San Dieguito County Park
Details
This hike has lots of hills, all fairly small, because San Dieguito County Park isn't very big. So the hike shouldn't last much more than an hour. The weather is expected to be warm, so we're doing an easy hike in a park which, according to the official brochure, is located a short distance from the Pacific Ocean and enjoys coastal breezes, lush greenery, scenic trails and is surrounded by groves of stately trees.
The park is mostly covered with coastal chaparral, and there are several overlooks and a suspension bridge. We'll be visiting or passing by all of them.
The suspension bridge doesn't really cross a canyon or creek. It is mostly for play. The overlooks have fairly good views.
We'll start and finish at the UPPER entrance to the park on Highland Drive, just north of Lomas Santa Fe Dr. (N 32 59.874 W 117 14.315).
SUGGESTED ROUTE FROM SAN DIEGO: Go north on I-5, exit at Lomas Santa Fe Drive (County Highway S8) and go east about a mile. Turn left on Highland Dr. at a four-way stop, and then turn right into the park. Park close to the entrance.
For additional information regarding this park, see the county parks website.
We meet at 9:30 AM and step off at 9:45 AM. Notice that 9:30 AM is when the park opens. If you arrive early, park outside and wait.
There is a fee for parking. If you want to avoid this fee, you can park free on a nearby street and walk into the park. (If you arrive early enough and are lucky, you can park near the entrance.) The fee is waived for the handicapped and those over age 62, with a special card available from the County Department of Recreation in Kearny Mesa.
Wear good hiking shoes or boots and suitable clothing and use some kind of sun protection. Take water. There will be no lunch stop, but you might want to picnic in the park after the hike.
We've done this hike before, most recently one year ago. For details, see www.meetup.com/sandiegodayhikers/events/310162506
Leashed dogs are allowed.
CONTACT: Philip Erdelsky cell 619-866-8512, E-mail *pje@efgh.com*.