Western 9 River Trail
San Diego River Trail & Regional Bikeway
CONNECT THE TRAIL!
The Western 9 is the nine-mile urban stretch of the San Diego River Trail, connecting Snapdragon Stadium in SDSU Mission Valley to the Pacific Ocean at Ocean Beach. Part of a larger vision to connect the mountains to the ocean, this trail links neighborhoods, parks, businesses, and transit while offering opportunities for recreation, active transportation, and enjoying the river's natural beauty.
Much of the trail is already enjoyed by thousands of residents and visitors, but two critical gaps remain, forcing people walking and biking onto unsafe routes. Thanks to community advocacy and the City's recent commitment of $750,000 toward the West Valley River Crossing, we're making meaningful progress toward closing these gaps.
The San Diego River Park Foundation, alongside community partners and the newly formed San Diego River Coalition – Western 9 Trail Alliance, is building on this momentum to complete the trail, improve safety and accessibility, and enhance the river corridor for people and wildlife.
The plans are in place. Momentum is building. Together, we can Connect The Trail!
San Diego River Coalition
Western 9 Trail Alliance brings together regional partners, agency advisors and community champions to close trail gaps and create a safer, continuous nine-mile San Diego River Trail from Snapdragon Stadium/SDSU Mission Valley to Ocean Beach.
River Trail Action Crew
Showing love for the river, one mile at a time! All wheels welcome! The River Trail Action Crew brings volunteers together to care for the San Diego River Trail
Take Action
Your voice can help connect the trail! There’s always an opportunity to speak up, support trail advocacy, and help move the Western 9 forward. Click below to discover how you can make your voice heard and amplify the call for a safer, more connected San Diego River Trail.
Priority Trail Projects
West Valley River Crossing
A Win for Trail Connectivity!
Thanks to our community's direct advocacy, the City has allocated $750,000 to advance planning and design for this critical missing trail link, bringing us closer to a continuous San Diego River Trail.
Our 2026 West Valley River Crossing Partners:
BikeSD, California Association of Bicycle Organizations, Hines, Outdoor Outreach, Presidio Little League, Riverwalk, San Diego Bicycle Coalition, San Diego Coastkeeper, San Diego Mountain Biking Association, SanDiego350, YMCA Mission Valley
San Diego River Trail Feasibilitly Study
Riverwalk Pathway Connection
A feasibility study with KTUA is underway to identify the best trail alignment connecting Riverwalk.
805 Fwy Challenge
A critical gap exists in the San Diego River Trail, from Snapdragon/SDSU Mission Valley to Grant Park. This gap limits safe, continuous access for people walking and biking. Closing this gap and improving connections to Grant Park will help create a safer, more accessible trail linking communities along the river.
Estuary Trail Enhancement Plan
The Estuary Trail Enhancement Plan envisions transforming 3.7 miles of the San Diego River Trail, beginning at the river mouth in Ocean Beach, into a safer, more accessible, and vibrant riverfront experience.
The plans exist. Now let's make them happen!