Kit Carson Park

3333 Bear Valley Pkwy, Escondido, CA 92025
285 acres | 115 hectares

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Playground
Field
Parking

About the Location

Park Overview

Kit Carson Park is a sprawling 285-acre municipal park located in Escondido, California. Named after Christopher "Kit" Carson, the famous 19th-century explorer, the park sits in a valley approximately 5 miles west of the Battle of San Pasqual site where Kit Carson fought.

The City of Escondido acquired the land for this regional park from the City of San Diego in 1967. Of the total acreage, 100 acres have been developed for recreational use, while the remaining 185 acres have been preserved as natural habitat.

Playful snake sculpture with black and white stripes welcomes park visitors
Playful snake sculpture with black and white stripes welcomes park visitors
Photo: EscoPhotog (CC BY-SA 2.0)

Natural Features

The park features a diverse landscape, including three ponds named Tree Lake, Duck Lake, and Eagle Scout Lake. Visitors can explore the park's network of walking and hiking trails that wind through areas of coastal sage scrub, riparian vegetation, and forested sections.

The trails offer opportunities for exercise, nature observation, and scenic views of Bear Valley and the surrounding hills.

Visitors explore the vibrant mosaic figures in Queen Califia's Magical Circle
Visitors explore the vibrant mosaic figures in Queen Califia's Magical Circle
Photo: Brewcyclers (CC0)

Artistic Attractions

One of the park's unique attractions is Queen Califia's Magical Circle, the only American sculpture garden created by internationally acclaimed artist Niki de Saint Phalle. This whimsical installation, opened in 2003, adds a touch of artistic flair to the park's natural beauty.

Wooden sign marks the entrance to El Arroyo picnic area
Wooden sign marks the entrance to El Arroyo picnic area
Photo: EscoPhotog (CC BY-SA 2.0)

Recreational Facilities

Kit Carson Park serves as a hub for community recreation, offering a wide range of facilities for sports and leisure activities. The park is home to lighted sports fields, tennis courts, and a sports complex that includes a skate park and arenas for soccer and roller hockey.

Additionally, the park features an outdoor amphitheater with a capacity of 3,000, providing a venue for community events and performances.

All Features & Facilities

Active Recreation

Baseball FieldBasketball CourtDisc Golf CourseSkate ParkSoccer FieldTennis CourtVolleyball Court

Nature & Wildlife

Open Grassy AreaWalking Trail

Water Features & Activities

Lake

Visitor Services

AmphitheaterMemorialParking LotPlaygroundRestrooms

Food & Gathering

Grilling AreaPicnic AreaShelter

Photo Gallery (click to enlarge)

Playful snake sculpture with black and white stripes welcomes park visitors
Playful snake sculpture with black and white stripes welcomes park visitors
Photo: EscoPhotog (CC BY-SA 2.0)
Wooden sign marks the entrance to El Arroyo picnic area
Wooden sign marks the entrance to El Arroyo picnic area
Photo: EscoPhotog (CC BY-SA 2.0)
Visitors explore the vibrant mosaic figures in Queen Califia's Magical Circle
Visitors explore the vibrant mosaic figures in Queen Califia's Magical Circle
Photo: Brewcyclers (CC0)

ParkMagnet Score

Top Park

Park Size

285 acres | 115 hectares

Opening Hours

Monday:6:30AM-8PM
Tuesday:6:30AM-8PM
Wednesday:6:30AM-8PM
Thursday:6:30AM-8PM
Friday:6:30AM-8:30PM
Saturday:6:30AM-8PM
Sunday:6:30AM-8PM

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