San Diego River in Mission Valley

We'll be hiking the San Diego River Trail in Mission Valley, including a part passing under Highway 163 that was opened on April 21, 2014 (pictured below).

The total distance is almost seven miles, but there are NO HILLS. We did this walk on June 18, 2015. That writeup had several pictures, which might not be visible in this copy. See www.meetup.com/sandiegodayhikers/events/223275351 (https://www.meetup.com/sandiegodayhikers/events/223275351/) for information and pictures. A signalized pedestrian crossing on Mission Center Road makes this walk a little easier than it use to be.

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Where the trail doesn't exist, we will switch to the sidewalks on nearby streets.

We'll meet at 10:30 AM and start at 10:45 AM on Fashion Valley Road at Riverwalk Drive, next to the Fashion Valley Transit Center Trolley Station (N 32 45.909 W 117 10.220). We'll go upstream on the north side of the river about three miles to the Fenton Parkway Trolley Station.

Why so late? The Fashion Valley Shopping Center opens at 10:00 AM, and some hikers may want to use the rest rooms before we begin. Rest rooms will also be available at the Mission Valley Library next to the Fenton Parkway Trolley Station.

What if it rains? Weather forecasts are a definite maybe. There will be rain this week, but possibly not on Thursday. If it does get wet, we can always take the trolley back to the starting point from any of four stations that we will pass near.

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The starting point is reachable on the Green Line Trolley and on several bus lines. There is plenty of parking.

Leashed dogs are allowed on the trail, but not on the trolley.

If you wish, you can end your hike at any trolley station and take the San Diego Trolley back to the starting point.

The rest of us will walk back, switching to the path on the south side of the river between Qualcomm Way and Avenida Del Rio.

Since this hike is on paved paths and sidewalks, hiking shoes are not required. Wear good walking shoes. The paths are level, except for a stairway just west of Qualcomm Way.

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Contact: Philip Erdelsky cell 619-866-8512 E-mail pje@efgh.com.