Del Mar Mesa Preserve
Title: Del Mar Mesa Preserve
Location of Hike: Del Mar Mesa Preserve. Trailhead located at the corner of 13000 Sierra Mesa Court and 7400 Arroyo Grande Road (GPS Location). Adjacent to the Intuit Business Complex off I – 56.
Date of Hike: November 9, 2022 Starting Time 9:00
Ease of Hike: Moderate Takes about 2.5 hours
Distance of Hike: 4.5 miles
Elevation Gain: 350 Feet
Rating: E5A
This 4.5 mile hike through the multiple habitats of the Del Mar Mesa Preserve is a hidden gem found right along the I – 56 corridor. From the back of the Intuit Complex of buildings, the hike descends the canyon on the Deer Creek Trail to connect to the Tunnel 4 Trail along several streambeds and through a tunnel of mature chaparral. The Trail ascends to a lovely Eucalyptus Grove, passing by several vernal pools, then a loop along the Bow Tie Trail and finally returning on the Fire Road back to the Deer Creek Trail. Total hike should be less than 3 hours.
Del Mar Mesa – The Chaparral Lands Conservancy (chaparralconservancy.org)
Wear hiking shoes, poles might be nice and bring water and a snack.
Directions: Exit I – 56 freeway at Camino Del Sur and head south for one block. Turn right onto Torrey Santa Fe Road and go about ¾ of a mile to just past the Intuit Business Complex. Take the 2nd left and follow Arroyo Grande Road to where it curves and becomes Sierra Mesa Court. Park on the street. The trailhead begins between the houses.
Dave Dohren (619) 517-8867