Oak Canyon begins just south of CA-52 in Mission Trails Regional Park in San Diego and extends three miles northward into Miramar MCAS. Following a seasonal creek (wet in winter, mostly dry in summer), Oak Canyon trail is one of the most pleasant in the park, especially in spring when wildflowers are in bloom.

Activities

Oak Canyon offers several miles of creekside hiking and some fun bouldering and scrambling becomes available after the first couple miles. Near these scrambling spots during the spring, the creek flows over several waterfalls forming relaxing watering holes for wading - a very welcome opportunity on hot days!

Flora & Fauna

Encompassing riparian, sage scrub, and chaparral habitats, Oak Canyon is home to many beautiful wildflowers and varied wildlife.

Flora

Plants found in the canyon include: California Lilac, Fire Poppy, Western Cottonwood, and Blue-Eyed Grass, just to name a few.

Fauna

There are over one hundred species of birds, reptiles, amphibians, and mammals living in Oak Canyon. Numerous species of wrens, sparrows, finches, and hummingbirds fill the skies of the canyon with sights and sounds. Along with them are the Barn Owl, the quail (California's state bird), and the unmistakably gorgeous Red-Tailed Hawk. Residing on the canyon floor are squirrels, skunks, raccoons, Southern Mule Deer, coyotes, and numerous mice and rats. In addition, a variety of snakes (including the venomous Southern Pacific Rattlesnake), lizards, and the San Diego Banded Gecko share the lower territory.

Getting There

Oak Canyon is most popularly arrived at via the Oak Canyon Trail, which begins near the Old Mission Dam and Flume on the east side of the park.

Driving directions from downtown San Diego:
CA-94 E (8.2 mi)
CA-125 N (7.0 mi)
Exit Mission Gorge Road, turn LEFT (1.6 mi)
Bear RIGHT onto Father Junipero Serra Road (0.5 mi)
Turn right into the Old Mission Dam parking lot

Once on foot, proceed in a westerly direction through the picnic area onto the wide dirt footpath. (Before departing, I encourage you to take a very short walk over to the dam and flume. It's relaxing and full of history!) You will soon cross a metal footbridge over the San Diego River into a sandy section with scattered boulders. Proceed straight through this moraine-like feature and once to the other side, signs will guide you the rest of the way.

For more adventurous hikers, Oak Canyon can be accessed from the west side in Tierrasanta via the Fortuna Mountain saddle (a climb not for the faint-hearted!). For this route, I'll refer you to the link at the bottom of the page.

Red Tape

Mission Trails is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. No permit is required for any activity within the park boundaries. Camping and fires are allowed only at the Kumeyaay Campground.

Camping

The only camping in the park is at Kumeyaay Lake Campground, which you will pass on your way to the dam's parking lot (the first and only stop sign, to your right). It is a 46-space, primitive (no RV hookups) campground. Each site features a concrete fire box, concrete picnic table, mulch covered tent area, and drive-in parking area.

Cost

$14.00 per site, per night with one vehicle; $4.00 each additional vehicle; $3.00 for each pet; maximum stay: four consecutive days, closed Tuesday through Thursday.

Activities

The campground is part of more than 5,800 acres of chaparral, oak woodlands, mountains and grasslands that make up Mission Trails Regional Park. There's limited fishing in Kumeyaay lake for bass, bluegill, crappie, catfish and carp. The park has over 40 miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding. There's also good bird watching throughout the park, especially at the lake.

External Links

Mission Trails Regional Park