Balboa Park Central Mesa

This is hike number 34 in Jerry Schad's 50 Best Short Hikes San Diego, an easy three-mile loop around the center of Balboa Park. It's less than half the length of the Vuelta de Balboa hike, but there's much more to see.

Sights along the way include three gardens (Rose, Cactus and Alcazar), the Founder's Plaza, the Laurel Street Bridge, Centro Cultural de la Raza, the Backbeat Center, and the Botanical Building (which, unfortunately, is closed on Thursday).

We will take an optional extra loop under the west end of the Laurel Street Bridge, just to add a little descent and ascent to what would otherwise be a rather flat walk. (If you want to skip this part, you can wait on the bridge.)

We meet at 9:00 AM at the signed trailhead at the northeast corner of Park Blvd. and Presidents Way (N 32 4.537 W 117 9.019), next to a huge free parking lot. MTS bus number 7 stops there. We'll step off at 9:15 AM, and we should return by 11:00 AM.

Except for the loop under the Laurel Street Bridge and a few paths at the Cactus Garden, this hike is entirely on pavement. Hiking shoes are not required.

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

DOGS? Leashed dogs are allowed. In fact, we will pass near or through one of Balboa Park's three off-leash areas.

We've done this hike before, most recently on Oct. 27, 2016. For details, including photographs, see www.meetup.com/sandiegodayhikers/events/235091618 (https://www.meetup.com/sandiegodayhikers/events/235091618/).

Rose Garden:

http://photos4.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/4/c/8/8/600_401479592.jpeg

Laurel Street Bridge:

http://photos3.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/5/4/4/e/600_401481582.jpeg

Alcazar Garden:

http://photos3.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/5/a/2/a/600_401483082.jpeg