While many visitors flock to the major well-know attractions in the city of San Diego, its residents enjoy the many diverse and exciting recreational opportunities and outdoor adventures all year round. San Diego is host to many parks, waterfront and land facilities that provide some of the best boating, fishing, hiking, climbing, and windsurfing in the country. Outdoor activities in San Diego can be enjoyed year-round due to its warm and mild temperatures. These activities are accessible to San Diego's urban dweller from the casual outdoor participant to the adventure enthusiast.

The city's preeminent outdoor attraction is Mission Trails Regional Park; located just about 8 miles from downtown San Diego. (Picture: Map of Mission Trail Regional Park) Encompassing nearly 5,800 acres of natural and developed recreational areas, this park of rugged hills and valleys is one of the largest urban parks in the country and provides a quick escape from the urban hustle and bustle. Mission Trails Regional Park has been called the third Jewel in the City of San Diego Park System. Along with Balboa Park and Mission Bay, it provides San Diego residents and visitors a way to explore the cultural, historical, and recreational aspects of San Diego.

Started in 1974, this open land facility represents a history and landscape of San Diego prior to the landing of Cabrillo in San Diego Bay in 1542. Originally used by the Kumeyaay Indians, the park is the site of the Old Mission Dam, built to store water for the Mission San Diego de Alcala. This is a nationally registered historic landmark and a starting point for hikes into Oak Canyon, the East Fortuna Mountain region, or along Father Junipero Serra Trail and the San Diego River. Bird watchers who enjoy the spoils of an array of birds also frequent this area. With over 40 miles of trails, boating on Lake Murray, camping at Kumeyaay Lake, and equestrian area, guided informative hikes, and a state-of-the-art Visitor and Interpretive Center, Mission Trails Regional Park has something to offer everyone.

Lake Murray Reservoir is located within the boundary of Mission Trails Regional Park, which lies between the city of San Diego and the neighboring communities of La Mesa and Santee. The lake is open for shore fishing and private boats (when water level allows) seven days a week. Rental boats are also available on selected days throughout the week. This lake is also very popular for bicycling, jogging, walking, rollerblading, and picnicking. Patrons can walk only as far as the dam gate (approximately 3.2 miles) and then must return. When full, the reservoir has 171.1 surface acres, a maximum water depth of 95 feet, and 3.2 shoreline miles. Water levels are monitored weekly.

The Equestrian Area is located at the entrance to the East Fortuna region of the park and includes trails for hiking, mountain biking and horse back riding. Parking is available up to 15 vehicles with horse trailers. There are 12 picnic sites and four 12' X 12' horse corrals available for use by the public.

You can get the full scope of Mission Trail Regional Park with by attending its annual Explore Mission Trails Day on Saturday, May 19, 2007, which is hosted by Mission Trails Regional Park staff and volunteers. The event consists of an all day celebration highlighting everything Mission Trails has to offer. (Picture: Coyote-Cowles Mountain, Mission Trails) The day features free guided nature walks, Native Talk storytelling and flute music, and programs throughout the park, including live animals and special programs for children.

To many San Diego residents, Mission Trails Regional Park is not only an outlet for outdoor recreation and adventure, but serves as a natural monument for the old San Diego... a living artifact of San Dieguito history.

For more information on Explore Mission Trails Day or other activities at Mission Trails Regional Park go to http://www.mtrp.org
Photos courtesy of Mission Trails Regional Park