San Diego River in Mission Valley

We'll be hiking the San Diego River Trail in Mission Valley. The total distance is about four miles. There are no hills. The new San Diego River Park next to Snapdragon Stadium is now open, and we will hike through it on the Ben & Nikki Clay San Diego River Trail. We will return on the San Diego Trolley.

The San Diego River Park was opened recently, and much of it is still unfinished. It has rest rooms, a playground, and lots of paths. It does not have river access. The San Diego River is fenced off and concealed by vegetation.

We did this walk (without the San Diego River Park) last July. See www.meetup.com/sandiegodayhikers/events/294693964 for information and pictures.

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

We'll meet at 9:30 AM and start at 9:45 AM in the little T+C Park on Fashion Valley Road at Riverwalk Drive, near 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. We'll enter the San Diego River Park there and hike across it to the Mission San Diego Trolley Station on the other side. Then we'll all pile onto the trolley for the trip back to Fashion Valley.

Have your trolley fare ready. It's $2.50, or $1.25 for senior (65+) and disabled persons. You can pay with cash, a credit or debit card, or a Pronto card. The Trolley runs every 15 minutes.

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 want a shorter hike, you can end your hike at any intermediate trolley station and take the trolley back to the starting point.

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

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