Mission Trails with Kids!
Mission Trails Regional Park is an 8,000-acre open space preserve located within the city of San Diego, which makes it an easy getaway with kids. Situated less than 10 miles from downtown San Diego, many locals head to Mission Trails for quick weekend hiking, biking, jogging, camping, climbing, and exploration.
Mission Trails holds great historical significance as the once home to the Kumeyaay, the first people to occupy and care for the land. It is also home to the Old Mission Dam, built in 1803 to irrigate fields for Mission San Diego de Alcalá, the first mission in California.
Location: 1 Father Junipero Serra Trl, San Diego, CA 92119-1008.
HIKING!
With over 60 miles of trails along various types of terrain, there are plenty of hiking opportunities. Most trails in Mission Trails are great for kids, though some are on the strenuous side and are best for seasoned hikers and/or cooler winter weather.
A detailed trail map can be found HERE
Oak Grove Loop is a perfect trail for the youngest of hikers. It meanders gently beside native plants and over a seasonal stream. There is also a small Kumeyaay hut replication that is great for playing and snack breaks.
Location: trailhead is just south of Visitor’s Center and entrance along Junipero Serra Trail.
Visitor’s Center Loop is an easy 1.5 mile loop that provides a great introduction to the region. Kids may love the giant, climbable oak trees, playing beside the San Diego River, and dropping by the Visitor’s Center afterward. In addition, the Grinding Rocks Trail is a quick connecting hike, where remnants of Kumeyaay meal-prep rock slabs rest alongside the river.
Location: trailheads at the Visitor’s Center parking lot entrance.
Oak Canyon Trail is a well-loved trail and heavily used by hikers of all ages. The trail begins at the Old Mission Dam, where kids can play by the riverside or climb the dam. Moreover, the mostly shady trail has very huge, climbable oak trees. There is also a seasonal stream and waterfall, where kids may spot frogs, tadpoles, dragonflies, or water snakes. It is 4.3 miles out and back.
Location: trailhead just west of Old Mission Dam parking lot, 32°50′22.48″N 117°02′28.53″W
The 5 Peaks of Mission Trails are located on North Fortuna Mountain, South Fortuna Mountain, Kwaay Paay Peak, Cowles Mountain, and Pyles Peak. At each summit there is a plaque that explains the peak’s significance and provides a great photo opportunity. Each hike is pretty challenging, so I wouldn’t recommend any for inexperienced young hikers.
Our kids’ favorite peak to hike to is Kwaay Paay because of its length. It’s the shortest one at 2.3 miles out and back. It also provides a nice workout as the climb is semi-steep with a bit of fun rock scrambling. However, the payoff in the end is a wonderful view at a 1,194-foot summit.
Location: trailhead off eastern end of Father Junipero Serra Trail, between Old Mission Dam and Kumeyaay Campground, 32°50′24.79″N 117°02′13.23″W
Second runner-up would be South Fortuna. This is a pretty hefty trail and requires some commitment to complete. There is also a bit of a trek to actually get to the base of the mountain. However, once you get to what our family affectionately calls the “stairs of death” and head up the mountainside, the terrain change can be quite reinvigorating. South Fortuna Trail is an out-and-back trail that is about 4.6 miles long (if you begin at the visitor’s center) with a 1,387 ft elevation gain. However, we generally choose to take a longer loop down the Fortuna Saddle. Mainly because going down the steep stairs can be a little nerve-wracking with our boisterous children. Pro-tip: consider beginning your hike at the West Fortuna Staging Area/Clairemont Mesa Trailhead and traverse a bridge across a big gorge. It’s less busy and (we think) easier for littles.
Location: trailhead off of Suycott Valley Trail, which can be accessed from River Crossing Trail (via Visitor’s Center Loop) or Fortuna Saddle Trail (off West Fortuna Staging Area).
Exploring!
The Visitor and Interpretive Center is a large educational facility that kids of all ages love. It has many interactive elements, perfect for learning about the Kumeyaay people and local history as well as native plants and animals. There are also kids activities, art exhibits, a library, and a gift shop.
Hours and events can be found HERE.
Location: One Father Junipero Serra Trail, San Diego CA 92119
Biking is a great activity with kids in Mission Trails, whether your family prefers to bike on road, ramp, or trail.
Father Junipero Serra Trail is a paved road that many cyclists and joggers enjoy using. It cuts through the southeast portion of the park. It also has ample parking on either end before it reconnects with Mission Gorge Road. However, it shares a one-way road with cars, so make sure kids stay on their respective side.
A BMX dirt park, with jumps and pump track, is just off of Deerfield Loop. The 0.5 mile loop begins either at the Visitor’s Center Loop or Deerfield Circle parking.
Location: Deerfield Circle, San Diego 92120
Fishing is only permitted from the shoreline, so leave your floats and boats at home. Kids under 16 can fish without a license. Also, catch and release fishing is highly recommended. Bring your own gear!
Location: San Diego River and Kumeyaay Lake
Camping!
Kumeyaay Campground is the only campground within Mission Trails. It hosts 46 campsites, which are available for overnight use on Fridays and Saturdays (and an occasional Sunday on select long weekends). The campground is kept clean and there are couple of restroom facilities with flush toilets, showers, and potable water. A dump station is also available.
My kids think it is a special treat to camp here. We’ve been hiking at Mission Trails for years but have a completely different experience being in the park late at night and early in the morning. Something to consider in warmer weather is lack of shade due to the region’s chaparral environment. Our favorite shadier (and relatively more spacious) sites are #8, 10, and 25.
Reservations can be made HERE.
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