Balboa Park's East Side
Details
This is a 4.4-mile loop around the east side of Balboa Park, featured in Schad's 50 Best Short Hikes San Diego. It includes parts of the Vuelta de Balboa Hike, but hiking shoes are recommended for this hike because more of the route is unpaved, and there are some steep, rocky spots where hiking poles will be helpful. However, it is significantly shorter than the Vuelta de Balboa Hike.
Along the way, we'll pass two dog parks, Bird Park (marked by bird names etched into the pavement), a native plant park at Morley Field, and other interesting places.
The hike should take about two hours. Dress in suitable layered clothing, take some water, and use sun protection. No lunch stop is planned, but you might want to take a snack.
We've done this hike before. For comments and pictures, see
Leashed dogs are allowed.
The hike includes a long trail down the middle of Florida Canyon, which is also called Powderhouse Canyon, or (erroneously) Powerhouse Canyon.
We'll meet at 9:30 AM at the Golden Hill Gateway at the north end of 25th St. (N 32 43.178 W 117 8.418) and step off at 9:45 AM.
SUGGESTED AUTOMOBILE ROUTE: Take the Pershing Dr. exit from either northbound or southbound I-5. Turn right on 26th St. At the top of the hill, turn right on Russ Blvd., which looks a lot like an alley. It will lead you directly to the Golden Hill Gateway. Park in Golden Hill Park or on a nearby residential street. (Note parking restrictions on streets.)
There are rest rooms in Golden Hill Park. We will also pass some rest rooms along the way.
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION: MTS bus number 2 stops a few blocks away on 25th St. near Broadway.
CONTACT: Philip Erdelsky, cell 619-866-8512 E-mail *pje@efgh.com*.
Balboa Park's East Side