Rice Canyon in Chula Vista

This is hike number 41 in Schad's book 50 Best Short Hikes San Diego, described as an "easy strolling" 4-mile out-and-back hike along a still-natural patch of canyon landscape. Leashed dogs are permitted.

I've done this hike before. For details, including pictures, see www.meetup.com/sandiegodayhikers/events/286555744

This time, we will take an alternate trail (pictured above) part of the way. It's marked as a bike trail, but hikers can use it, too.

Any hiker who wants a shorter hike can turn around at any of several places.

We'll meet at 9:30 AM at the signed trailhead parking area on Rancho Del Rey Parkway North just across the street from Discovery Park in Chula Vista (N 32 38.680 W 117 0.676). At 9:45 we'll start to hike. We should return between 11:30 and 12:30.

SUGGESTED ROUTE FROM SAN DIEGO: Go south on I-805 and exit at exit 7A (H Street East). Go roughly 2 miles east on H Street and turn left on Buena Vista Way. Follow it to its end, turn right on Rancho Del Rey Parkway North and left into the Rice Canyon Demonstration Gardens parking area.

Rest rooms are available at Discovery Park.

Wear good hiking shoes, use sun protection and take water. (This is the sunniest time of the year, so make sure your sunscreen is up to snuff.) No lunch stop is planned, but you might want to take a snack.

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