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Expert Review of Mission Trails Regional Park

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Parks and Outdoors Review of Mission Trails Regional Park

Away Travel Expert: Ann Marie Brown

ParksExpert Rating Recommended for:
Birding,Camping,Freshwater Fishing,Horseback Riding

Parks and OutdoorsExpert Tips & Helpful Hints

• One of the largest urban parks in the United States, Mission Trails Regional Park is a playground for San Diego outdoors enthusiasts. It has more than 40 miles of hiking, mountain biking, and equestrian trails; a 46-site campground; a fishing and boating lake; and a state-of-the-art visitor center that offers a wealth of interpretive programs.
• If you only have time to hike one trail in the park, head for the summit of Cowles Mountain, the highest point in the city of San Diego at 1,591 feet. The 1.5-mile trail from the Cowles Mountain Trailhead to the top has a 960-foot elevation gain, so pick a cool day. If you still have energy to burn when you reach the summit, continue for another 1.5 scenery-filled miles to the top of Pyles Peak.
• Lake Murray Reservoir is open for shore and boat fishing. The lake has good numbers of largemouth bass, channel catfish, crappie, and bluegill. Rental boats are available. A 3.2-mile paved trail skirts the edge of the lake and is popular with joggers and walkers.