The San Diego River Trail
VISION:
The San Diego River Park Conceptual Plan envisions a trail system from the mountains to the ocean. The main trail is called the San Diego River Trail, a multi-purpose trail and pathway for pedestrians, bicycles and other users. The vision of the River Trail includes equestrian users east/upstream of Mission Trails Regional Park into Santee, Lakeside and beyond. This connected system serves as the unifying thread for the San Diego River Park system and will offer recreational opportunities and access to park facilities and nature, in general.
GET INVOLVED
- Trail Planning - Get involved with working groups to advance new trails
- Headwaters Committee Meets Monthly - mostly by ZOOM
- Mission Valley Committee is forming
- Trail Stewardship - Volunteer to build or maintain trails
- Preserve Stewards Team (focus is headwaters)
- Estuary Trail Stewards Team
- Trail Watch - report maintenance issues or concerns
- Advocate - Let your elected officials know you value recreational trails
- Complete the regional San Diego River Trail
- Provide funding to maintain existing trails and pathways
- Stay informed about key actions and let you voice be heard
To get involved with any of the above, contact Rob Hutsel our CEO at 619-297-7380 or email Rob
NOTICES
check back
OUR PRIORITY PROJECTS
- West Valley Crossing - Mission Valley
To extend the 3.75 mile estuary segment across the River to connect it and Sefton Park with Friars Road and the Mission Valley YMCA and extend it east to Riverwalk Golf Course. Preliminary Engineering Report has been completed and the next step is a more detailed study, permitting and then construction.
- Cedar Creek Falls to El Capitan Dam - Headwaters
This would establish the trail from below El Capitan Dam to the existing trail to Cedar Creek Falls. Most of this trail is on National Forest Service lands. The River Park Foundation is partnering with the National Forest Service, County of San Diego and others to finalize an alignment. Discussions with the City of San Diego and at least one private landowner are required to place the trail on their property.
- RiverWalk - Mission Valley
This project is critical for the vision of the River Trail. Fortunately, the project is fully permitted. It ise vital to stay active and advocate for completing this portion of the River Trail.
- Mast Park West to West Hills Parkway and MTRP - MTRP & Santee
SANDAG has taken the lead on this project and has completed the environmental work required. It is unclear when this project will proceed to construction.
- Trail Gaps and Enhancements - Mission Valley
- SDSU Mission Valley to 805 / River Center at Grant Park
- Sign Program: Integrated wayfinding and interpretive program for section from Fashion Valley Road to River Center at Qualcomm Way.
UPDATES
San Diego River EIFD Oct. 2024 - Board of Supervisors needs to act to finalize the EIFD so funding can start being collected. Please let your County Supervisor know this is important to you!
MORE INFO
The San Diego River Park Foundation collaborates with funders, public agencies, landowners and other partners to complete the vision of the San Diego River Trail. In some cases, we will also be the lead to construct trail segments.
The vision of the River Trail is to match the character of the community or open space it is traversing.
In the mountains, the trail width will be narrower matching the wilderness experience that is provided.
Lakeside and Santee will have their own character as well.
In Misson Valley, it will be an urban pathway with pocket parks, public art and even cafes, all designed in harmony with the River's ecosystem.
In the estuary, there will be view areas and interpretive signs to celebrate the incredible wildlife and history of the area. While the San Diego River Park system will be much more than the River Trail, the Trail is a critical piece that ties communities and recreational areas together.
MAPS
The River Trail can be divided into several sections, each at different stages of completion:
- Cedar Creek Falls Area - For map, click here
- El Capitan Reservoir Area - No public trails are currently available. Future trails are planned.
- El Monte Valley - A Comprehensive Trail Plan has not yet been developed. Some projects are underway.
- Lakeside River Park - For map, click here
- Santee River Park - For map, click here
- Mission Trails Regional Park: Several projects are anticipated, visit mtrp.org for trail information
- MTRP - Ward Road - Trails will be developed as private property is developed or redeveloped
- Ward Road to Fashion Valley Road - Known as the Mission Valley Greenway Initiative. For map, click here
- Fashion Valley Road to Sefton Park/Mission Valley YMCA - Current Gap
- Sefton Park/Mission Valley YMCA to Dog Beach: Known as the Estuary Section. For map, click here
* The above trail maps are not meant to be precise trail maps, but for illustration of existing and planned projects to complete the vision of the San Diego River Trail. For more detailed information contact The San Diego River Park Foundation.
Got Questions?
Let us know. Call 619-297-7380 or email
Special Opportunities
1. Graphic Artist Needed!
We are looking for a someone to prepare visuals to support our Trail Advocacy
2. Website Support
Can you or your business help upgrade our website to provide trail maps and other related information.
3. Trail Leadership
Are you interested in actively being involved with leading trail stewardship teams at the estuary, Mission Valley, Santee or the headwaters?
4. Community Advocates
Do you have time to help do outreach activities at one of the communities along the river? Do you like meeting people and talking about trails?
For more information, please contact Communication Manager Alexa by email.
STAY INFORMED
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