Mission Trails: The Visitors Center & Old Mission Dam

This is what you see from the Mission Trails Visitors Center north observation deck. South Fortuna Peak is the peak left of center, Kwaay Paay Peak is in the center and Cowles Mountain is on the far right. The picture below is a panoramic view of somewhat less than or about 180 degrees so it covers a lot of territory.

Mission Gorge is just right of South Fortuna Peak. The San Diego River runs through the gorge, Mission Gorge, and shares it's life giving water with the native flora and fauna that make their homes here, as they have done for centuries. The day that I was there people were enjoying the sights and sounds of the cool San Diego River water; I even saw a couple of fishermen.

The Old Mission Dam was the first major irrigation project on the Pacific coast of the United States. The stone and cement dam is 220 ft long, 13 ft wide at its base and 12 ft high. Water was released for a sawmill and irrigation at the Mission San Diego de Alcalá, 5 miles away. It is now part of Mission Trails Regional Park, the largest municipal park in California. Old Mission Dam is also a registered state historic landmark.

The round trip walk from the visitors center to Old Mission Dam and back is about 3 3/4 miles. There isn't much elevation gain and loss so it isn't a strenuous walk. That said, when it is warm out, take water with you and drink it. I can't tell you how many times I have gone for a walk at Mission Trails and have seen people walking without any water. Carrying a water bottle is a hassle. I always bring my hydration pack with me so my hands are free for taking pictures. By using a hydration pack I can easily carry a snack too. Dehydration is serious and happens all too quickly; be prepared. There is at least one pit-stop along the way if you need it and one at the Dam as well.

The Mission Trails Visitors Center is the trailhead for several hikes at Mission Trails. Heading West you will access the trail to North and South Fortuna Peaks; go strait up the gorge and can access Kwaay Paay Peak and trails around the back side of North Fortuna. If climbing is more to your liking Kwaay Paay Peak usually has several climbers testing their skill and wits on the West face.

The small rotunda on the far left of the visitors center in the picture above is a research library. The day I was there bees decided to check out the digs, but I'm sure by the time you visit they will have moved on. Before we stray too far from the visitors center, check out the events calendar. I have enjoyed many performances in their theater, the quality of which keeps me coming back for more. Quite by accident one Sunday afternoon I walked into the visitors center just as the San Diego Harp Society was beginning an event. Three young ladies played several pieces on their Harps for a standing room only crowd. It was amazing. Just one more place to explore when you RetireInSanDiego.

Cowles Mountain

If you want a nice quite walk away from the bustle of the city, don't go to Cowles Mt. I have yet to hike Cowles Mt. when there wasn't a steady stream of walkers, hikers and runners making their way to the top of this mountain.

This pic is looking East out to Santee. It just happened that the marine layer has drifted in this morning.

Now, your experience with hiking is probably much different than mine and people from all over the world view this blog so depending on other "mountains" that you have hiked or climbed, Cowles may leave you disappointed. Cowles Mt. is the highest, closest mountain to San Diego and without climbing stairs, provides it's hikers with the best scenic workout in San Diego. Best of all, you don't have to go far to get there. Its elevation is only 1,593 feet and you start at 656 feet above sea level. So if you are even in just better than poor shape, you can probably make this 3 mile round trip hike with no problem.

This pic is looking South. Those mountains you see are actually in Mexico.

If you find the full moon rising as fascinating I do, you may want to try the full moon hike. Start your hike 30 to 60 minutes before dark so that you can get to the top before the moon rises and enjoy the view. I have made this hike several times and would highly recommend it to everyone. The hike back down is almost more spectacular than watching the moon rise. Why? Because all those folks up at the top have to come back down - in the dark. Almost everyone up there is carrying a flashlight to help keep them on the tail on the way back down. As you descend, don't forget to pause and look behind you from time-to-time. A ribbon of lights mark the trail from the top to trailhead. It's truly an amazing sight. It's these fascinating  peregrinations that make one want to RetireInSanDiego. Why not you?

Looking North, over the antenas, you can barely make out Mt. Palomar. Another fabulous hiking destination.