Oak Canyon Trail, Mission Trails | San Diego, CA

If there is one regional park in San Diego I know I can count on anytime I need a quick, convenient, and picturesque hike it is Mission Trails.

Mission Trails Regional Park covers nearly 6,800 acres with about 60 miles of trails. Needless to say, there are many hiking trails to discover in this massive natural playground but perhaps my favorite, moderate-intensity hike of all of them is the Oak Canyon Trail.

Solitude, serenity, and serene landscapes sum up the Oak Canyon Trail in a few short words. Very few hikers are spotted along this secluded trail allowing for a peaceful walk with mother nature.

The trailhead for Oak Canyon starts in the parking area at the Old Mission Dam — a nationally registered historic landmark and starting point for several trails into Oak Canyon, the East Fortuna Mountain area, and the San Diego River. After you’ve parked, you will see the Old Mission Dam almost immediately. Of course I had to stop here to snap a few pictures on the dam and gawk at the fish swimming in the river.

Past the dam, you will follow a paved trail. Continue along the paved trail until you reach an iron footbridge that crosses the San Diego River.

Once you’ve crossed the footbridge, follow the signed trail to the right into Oak Canyon. I hiked this trail in the summer and most of the path was barren due to the drought, however in the spring months you can see lush green grass and seasonal water trickling through various creek beds. Oak trees will loom overhead as you meander to the left.

Not a trace of water in the summer

The trail is marked all along the way, however if you find yourself missing the signage just remember to keep left at any forks you encounter. You will scramble across the dry creek bed (though this usually has water in it during winter and spring months) and continue along the trail which will lead you into part of the grasslands of the park. Follow the signs for Oak Canyon, instead of the Fortuna Mountain split.

After a mile, the trail winds up toward the North, and crosses an area that sometimes in the winter has a hidden waterfall, depending on rainfall. You will see the Route 52 freeway pass high over the canyon not far ahead, and beyond that is land controlled by the Miramar Marine Corps Air Station — currently off limits to hikers. Once you’ve taken in the waterfall or lack there of, turn back around and re-trace your steps to the Old Mission Dam.

Alternately, instead of re-tracing your steps, you can also continue on North Perimeter Trail and finish on Grasslands Loop. If you do choose this route, please be advised that this makes the trail more difficult with the steep grade.

Oak Canyon Trail Tips

Tip 1: Parking in the Mission Dam parking lot is usually always full, even on weekdays. If all the spots are taken, park along the Father Junipero Serra Road immediately next to the Mission Dam parking lot.

Tip 2: If you are looking to add a few extra miles onto your trip and take in the beautiful sights in Mission Trails Regional Park, park in the Mission Trails Visitor Center parking lot.

Tip 3: With minimal elevation gain and a short distance, this hike is suitable for all ages and fitness levels.

Tip 4: You will see a number of unique rock formations along the trail. Exercise caution if you choose to explore these as there are multiple signs posted that advise against entering these areas.

Tip 5: Bring plenty of water. Aside from the shade of some oak trees, there is little sun protection throughout the entirety of this hike.

Tip 6: Hike this trail in November-March. The chances of seeing water in the creek beds and the seasonal waterfall at the end of the trail will be much higher. And the surrounding scenery will be much more green and lush.

Tip 7: To learn more about other hikes in this area, check out the Mission Trails Regional Park Trail Map .