountain bikers, as this is a popular place for them to ride. The trail followed the side of the canyon for a bit until it dipped down and crossed the flowing steam. Once safely across, I was about to start hiking through Tunnel #4. A sign cautioned hikers to be aware of bikers coming down the trail. I don’t hike with headphones, but if one does, this would be where you put them away and keep your ears open.

The trees formed a lovely shaded canopy over most of the trail. It doesn’t take long to figure out how this section of trail got its name. The trail works its way up a side canyon toward the mesa at a much gentler grade than Cardiac Hill. Finally, you break from under the cover of the canopy and stand atop Del Mar Mesa. Before me stood a grove of eucalyptus trees. If you have ever driven on Hwy. 56 near Camino Del Sur, and saw some trees clustered together off to the south, these are those trees. I took a quick water break and looked around. Off to the east, the preserve is completely closed to protect the habitat back there. So, I followed the trail to the west, and there I saw my first of several vernal pools. The water was the color of my wife’s coffee after she put her creamer in, but darting around were tadpoles! I watched them for a bit before heading on.

I came to a junction. The trail heading west is probably the entrance route we will recommend in the book, as there is a park nearby for water and restrooms, as opposed to starting from where I did. The other trail leads back across the mesa, then down Cardiac Hill. As I headed northward, I passed several more pools that almost filled the service road, but there was enough room to the side to properly pass them. I worked my way down the hill until I again reached the stream I had to cross. This time the gap was a bit wider. I made it partway across, but the front of my left shoe did get a little soaked. I followed the service road back up to where I started and called it a wonderful day on the trails.

Update: The surgery went great and should be back on the trails in a month or two!

I am an avid peak bagger, sometimes backpacker, and former sea kayaker living in San Diego. I am the co-author of Urban Trails:San Diego, coming in Spring 2026!

Walker Preserve Trail

I wanted to get something in before the rains came later in the day. So I decided to go explore the Walker Preserve Trail out in Santee/Lakeside. I convinced Jeremy to join me on this adventure. The gates to the parking lot were closed, so we found parking along a nearby street, as all the parking along Magnolia Avenue was taken. I later learned that this parking lot is used for staging for the restoration and clean-up efforts. After passing under a nice trailhead sign, a nice gazebo stood off to the side, along with some picnic benches. Just beyond that, a water fountain for humans and another one for your dog are available. The only bathroom appears to be a port-a-potty. We passed a large group of hikers that were milling about and set off down the nice wide and well-groomed dirt path.

Houses lined the left side of the trail, but the San Diego River would appear from time to time behind the brush. The sound of various birds would fill the air as we cruised eastward. There were several informational panels posted along the way, explaining some of the history of the area, most notably the sand mining that used to occur here. There was a short spur that led to a nice bench and a lovely view of the river. It is possible to access the river at certain points, where you might find some trying their luck fishing.

The trail splits at one point and makes a tiny climb to reveal two more picnic tables under some trees. The trail rejoins again and continues onto toward the Lakeside Baseball Park. There is water here, and when the field is in use, the bathrooms are available. We continued eastward, technically leaving the Walker Preserve Trail and joining the Lakeside River Trail. The houses to the north were now replaced with warehouses. We went under Riverford Road and then passed by a pocket park. The trail made a short dog leg and then passed by the Willowbrook Golf Course. We also came across a nice wooden view deck that has a nice view of the river. There was an unhoused person sleeping there, so we let him be and continued on. When reached Channel Road, we took a short break and worked our way back to the start. On the way back, we saw someone sitting in that pocket park with their binoculars scanning the field to the west for birds. We got back to the car, having beat the rain. The entire hike was 5.9 miles, with a whopping elevation gain of 34 feet (the short climb on the side trail was really something), and we did it in just under 2 hours of moving time.

I am an avid peak bagger, sometimes backpacker, and former sea kayaker living in San Diego. I am the co-author of Urban Trails:San Diego, coming in Spring 2026!

Tecolote Canyon

A bit of a marine layer hung in the air as I pulled into the parking lot. That was fine as I planned to cover over 6 miles on this hike. I was here early in part to finish up with enough time to drive out to Cabrillo National Monument and hopefully be able to go to the actual top of the Old Lighthouse. The trail was a well-maintained service road. The University of San Diego, and its blue-domed church, stood above the canyon to the south. A work crew was out removing weeds. I chatted with them a bit before continuing on my way.

The trail turned northward and followed the Tecolote Golf Course. The flatness from the beginning of the hike was now replaced with some short ascents and descents. Wildflowers dotted the trail from time to time, as did connecting trails to the neighborhoods or power line towers.

The trail once again made an easterly turn, mostly leaving the golf course behind. While there is a way to link up with the northern portion of Tecolote Canyon, I was planning to stay on the southern portion. The trail now was no longer mostly a service road, but a trail that worked its way back and forth over Tecolote Creek. Thankfully, the water was low enough to allow me to cross. Finally, I reached the trail’s end at Genesee Avenue. One does need to be a bit mindful, as this section does have some poison oak.

While working my way back, I ran into a gentleman with a full Osprey Backpack. I asked him, “Training for something?” He replied he was headed to the Grand Canyon for a few nights. I wished him the best of luck and told him how jealous I was. I started to pass a few more folks, some out walking their dogs, some out for a bike ride.

As I got back to the trailhead, the garden next to the visitor center was open, so I took a quick look around, I wanted to get out to the lighthouse, so I did not linger. I logged the hike at 6.4 miles with about 387 feet of gain, and 5 water crossings.

Pt. Loma Lighthouse

I tossed my gear in the car and headed out to the lighthouse. I scored a ticket and soon found myself standing atop this historic building. The lens is incredible to see up close, but oh… the views from the top!

I am an avid peak bagger, sometimes backpacker, and former sea kayaker living in San Diego. I am the co-author of Urban Trails:San Diego, coming in Spring 2026!