San Dieguito River Park

Regional Greenway

The San Dieguito River Park covers 92,000 acres across San Diego County. Since its establishment in 1989, this expansive greenway stretches 55 miles from the San Dieguito Lagoon (nestled between Solana Beach and Del Mar) all the way to the Volcan Mountain Wilderness Preserve near Julian.

Following the San Dieguito River's natural path, the park includes diverse San Diego County landscapes - from coastal wetlands to inland mountains.

Management & Conservation

Behind the scenes, the park operates through a collaborative effort between San Diego County and the cities of Del Mar, Escondido, Poway, San Diego, and Solana Beach. This team approach helps ensure the park's vast resources are properly preserved for everyone to enjoy.

A major milestone came in 2011 with the completion of the San Dieguito Lagoon restoration. This $86 million project didn't just enhance the coastal wetlands - it created a thriving ecosystem that offers visitors new opportunities to connect with and learn about these vital habitats.

Trail System

The main feature of the park is the Coast to Crest Trail. As of 2017, 45 miles of the planned 70-mile route have been completed, letting you journey from the ocean waves to the river's mountain source.

In the coastal section, you'll find three main trails to explore: the River Path Del Mar beginning at Grand Avenue Overlook, a short but sweet Boardwalk extending into the lagoon, and the main Coast to Crest Trail accessible from Jimmy Durante Boulevard. Don't worry about difficulty - these trails are generally flat, wide, and well-maintained, making them well-suited for all ages and abilities.

For those seeking more adventure, over 20 miles of auxiliary trails branch across the park, offering hiking experiences for everyone from casual walkers to seasoned trekkers.

Wildlife & Ecosystems

The park houses over 230 bird species within its boundaries. Bird enthusiasts should try visiting in the early morning around 9 AM when swallows and other birds are particularly active.

The coastal sage scrub areas host some remarkable residents, including the least Bell's vireo, cactus wren, California gnatcatcher, and the distinctive San Diego horned lizard.

Recreation & Visitor Experience

Beyond hiking, the park offers a multitude of ways to enjoy nature. If you're in the mood for a picnic, horseback riding, mountain biking, bird watching, jogging, or simply a peaceful nature walk, the relatively flat terrain makes it all accessible.

The lagoon views are particularly magical at high tide or in the late afternoon before sunset. During blooming season, wildflowers add splashes of color to the already beautiful scenery, creating a peaceful escape from city life.

Note that some sections of the park do experience noise from nearby roadways, especially near Interstate 5. Parking is limited - you can find just 5 spots (including 1 handicap space) at the Grand Avenue Lookout and additional parking at the public lot at the corner of San Dieguito Drive and Jimmy Durante Boulevard.

Facilities

Keep in mind that facilities are minimal across the park. There's a mobile toilet near the ranger station, but you won't find restrooms along most of the trail system. The park welcomes visitors daily from 6 AM to 6 PM.

Historical Sites

For history buffs, the park includes gems like the Sikes Adobe historic farmstead near Lake Hodges, offering a fascinating glimpse into the region's cultural past.