Preserving and interpreting the natural and cultural resources of the San Dieguito River Valley
Established in 1989, the San Dieguito River Park is a regional greenway that stretches 55 miles from the ocean in Del Mar to Volcan Mountain near Julian, providing striking examples of San Diego County’s natural beauty along the corridor of the San Dieguito River.
From the Coast to Crest Trail that will someday link Del Mar to Volcan Mountain – over 70 miles – to the celebration and preservation of our local heritage and natural resources, the San Dieguito River Park is creating recreational and educational opportunities that interface gently with nature.
Be Part of the San Dieguito River Park Legacy!
Help ensure the regional legacy of the San Dieguito River Park and contribute to the
San Dieguito River Park Endowment Fund. All donations are tax-deductible.
Your contributions will:
Guarantee long-term stewardship of the Park’s trail system
Dividends from the Endowment Fund ensure the long-term maintenance of your trail system by supporting dedicated SDRP Park Rangers, equipment, tools, and materials.
Leverage public and
private grants
Your donation is leveraged by public funds and can be used as a match to increase grant awards.
Ensure the future of the
San Dieguito River Park
Our endowment fund is held in a separate non-wasting account at the San Diego Foundation
and managed according to a sound investment policy that guarantees growth into the future to ensure the Park is managed in perpetuity.
Contact our Executive Director at 1-858-674-2270 if you need more information about our Endowment Fund.
Click on a planning area below to learn more!
Coastal
• Did you know that the Coast to Crest Trail was named One of the Best Hikes in San Diego County?
• From wastelands to wetlands – restoring the San Dieguito Lagoon.
• It’s a bird! – check out San Dieguito Lagoon bird watching.
Valley
- Explore the Coast to Crest Trail – hike, bike, or hoof!
- Visit Sikes Adobe to learn the history of rural San Diego in the 1880s.
- Where is the longest stress ribbon bridge in the USA? – Watch this video.
Foothills
Take a virtual hike along the Santa Ysabel Nature Center Trail Loop (YouTube Video opens in new window)
Mountains
- Ready for a challenge? Explore these 4 strenuous trail options!
Take a virtual hike: Volcan Mountain Summit (YouTube Video opens in new window)
Choose Your Adventure
MORE THAN 65 MILES OF TRAILS OF EVERY LEVEL ARE OPEN YEAR-ROUND FOR DAY USE — FREE OF CHARGE
COASTAL TRAILS
Most trails are open to hikers, bikers, and equestrians. The backbone multi-use trail – the Coast to Crest Trail – extends from the ocean at Del Mar to the San Dieguito River’s source on Volcan Mountain near Julian. Today, we have 49 miles of the planned 71 miles of the Coast to Crest Trail completed. In addition, over 20 miles of auxiliary trails within the River Park are open. Auxiliary trails are not part of the Coast to Crest Trail, and may have limited use regulations which will be clearly noted.
WHAT’S HAPPENING AT SDRP
Special Event Notice – Park trails and staging areas closed on Sunday April 27th
Celebrating Shawna
2024 – San Dieguito River Park JPA Accomplishments
December 2024 San Dieguito Lagoon Bird Survey Results
Volunteer at SDRP
GIVE BACK TO YOUR RIVER PARK!
We have many volunteer opportunities for all ages and levels of involvement. Learn more about each of the following programs to find one that interests you.
Water Quality
The creation of the San Dieguito River Park began first with an effort to restore water quality in the San Dieguito Lagoon. Ask yourself, if you saw that the natural wetlands near your community were suffering from pollution and lack of fresh water, what would you do?
read about what one young activist did for the San Dieguito Lagoon. 
Natalie Borchardt, Park Ranger. Production Coordinator: Leana Bulay, SDRP Interpretive Ranger. Funding Povided by SDRP JPA. Produced Filmed and Edited by: Jim Karnik Films, www.fieldnotes.com (Link opens in new window)