San Dieguito River Park451

The San Dieguito River Park is a work-in-progress to create and preserve a natural open-space park along the 55-mile corridor of the San Dieguito River Valley, extending from the ocean at Del Mar to Volcan Mountain in Julian. Thirty-eight miles of trail are currently open for hiking, bicycling, and equestrian use. It is maintained by a Joint Powers Authority.

The planned area is huge; it crosses through or is adjacent to six local jurisdictions and includes such landmarks as the Del Mar Fairgrounds, Lake Hodges, San Pasqual Valley Agricultural Preserve, the San Diego Wild Animal Park, and Lake Sutherland. Currently, only a small portion of the Park is open to the public; the entire project will take many years to complete.

The Park hosts a variety of activities each week, including docent-led hikes and volunteer activities in which the public may participate. Volunteer opportunities include habitat restoration, planting, and trail maintenance. Scout-badge programs are available. For the latest on the San Dieguito River Valley's events, visit their website where hikes, programs, work projects, and other activities are posted, as well as the locations for each.