Mission Trails Regional Park

Mission Trails Regional Park is the seventh largest urban park in America with vast open space, rugged canyons and lofty hills. Having natural and man-made recreational areas, it is one of the most frequently visited hiking and picnic destinations in California. It is also home to Kumeyaay Lake, a quaint spot with surrounding campsites.

With the San Diego River flowing through the center, Mission Trails Regional Park has picture-perfect swimming holes at Old Mission Dam, equestrian routes and nature trails. Lined with woodlands of pines, sages, riparians, oaks and chaparrals, the park boasts of protected Californian wildflower reserves. Lake Murray in the park is a hotspot for boating, birdwatching and enjoying romantic weddings at the event space. The Mission Trails Regional Park Visitor and Interpretive Center is home to an iconic art gallery, a library and a large Blu-ray theater. Cowles Mountain is a beloved hiking spot with spectacular waterfalls cascading out of canyon formations which are ideal for rock climbing and cliff jumping. The park is also home to San Diego’s 5 best peaks worth challenging hikes and mesmerizing vistas. Tourists often pitch their tents and picnic tables at Cowles Mountain for admiring panoramic views of San Diego city and skyline.