Oak Canyon to Grasslands

This is a 3.5-mile loop through Mission Trails Regional Park. It is a moderate hike which does not include any of the famous five peaks. It offers some views, but mostly it runs along a rocky trail through Oak Canyon. There is one place, not in Oak Canyon, where the trail is very steep. The return through the Grasslands is fairly flat.

Leashed dogs are allowed, but Oak Canyon is not really suitable for dog-walking. Hiking poles will be helpful in the rough spots. The trail is not overgrown, so shorts are OK if the weather is warm.

We'll meet at 9:30 AM in the small parking lot just off Fr. Junipero Serra Trail near the Old Mission Dam (N 32 50.384 W 117 2.493). We'll start the hike at 9:45 AM. There are portable toilets next to the parking lot.

SUGGESTED ROUTE FROM SAN DIEGO: Take Interstate 8 east and exit at Mission Gorge Road. Follow Mission Gorge Road 4.01 miles to the first entrance to Mission Trails Regional Park. Continue another 2.22 miles to the second entrance. Turn left into Fr. Junipero Serra Trail (which is signed simply as "Fr Junipero") and follow it 0.66 miles to a locked gate. The parking lot will be to your right. If it is full, park on the street and walk in.

Do not rely on a GPS to guide you to the right place. If you are not familiar with this part of Mission Trails Regional Park, allow extra time to find your way.

Wear good hiking shoes or boots, and use sun protection (sunscreen, hat, sunglasses), and take some water. No lunch stop is planned, but you might want to take a snack.

A visit to the Old Mission Dam after the hike is optional.

CONTACT: Philip Erdelsky *619-866-8512 pje@efgh.com*.