Sometimes, no matter how much we’d love to drive an hour out of our way to hike a new peak, it simply isn’t possible. In these cases, you don’t need to skip out on getting outdoors. Instead you can turn to a local, urban hike such as the Rohr Park Trail in Bonita. The Rohr Park Trail is an easily accessible loop path that follows along a golf course, beside busy roads, and through Rohr Park . To access the Sweetwater River Trail, park your car in the Rohr Park parking lot. This location has plenty of parking, even during the busy weekend hours.
From the parking lot you will want to head away from the park and up along Sweetwater Road to reach the trailhead. The trailhead is marked by a sign that says “Horse Trail” and near a speed limit sign. This trail starts along a dirt path, following a chain linked fence and the golf course to your left, until you reach a short wooden bridge. This is the first of a few bridges you will cross over during this short hike.
Continue to follow the trail as it wraps around the golf course to your left and alongside housing communities on your right. At about 0.8-miles you will encounter the first part of the trail that will throw a tiny wrench in your generally straightforward path. This wrench is far less daunting than what you’d experience on a nature hike, yet just confusing enough that you may need to pay attention in order not to get lost. Follow the markers that read “Sweetwater River Trail” that lead you through a parking lot (a Chase building will be on your right and a busy street straight ahead).
After crossing the parking lot, you’ll be right back on track. The trail from here on out is easy to follow and you will no longer need to worry about possibly getting lost. Follow the trail across yet another bridge, the golf course still on your left. At 1.5-miles the trail begins to bend to the left, bringing you around back towards the park to complete the full loop. Follow a green sign that reads “Jogging Trail” at the start of Rohr Park.
You’ll pass through Rohr Park which features basketball courts, bathrooms, grills, two playgrounds, and fields. You’ll also pass a mini steam engine railway. The train was not in operation when I visited and from my research, it seems as though it does not run anymore. At approximately 2.8-miles, you’ll pass a small workout station to your left. If you’re looking to elevate your heart rate, stop here and make use of the bars and exercise equipment. Continue following the paved path forward and before you know it, you’ll be back at your car.
Now that you’ve completed your short hike, you have the rest of your day to enjoy Rohr Park.
Rohr Park Trail Tips
Tip #1 : If you like feeding ducks, Rohr Park is the place for you. Take a side trip to the duck pond to get your fix of cute ducklings.
Tip #2 : This trail surrounds a golf course for the majority of the hike. Watch out for those stray balls coming your way.
Tip #3 : This trail is safer than many others for solo hikers. There are many families, horses, and children walking this trail, especially on weekends.
Tip #4 : There are fire ants in a number of different spots along the trail. Wear close-toed shoes at all times.
Tip #5 : Leave your hiking boots at home. Your running shoes are more appropriate for this urban hike.
Difficulty: Easy
Total Distance: 3.3 miles
Trailhead Address: 4370 Sweetwater Road, Bonita, CA 91902
