Rice Canyon and Snake Canyon

This is based on 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. We will return by Snake Canyon, which is roughly parallel to Rice Canyon. Accordingly, our hike will be a little longer, about 4.13 miles.

Nick B. and I have led the same and similar hikes several times. For details, including pictures, see the following descriptions, and also the links embedded in them:
6/16/2022: www.meetup.com/sandiegodayhikers/events/286555744
6/25/2024: www.meetup.com/sandiegodayhikers/events/301771196
6/24/2025: www.meetup.com/sandiegodayhikers/events/308577870

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 Kumeyaay Park (formerly called 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 Kumeyaay Park.

Wear layered clothing and good hiking shoes, use sun protection and take water. Hiking poles will be helpful only in a few steep spots. No lunch stop is planned, but you might want to take a snack. Leashed dogs are allowed.

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

A brief tour of the demonstration gardens before or after the hike is optional. They contain some interesting plants.