Rice Canyon Trail | San Diego, CA

I’ve covered plenty of hiking trails in east county San Diego, but have come to the realization that south San Diego deserves more coverage. As much as I love my boulder-strewn, chaparral covered trails in the east, the south has equally as spectacular trails to hike, most much easier to access. Rice Canyon Open Space Preserve is the perfect example of one these trails, nestled in the suburbs of Chula Vista. It takes hikers along a quiet two-mile portion of the California Riding and Hiking Trail.

We spent our morning in nearby Bonita before migrating over to Rice Canyon. Both of us had never hiked here before, but it was relatively easy to find after plugging in “Rice Canyon Open Space Preserve” into Google Maps. At the parking area, you’ll find a demonstration garden in close proximity to the trailhead that’s worth taking a quick look at.

The trailhead is easy to find, located near the western end of the parking area. There are a few picnic tables near the parking area which would have made a great spot to enjoy lunch if the weather were cooler. Alas, we live in San Diego and summer is prevalent almost year-round, even in October. We headed west to start the trail, which was clearly marked with a brown post that read “Rice Canyon Loop”and wooden kiosk.

The trail from here is very straightforward, marked with brown posts topped with yellow paint. There aren’t any spur trails that will make you lose your sense of direction, a plus for me, one of the most directionally-challenged people I know.

At a little under 1.5-miles we reached the street, where some people may find confusion and turn around. Rather than retracing your steps, continue to cross South Rancho Del Rey Parkway, following signs leading you toward the next portion of the canyon.

The trail will slowly begin to wind downhill, toward the canyon floor once again. This section of the trail is much shorter, and will end after less than a half-mile once you reach East H Street. Here, we turned around and retraced our steps back to the Rice Canyon Open Space Preserve parking area.

Rice Canyon Trail Tips

Keep an eye out for rattlesnakes. We saw one in the middle of the trail while hiking on a warm day.
Hiking boots are not necessary. The majority of this trail is flat with elevation gain. Because of this, hikers can get away with wearing athletic shoes instead of hiking boots.
Keep going once you reach the street. It appears as though the trail ends once you reach the street, however it continues once you cross the street.
Park at Rice Canyon Open Space Preserve. Other directions online may lead you to other false starting points.
Bring a friend. Although this hike is nestled in the suburbs of Chula Vista, it’s a rather desolate path.

Driving Directions

From downtown San Diego, merge onto I-5 S. Stay on I-5 S for approximately 6 miles. Use the right 2 lanes to take exit 9 for CA-54 E. Continue onto CA-54 E. In 1 mile, us the right 2 lanes to take exit 2 to merge onto I-805 S. Take exit 7A for H Street E. Use any lane to turn right onto E H St. In 1.3 miles, turn left onto Del Rey Blvd. Make almost an immediate right onto S Ranch Del Rey Pkwy.