Mission Trails Loops

Dogs Leashed

Features River/Creek · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

This route gives you a mix of nicely graded fire roads and singletrack with city and canyon views. There are loose rocks on some of the singletrack and some steep hills.

After rains crossing the river might get your feet a bit wet, but it's mostly dry when the San Diego River is low. It gets hot in summer months make sure to bring lots of water. Pack out all your trash and dog waste please.

Great running with varied terrain, nice steep ascents and descents, and lots of options to add mileage or cut it short.

Head down the short descent on San Diego River Crossing Trail to the lowest point of this run where you'll head across the San Diego River. In winter and/or after rains, prepare to get your feet wet if water is flowing.

After crossing the river, you'll climb the San Diego River Crossing Trail until you reach the intersection with the Rim Trail. Hang a right and follow Rim Trail to the northeast then loop back to the southwest and rejoin the San Diego River Crossing Trail.

Head northwest toward the North Perimeter Trail and follow that northeast past Shepherd Pond. Turn right when you come to the Suycott Valley Trail sign and head south towards E-Ticket. Descend E-Ticket until you meet Fortuna Saddle Trail, which you'll take southwest until you link up with Suycott Valley Trail.

Climb out of the Suycott Wash picnic area and after relinking with the San Diego River Crossing Trailhead west for a loop around the Quarry Loop trails before descending back down to the San Diego River.

Hang a left, and head up the south side of the San Diego River towards the Mission Trails Regional Park Visitors Center. Jump onto the Father Junipero Serra Trail (it's actually a paved road) and take that back to Mission Gorge Road. Hang a right and return the short distance back to the parking lot.