Dictionary Hill, Spring Valley

3.8miles 660ft ascent. Poles recommended for the steeper descent towards the end of this hike.

An interesting hike closer to San Diego. The hill overlooks Sweetwater Reservoir to the south, and is surrounded by urban development.
The preserve spans 175 acres of coastal sage scrub and chaparral habitat. It is home to the coastal sage scrub-dwelling California Gnatcatcher- a threatened species under the Federal Endangered Species Act. You may also spot migrating White Crowned Sparrows, Rufous Crowned Sparrows and resident Bewicks Wrens. Coopers Hawks, Kestrels and Canadian Geese have recently been spotted circumnavigating the hill.

In the 1800’s, Dictionary Hill was known as Lookout Mountain. Rufus King Porter, one of the founders of Spring Valley, would climb the mountain to check whether the steamer was in port before making the trip into Old Town to pick up mail and sell produce.
It seems that 70 years ago an enterprising encyclopedia publisher came to San Diego from the Midwest to peddle his wares. Apparently, encyclopedias were something San Diegans could live well enough without, and business was pretty bad. But the publisher came up with what could be the most ingenious marketing idea anyone's devised. He bought the area now known as Dictionary Hill from the federal government for twenty-five dollars, subdivided the property, and gave away lots with each encyclopedia purchased. The story goes that a dictionary was also thrown into the bargain, and the hill was named after it instead of being called Encyclopedia Hill.

Directions:
Take 805S and exit on 94E. Take the Sweetwater Springs Blvd exit and turn right going South. At Jamacha Blvd turn right. Then turn right on Whitestone Rd, left on Greenleaf Rd, right on Jacoby Rd, and right on Gremlin Way. Park at the end of the cul-de-sac.
Google Maps: Gremlin Way
Apple Maps: Gremlin Way
1605 Gremlin Way is the approximate address.
N32º 43.2143' W116º 58.7939'

No restrooms. Dogs on leash permitted. Take a hat, water, sunscreen and a snack.

Contact: Nick Burke text 858-264-7787