Overview
Mission Trails Regional Park is located 12 miles from downtown San Diego and makes an excellent place for any van or RV nomad to spend the day. The park consists of 5,800 acres of natural and developed areas and contains miles of hiking trails, a visitor center, and the Kumeyaay Lake Campground.
Adventure
Mission Trails Regional Park provides a quick, natural escape from the urban hustle and bustle for any van or RV nomad looking for some adventure.
Mission Trails is one of the largest urban parks in the country, providing recreation opportunities and native flora and fauna viewing. At 5,800 acres, it is the largest urban open space park west of the Mississippi River.
Mission Trails is home to Cowles Mountain, East Fortuna Staging Area (Equestrian Staging Area), Kumeyaay Lake and Campground, Old Mission Dam Historic Site, Kwaay Paay Peak many additional areas to hike, bike, observe and explore.
Map: Mission Trails Regional Park Map
Hiking
The park features 40 miles of spectacular trails for hiking, running, walking, and mountain biking. The most popular trails in Mission Trails are:
- Cowels Mountain Trail (3 Miles Moderate)
- Fortuna Mountain Trails (6.2 Miles Moderate)
- Pyles Peak Trail (5.3 Miles Moderate)
Camping
The Kumeyaay Lake Campground is open for Friday and Saturday night camping. The 46 campsites are available for reservation on a first-come, first-serve basis, and the is $22.66 per night.
References and Links
Iron Mountain
Iron Mountain is a great place to go hiking for any van or RV nomad. Iron Mountain is located between the cities of Poway and Romona. The hike is one of the most popular hikes in San Diego because of the moderate elevation change. When you make it to the summit, you will be rewarded with panoramic views of the surrounded areas.
Julian
Julian is a beautiful mountain town located in the Cuyamaca mountains. The town dates back to the 1870’s gold rush in the early days of California and has a rich history. As a result, Julian has shops housed in historic buildings, a historic hotel, and many restaurants. It’s also known for its famous apple pies that attract visitors worldwide.
