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Mission Trails Regional Park adventures

Mission Trails Regional Park Adventures

Mission Trails Regional Park offers a vast escape for outdoor enthusiasts with its diverse ecosystems and extensive trail network close to San Diego.

7,220
Acres Protected
60
Miles of Trails
788,000
Annual Visitors
Mission Trails Regional Park was actually chartered in 1974, though various areas within it have deeper historical significance.
Year Established

About Mission Trails Regional Park

Mission Trails Regional Park
 

Spanning over 7,220 acres, Mission Trails Regional Park is one of the largest urban parks in the United States, located just eight miles northeast of downtown San Diego, California. The park’s terrain features rugged hills, open fields, and native chaparral. It's home to a variety of flora and fauna, offering opportunities for wildlife viewing and nature study. Historically, the park area served as a home and crossroad for the Kumeyaay people, and the park itself features remnants of both Native American habitation and period of Spanish colonization, making it a place of cultural significance. Visitors can enjoy a range of recreational activities, with more than 60 miles of trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. Cowles Mountain, a key landmark, provides panoramic views from its summit, which is the highest point in the city of San Diego. Mission Trails attracts nature lovers and adventure seekers for its scenic vistas, historical relevance, and outdoor pursuits.

Highlights

Highlight

Cowles Mountain

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Old Mission Dam

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Kumeyaay Lake

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Fortuna Mountain

Notable Natural Features

Cowles Mountain

At 1,593 feet, this is the highest point in San Diego, offering 360-degree views of the region.

Old Mission Dam

This historical site is a remnant of the Spanish Mission system used to provide water for agriculture.

Kumeyaay Lake

Offers tranquil settings for wildlife viewing and weekend camping.