Rose Canyon Open Space Park Trail

San Diego is home to many pawtastic things to do, but if you are looking to spend some outdoor time with your fur-ever friend, look no further than the Rose Canyon Open Space Park Trail located here. It offers a nice long pup-friendly hike in the middle of the city, but is secluded enough to think you are further out!

The trailheads and parking for this out-and back trail are at two locations - across from University City High School entrance on Genesee Avenue or on Regents Road. The trail begins across from the school, and the trailhead at Regents Road is about ¼ of the way along the hike.  Either location will allow you to hop on the trail and hike in a west-southwest direction to the end.

The trail meanders for 8.8 miles and offers you extra wide dirt paths throughout. The trail is rated as easy, so any fitness-level pup will do fine. You will pass through areas of shade from overhanging trees, and areas that are wide open. The diversity along this trail makes it a very interesting hike. You will go across and under bridges, and be hiking near the railroad line as well. Views of the suburbs pop in and out along the way. 

Eventually, this trail turns into the San Clemente/ Rose Canyon Trail, and if you take it past the highway overpass, you will eventually head into the Marian Bear Memorial Park.

There are no restrooms nor water along its entire path, so plan accordingly. Be sure to bring plenty of snacks to share. Pups are required to be on leash here and it is best to stick to the path, even though you will hear and see a creek along the way. Getting off the path into the brush can be a problem for the native plants and wildlife.

Take some time out of your busy day to get your fur-ever friend out into the fresh air at Rose Canyon Open Space Park Trail!