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While this trail can be noisy at times, it does offer good birdwatching.


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Map Key

0.7

Miles

1.2

KM

100%

Runnable

56' 17 m

High

37' 11 m

Low

19' 6 m

Up

19' 6 m

Down

1%

Avg Grade (1°)

3%

Max Grade (2°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Lake · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Description

This is a short loop through San Dieguito Lagoon, a coastal wetlands preserve. The area is more a win for wildlife than running, as the trail is plagued by I-5 freeway noise and lackluster views. Even photographers, with their choice of view and ability to hide the undesirable just outside of the frame, will have a difficult time avoiding hilltop development, power lines, and the freeway, not to mention a dumpster just north of the loop. But during the spring when the ponds are full of water and the mustard is in bloom, this becomes a 2-star trail, and is worth a visit if you live nearby. Birders will consider it at least 2-stars all year due to a large variety of visiting birds that the land manager has been tallying month by month since 2010.

This lagoon is part of a bigger project to create an open space along the San Dieguito River Valley with ambitions to connect over 70 miles of trail from the lagoon to Volcan Mountain. The lagoon restoration itself was partly funded by Southern California Edison as part of a settlement to offset the adverse impact on marine life from the water-cooling system for the San Onofre Nuclear Plant along the coast.

Flora & Fauna

Rattlesnakes, rabbits, many birds, mustard, bush sunflower (Encelia californica), coyote brush, bladder pod, and pickleweed are all abundant in the area.

Contacts

Land Manager: San Dieguito River Park

Shared By:

Matthew Kidd

Trail Ratings

  2.0 from 2 votes

#11

in San Diego

#44708

Overall
  2.0 from 2 votes
5 Star
0%
4 Star
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3 Star
50%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
50%
Trail Rankings

#11

in San Diego

#4,658

in California

#44,708

Overall
2 Views Last Month
488 Since Apr 17, 2017
Easy Easy

100%
0%
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0%

Photos

Mustard blooms near San Dieguito Lagoon.
Apr 17, 2017 near Del Mar, CA
Mustard blooms at San Dieguito Lagoon.
Apr 17, 2017 near Del Mar, CA
A seasonal pond adds to the ambiance at San Dieguito Lagoon.
Apr 17, 2017 near Del Mar, CA

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