Connect The Trail
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.
Note: The map above depicts a general concept of the West Valley River Crossing. The actual alignment, and design is still being determined.
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.
West Valley River Crossing - 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.
West Valley River Crossing Alliance of Supporters
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.
West Valley River Crossing (concept photo, not actual.)
📢 People Power Moves Projects
Major Milestone Reached for West Valley River Crossing
In a major win for our river, the City Council unanimously voted - and Mayor Todd Gloria approved - to include funding in the City’s Annual Budget to launch the Engineering & Design Study for the West Valley River Crossing. This major step forward was made possible by over 300 community voices, our River Trail Action Crew volunteers, the West Valley Crossing Alliance, and steadfast leadership from Council President Joe LaCava and council allies. Each milestone brings us closer to our 52-mile vision of a continuous trail from the peaks of Julian to Ocean Beach, connecting San Diego neighborhoods to nature, transit, and each other.
What We Achieved Together
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 policy foundation for moving forward.
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. In the first half of 2026, community volunteers rode over 850 miles to steward the river trail in the urban trail sections.
What You Can Do
INDIVIDUALS:
ORGANIZATIONS, GROUPS, ELECTED OFFICIALS, & BUSINESS:
- Sign our Joint Letter of Support.
- Inquire about engaging with the San Diego River Park Foundation.
Contact Jillian Quint, River Trail Advocacy Manager jillian@sandiegoriver.org
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 2025 Regional Plan (Project AT052) (31H) listed WVX for near-term completion by 2035.
- Mission Valley Community Plan prioritized the WVX for funding.
- Feasibility Study for City of San Diego by Winzler & Kelly 2009
- SANDAG Regional Bike Plan Early Action Program (EAP) listed San Diego River Trail as a high-priority project.
San Diego River Trail - Map of the "Western 9"
Estuary Trail Enhancement
Ocean Beach segment of the trail
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.