Discover a Variety of Biking Routes Just Minutes from Downtown

Mission Trails Regional Park is 5,800 acres of biking trails for virtually any type of ride. It is centrally located eight miles northeast of downtown San Diego, and it has both natural and developed recreational areas. Whether you are searching for a day-long trek or a leisurely sightseeing expedition, the many different trail options allow you to create a custom fit journey. Split in the middle by the North and South Fortuna Mountains, the eastern side is home to easier routes and the western side is frequented by more experienced riders. Be sure to visit in the spring to enjoy a beautiful display of wildflowers.

Mission Trail Regional Park Bike Paths Details

Bike Path Starting Address

• One Father Junipero Serra Trail, San Diego, CA 92119-1008 (See Directions for further trailhead starting points.)

Where to Go

• Father Junipero Serra Trail is the main path through Mission Trails Regional Park and it spans about 2.5 miles. Rated as an easy ride, you can access the paved route from either the visitor's center or the Old Mission Dam, which is a nationally registered historic landmark.
• For the more adventurous, another popular trek is the moderately challenging San Diego River Crossing Trail. It provides access to the trails in the Fortuna Mountains, but check with a park staff member before starting this ride during the winter and spring seasons because high water levels in the San Diego River occasionally render the route impassable.

What to Love

• A short drive to peace, serenity, and nature when you feel the need to escape the city. The abundance of interlocking trails allows you to ride for as long as you desire.
• Lake Murray is located within the park boundaries, and is a wonderful spot for families and friends. The lake is encompassed by a leisurely 3.2 mile trail with plenty of room for bicycling, jogging, walking, rollerblading, and picnics! Fishing and small boat rentals are also available.
• The variety at Mission Trails Regional Park has a little something for everyone, making a group excursion much simpler.

What to Know

• If you venture to the northern end of the park, be aware that the Marine Corps Air Station Miramar is located on the north side of State Route 52 and riding on station land is prohibited.

Directions

Jackson Drive Trailhead/Visitor Center:

• Take I-8 to the Mission Gorge Rd exit. Take the exit, go left at the stoplight, and continue on Mission Gorge Rd for 4.5 miles. Make a left at Jackson drive into a dirt parking lot. If you wish to park at the visitor center, continue to the next light and hang a left on the Father Junipero Serra Trail (paved road) and almost immediately hang another left into the visitor center parking lot.

Father Junipero Serra Trailhead:

• From Route 52: Driving east on Route 52, take the Mast Blvd. exit in Santee, turn left onto Mast Blvd., go under the freeway to the first traffic signal (West Hills Parkway) and turn right. Driving west on Route 52, turn right onto Mast Blvd. and right onto West Hills Parkway.
• Take West Hills Parkway to Mission Gorge Road and turn right. Proceed down Mission Gorge Road 0.2 miles and turn right onto Father Junipero Serra Trail.

Clairemont Mesa Blvd/Tierrasanta Trailhead:

• From the I-15, take the Clairemont Mesa Blvd exit and head east. Continue until the road dead ends at the Tierrasanta entrance to the park.

Vehicle Parking

• Parking is available at the visitor center and the Father Junipero Serra Trailhead.