June 3rd is National Trails Day, and County of San Diego Parks and Recreation plans to celebrate all month with a variety of fun trail activities that San Diegans of all ages and abilities can enjoy.

Parks and Rec is working to strengthen San Diego communities, one trail at a time. See what the “upside of outside” is all about by participating in hundreds of recreational opportunities, every season. A list of upcoming events is always available at sdparks.org and on the County News Center Event Calendar.

Saturday, June 3: NATIONAL TRAILS DAY

Guided Hike on Mt. Gower Trail

8 – 10 a.m., Mt. Gower County Preserve

Experience San Diego’s chaparral backcountry with a County Parks docent! This easy-moderate 3-mile hike travels between boulders to Tee Pee Rock and Swartz Canyon in Ramona. Come along, and don’t forget to don sturdy shoes, sun protection and a water bottle! Call (760) 788-3326 for information.

Saturday Morning Hike

10 a.m. – 12 p.m., Wilderness Gardens County Preserve

Visit places of historic significance on this ranger-led 1.5-mile walk through San Diego’s oldest preserve. The topics of local plants and animals, early settlers and sustainability will be explored. Start with a hike and finish with a museum tour and a picnic! Call (760) 742-1631 for information.

Extreme Hiking Challenge

11 a.m. – 6 p.m., El Capitan County Preserve

This is for athletes and physically fit daredevils will love the strenuous climb to the summit of El Cajon Mountain. Arguably the toughest hike in San Diego, this activity demands good boots, plenty of sun protection and water, and a fully charged cell phone and/or buddy. Rangers patrolling the area can share details about this undisturbed and interesting environment. RSVP in advance at (619) 561-0580.  

Saturday, June 10

Hidden Trails of the West Preserve

8 – 10:30 a.m., Santa Ysabel West County Preserve

Head off the beaten path to explore the back trails of this picturesque preserve near Julian. Led by a ranger, you will go over the river and through the woods, and climb up and down steep hills on this customized 6-mile trek. Boots and ample water are strongly encouraged. Call (760) 765-4098 for information.

Wilderness Gardens Family Day

8 a.m. – 12 p.m., Wilderness Gardens County Preserve

The Ecovivarium Society will bring their living museum of reptiles, amphibians and arthropods for a special meet-and-greet session. Then hit the trail for a moderately-strenuous hike through the County’s oldest preserve, featuring waterways, 40+ types of birds and dramatic, camera-friendly landscapes. Call (760) 742-1631 for information.

Sunday, June 11

Ride with a Ranger

3 – 6 p.m., Los Penasquitos Canyon / Rancho Penasquitos

Explore the canyon by mountain bike with a team of rangers as we travel all the way to the waterfall and back. This intermediate, 6-mile ride includes educational tidbits about the plant and animal species that thrive in and near central San Diego’s waterways. Bring your own bike and helmet. Call (858) 484-7504 for information.

Thursday, June 15

Nature Photography Hike

6:30 – 7:30 p.m., Lindo Lake County Park

Visit some of the best photo shoot locations within this Lakeside-area park. Led by a ranger, this event is designed so you can snap savvy pictures of the water, plants, animals, sunset, and prominent views of El Cajon Mountain. The path is flat, but sturdy shoes are recommended. Call (619) 443-1666 for information.  

Saturday, June 17

Hiking for the Views

8 – 9:30 a.m., Flinn Springs County Park

Participate in a moderately strenuous hike to the top of the hill for breathtaking views of El Cajon Valley. A ranger will lead the way, sharing information about local flora and fauna. This event is for avid hikers in good physical condition. Boots and water are mandatory! Call (619) 561-0180 for information.

Discover OVRP Day

9 a.m. – 12 p.m., Otay Valley Regional Park

Explore Otay Valley Regional Park (OVRP) though this popular, partner-led event featuring presentations by local wildlife experts, rangers and agency representatives, planned hikes and rides along trails, and up-close encounters with some of San Diego’s animal species. Call (619) 424-0463 for information.

Ranger-led Hike in Ramona

4 – 5 p.m., Dos Picos County Park

Join park staff for a 1.25-mile guided hike through popular camping destination Dos Picos County Park. They’ll talk about native plant and animal species, and invasive posts that are affecting the landscape of San Diego’s mountain regions.

Saturday, June 24

Wilderness Gardens Trail Trek

8:30 a.m. – 12 p.m., Wilderness Gardens County Preserve

Come along for a behind-the-scenes adventure to explore a series of historic trails and exceptional vistas. See Palomar Mountain, Pauma Valley and the San Luis River like never before – with a ranger who can share details about the wildlife that abounds. Call (760) 742-1631 for information.

Archeology Summer Lecture Series

8 – 10 p.m., Rancho Penasquitos

Join experts from the San Diego County Archeological Society at the adobe to discuss hot topics in the realms of local and global archeology, and to learn about artifacts discovered right here in San Diego, at an active dig site. Bring folding chairs and some bug spray, if you’d like, as the area skirts a creek. Call (858) 484-7504 for information.