With the Bayside Trail slated to reopen to the public this Saturday, barring any last-minute delays, here’s a refresher taken from the Cabrillo Reference Manual on all that it has to offer our guests.

The Trail

On the southeast side of the park, the trail follows an old military road winding down from the top of the park toward San Diego Bay. On a clear day you can see the mountains of Mexico to the south, the Laguna mountains to the east behind the San Diego skyline, North Island Naval Air Station, and the Coronado Bridge. The 2.5 mile roundtrip is easily done by kids and adults of all hiking abilities. But even though it’s relatively short, the uphill return gives a good workout with an approximately 340-foot elevation gain that could be challenging for hikers with respiratoty or heart problems. Benches and stopping points provide perfect places to take in one of the most beautiful views in the county while you catch your breath. Hiking time is estimated at 1 to 2 hours, though you are likely to encounter many repeat local visitors using it as part of their weekly workout (think ½ hour round-trip). There are no restrooms or water along this trail, so hikers are asked to bring water with them, especially in the warm summer months. There is also no access to the beach at any point on the trail, and pets and bikes are not allowed. As in any natural area, there are environmental hazards to watch out for, including toxic plants and animals and fragile cliff faces. The downhill portion of the trail ends overlooking Ballast Point where nuclear-powered submarines are now docked in the same place Cabrillo’s ships anchored after three months at sea in 1542. Cabrillo’s statue looms on the bluff about 300 feet above you. You’re at the half-way point. Continue reading “Continuing Education: Bayside Trail”