Try this San Diego County hike: San Diego National Wildlife Refuge

calico 12/23/2023

The San Diego National Wildlife Refuge is teeming with biodiversity and well-maintained hiking trails — all while being located not too far off the beaten path.

Hikers can explore the East County nature preserve on the Par 4 Trail, a roughly 1.8-mile easy hike that winds through the hills behind a Jamacha neighborhood, near the Cottonwood Golf Club. Offering views of distant mountains, the loop is simple to follow and ideal for families and larger groups as well as solo hikers.

The refuge was established in 1996 and covers more than 12,000 acres from Jamul and Spring Valley to east Chula Vista.

While hiking, I spotted a coyote, along with rabbits and several types of birds. Learn more about the animal and plant species living in the preserve at the refuge’s website.

The hike starts in a residential neighborhood at the end of Par 4 Drive.

The trailhead starts at the end of Par 4 Drive, in a residential neighborhood off Steele Canyon Road. Be respectful of the neighbors when parking in this area.

Walk up the hill and past two gates to reach the start of the trail, where there is an immediate fork. Hikers can go either way, as the loop begins and ends here, but I chose to take the left trail that veers south and up the hillside.

Hikers can take either path at the fork, but I chose the left trail.

From there, the trail is straightforward, with occasional signs and fences guiding the way. Hikers will experience some gradual inclines and one steeper descent, but the trail is mostly flat.

After about 0.6 miles, hikers will reach an intersection. I continued left, toward the south and in the direction of a water tower above.

At the intersection, veer toward the south-facing trail, where hikers can look directly up at a water tower above.

Continue on for another 0.3 miles before reaching another intersection. Go down the hillside here, in the direction of the wide trail below. The two trails eventually merge.

At this intersection, at about 0.9 miles, head down the trail toward the wide path below.

I wanted to do a loop and started walking back in an easterly direction on the wide trail. However, hikers looking for a longer adventure should continue west as the trail heads across the open space. There are several additional trails to explore in this area.

The rest of the hike follows the wide trail back to the start of the loop. While less dynamic than the first part of the hike, the last 0.8 miles gives hikers a chance to appreciate the refuge’s trees — and see their changing leaves at the right time of year — as well as spot some critters like lizards and birds.