| When most people think of San Diego, they think | | | | more than five miles long that take you to the |
| of the beach, Sea World, or the world-famous | | | | top of one of Mission Trails' five peaks. Cowles |
| San Diego Zoo. But San Diego is also home to a | | | | Mountain, Pyles Peak, Kwaay Paay, and North and |
| lesser-known park that is arguably just as much | | | | South Fortuna Mountains all offer tremendous |
| of an attraction: Mission Trails Regional Park. | | | | panoramic views of the area; you can even see |
| Located in central San Diego, just eight miles | | | | the ocean on a clear day. The peaks range from |
| northeast of downtown, Mission Trails | | | | 1,194 feet (S. Fortuna) to 1,592 (Cowles). |
| encompasses both developed and natural open | | | | Mission Trails is known for it's hiking, but the park |
| space and recreational areas. | | | | also features boating on Lake Murray, camping at |
| Founded in 1974, Mission Trails has become one | | | | Kumeyaay Lake, an equestrian area, and some of |
| of the largest urban parks in the United States. At | | | | the best mountain biking in the area. Lake Murray |
| 5,800 acres, it is nearly seven times the size of | | | | Reservoir is 171 acres (when full), and is very |
| New York City's Central Park (843 acres). The | | | | popular for fishing, boating, and picnicking. The lake |
| area was originally used by the Kumeyaay (the | | | | has Florida-strain largemouth bass, bluegill, channel |
| local indigenous people), is the site of the Old | | | | catfish, black crappie, and trout (stocked |
| Mission Dam, and takes visitors back to the days | | | | November-May). No camping is allowed at Lake |
| before explorers landed in the area in 1542. | | | | Murray. |
| First-time visitors to the park should definitely | | | | Although not permitted at Lake Murray, camping |
| start the day at the Visitor Center. The center is | | | | is allowed at Kumeyaay Lake Campground. This |
| devoted to teaching visitors about the history of | | | | area has 46 primitive (no water or electricity) |
| the area, the park's history, native plants and | | | | camping sites for tents or recreational vehicles. |
| animals, and has information on the various | | | | Each campsite has standard amenities, including |
| activities at the park. The center also features | | | | picnic tables, tent pad, and parking. The |
| videos and slide shows that depict the beauty of | | | | campground also has bathroom and shower |
| the area and give a history the people that have | | | | facilities nearby. Reservations are accepted. |
| called Mission Trails "home". The Visitor Center is | | | | The next time you are in San Diego and can't |
| open from 9:00am to 5:00pm daily, and is closed | | | | stomach the thought of fighting the crowds and |
| on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New | | | | traffic at the Zoo or Sea World, I recommend |
| Years Day. | | | | you check out this hidden jewel of the San Diego |
| As the name implies, Mission Trails Regional Park | | | | park system. The rich history and beauty of the |
| has a vast system of trails--over 40 miles total. | | | | area make for a fulfilling experience that you |
| There are hikes for every ability, ranging from | | | | won't soon forget. |
| "Leisurely" half-mile loops to "Challenging" hikes | | | | |