Mission Hills Regional Park covers more than 7,000 acres and is located just eight miles from downtown San Diego. One of the largest urban parks in the country, Mission Hills has more than 60 miles of trails for visitors to explore. It has hills, valleys, and open areas, and is a way to go back in time and experience what the area was like before the arrival of Cabrillo in 1542.
What Makes It Great
The Grasslands Loop in Mission Trails Regional Park is an easy 1.2-mile trail that is great for beginner trail runners. This wide dirt path is mostly flat with only the occasional rolling hills. The scenery here is beautiful and natural, and there are numerous other trails to add on to your run if you want a harder workout.
It's easily accessible from downtown San Diego, and is home to the Old Mission Dam, a nationally registered historic landmark that dates back to the easily 1800s.
Who is Going to Love It
The Grasslands Loop is a very easy trail run that anyone can do, so feel free to bring the kids along and give them an easy introduction to this awesome sport!
From Route 52 - Take 52 to the Mast Blvd. exit in Santee. The entrance to the parking lot for the East Fortuna Staging Area is located south of the exit, off of Mast Blvd.From Father Junipero Serra Trail - Parking is available in the dirt lot at Bushy Hill Drive 0.2 miles down the road and along Father Junipero Serra Trail. The trail head is on the north side of Father Junipero Serra Trail, 0.3 miles west of the entrance to Kumeyaay Lake and Campground.
From Interstate 8 - Take 8 to the Mission Gorge/Fairmount exit. Turn north onto Mission Gorge Road. Proceed down Mission Gorge Road 6.5 miles to the northern (Kumeyaay Lake) entrance to Father Junipero Serra Trail. Turn left onto Father Junipero Serra Trail. Parking is available in the dirt lot at Bushy Hill Drive 0.2 miles down the road and along Father Junipero Serra Trail. The trail head is on the north side of Father Junipero Serra Trail, 0.3 miles west of the entrance to Kumeyaay Lake and Campground.
