Tecolote Canyon Natural Park
Interactive Park Map
About the Location
History and Origins
Tecolote Canyon Natural Park is a 903-acre open space park located in San Diego, California. The park runs roughly six miles long and features approximately 6.5 miles of trails suitable for hiking, jogging, and mountain biking.
The canyon has a rich history, originally used by the Kumeyaay Indians for food and shelter. It later became farmland and grazing area for cattle in the late 19th century. The City of San Diego acquired the land in 1978, dedicating it as a public park.
Name and Wildlife
The park's name, Tecolote, comes from the Aztec word for owl, referencing the burrowing owls that once lived prominently in the canyon. Today, the park is home to diverse flora and fauna, including coastal sage scrub, chaparral, and riparian habitats.
It hosts 22 species listed as threatened and four species listed as endangered, contributing to San Diego County's status as a biodiversity hotspot.
Geological Features
Tecolote Canyon's geology consists primarily of marine and nonmarine sedimentary rocks from the Eocene Age, with Quaternary sedimentary rocks capping the mesas. The canyon floor is composed of recent alluvium and slope wash.
Elevations range from sea level at the canyon mouth to 320 feet at its head, creating diverse terrain throughout the park.
Nature Center
At the heart of the park is the Tecolote Nature Center, which offers educational exhibits about the canyon's plant and animal life. The center provides free naturalist-led walks, allowing visitors to explore and learn about the local ecosystem.
