Connect The Trail
Safe Trails, Healthy River, Stronger Community
Connect The Trail is an ambitious, community-driven initiative to complete the San Diego River Trail & Bikeway, creating a contiguous 9 mile path from OB/Dog Beach to the I-15 fwy - known as the Western 9.
Together we are closing critical gaps to create a seamless mountains-to-sea park system. This work enhances mobility, recreational access, and restores the river corridor's ecological health.
Learn about specific projects below, and join this citywide effort to #Connect The Trail by volunteering, donating, and taking action.
#1 - West Valley River Crossing
Closing this gap is the most direct, immediate way to deliver real-world climate action and permanently connect our citizens to nature, health, and clean mobility.
Class 1 Pedestrian & Bike Bridge
The proposed West Valley Crossing (Project AT052) is located along the San Diego River Trail in Mission Valley (at the little league fields) and is the single most crucial barrier to achieving a contiguous, safe San Diego River Trail.
While this crossing is on the map, it is currently stuck in neutral, leaving a dangerous, missing piece in this critical regional artery. This is more than just a bike path; it is a vital, central corridor for clean air, alternative transportation, and public well-being.
Why It's Critical
Immediate Safety Risk: The missing crossing forces vulnerable users onto hazardous local roads, creating a major safety threat.
Transit and Congestion: This link is vital for connecting thousands to the MTS Green Line Trolley and is essential to reducing vehicle reliance to alleviate traffic congestion.
Climate and Growth: We cannot meet regional VMT and GHG reduction targets if essential active transportation infrastructure is incomplete in this high-growth area.
Downloadable Information Flyer
West Valley Crossing (proposed site above in orange)
San Diego River Trail - Map of the "Western 9"
📢 People Power Moves Projects
Advocacy Updates:
Momentum Achieved: Action Elevates West Valley Crossing at Regional Level
Thanks to the incredible collective efforts of the San Diego River Park Foundation community, our partners, and dedicated volunteers, the West Valley Crossing Pedestrian Bridge (Project AT052) is no longer just a plan—it is now a top-level political priority at the regional level.
Your actions—the calls, the emails, and the public testimony—translated directly into policy commitment. Here is what we secured between October and December 2025:
What We Achieved Together
Oct - Dec 2025
Political Awareness Reaches the Top!
Our grassroots efforts put the West Valley Crossing directly on the radar of the SANDAG Board, City Councilmembers, and County Supervisors.
Key elected officials publicly supported the project leading to a top-level endorsement at the SANDAG Board Meeting, and crucial leadership consensus at the Transportation Committee:
- Council President Joe LaCava (District 1), SANDAG Board Chair.
- Councilmember David Zito (Solana Beach), SANDAG Transportation Committee Chair.
- Councilmember Sean Elo-Rivera (District 9), SANDAG Transportation Committee Vice-Chair
- Councilmember Stephen Whitburn (District 3)
Project Status is Confirmed
The Crossing (AT052) is confirmed as a priority project in the newly adopted SANDAG 2025 Regional Plan. This inclusion gives us the strongest possible policy foundation for demanding its funding.
Growing Alliance
We mobilized an alliance of partners. This united voice ensures the project is viewed as a vital link for mobility, recreation, and equity.
Trail Activation & Stewardship
Our commitment is not just political; it's physical. Between October and December 2025, community volunteers gave over 480 hours to activate and steward the river trail's Western 9 (the most western 9 mile segment of the river trail) , demonstrating ongoing care and readiness for this critical infrastructure.
What You Can Do
INDIVIDUALS:
ORGANIZATIONS, GROUPS, ELECTED OFFICIALS, & BUSINESS:
- Sign our Joint Letter of Support.
- Inquire about the San Diego River Coalition, set to re-form in 2026.
Contact Jillian Quint, River Trail Advocacy Manager jillian@sandiegoriver.org
West Valley Crossing Pedestrian & Bike Bridge - Community Supporters!
West Valley Crossing - Official Designations & Project History
- San Diego River Regional Bikeway is a regional asset and federal grant eligible.
- The City of San Diego's San Diego River Park Master Plan listed West Valley Crossing (WVX) as an important project of the San Diego River Trail and conducted feasibility study in 2009.
- SANDAG Regional Bike Plan Early Action Program (EAP) listed WVX as a high-priority project.
- SANDAG 2025 Regional Plan (Project AT052) (31H) listed WVX for near-term completion by 2035.
- Mission Valley Community Plan prioritized the WVX for funding.
#2 - Estuary
Estuary Enhancement
The Estuary Trail Enhancement Plan serves as a specialized component of the San Diego River Park Master Plan, focusing on the westernmost 3.7 miles of the river trail from the Pacific Ocean at Dog Beach to Sefton Field in Mission Valley. The plan's primary vision is to reclaim the river valley as a "common" area where water, wildlife, and people synergize through physical and emotional connectivity
See the full Estuary Enhancement Plan here.
Get in Touch
Contact Jillian Quint, Manager - River Trail Advocacy at jillian@sandiegoriver.org 619-297-7380.