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