Balboa Park's East Side

This is a 4.4-mile loop around the east side of Balboa Park, number 35 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.

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 places.

The hike should take two or three hours.

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 9:00 AM at the Golden Hill Gateway at the north end of 25th St. (Thomas 1289 D2, N 32 43.178 W 117 8.418), and step off at 9:15 AM.

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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.

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION: MTS bus number 2 runs four times an hour and stops a few blocks away on 25th St. near Broadway.

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CONTACT: Philip Erdelsky, home 619-282-8611 cell 619-866-8512 E-mail pje@efgh.com.

Trail in Florida Canyon and airplane approaching San Diego Airport:

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