Rules of the San Dieguito River Park

The San Dieguito River Park was created to help preserve and protect the fragile resource of natural open space. The following rules were established to provide the opportunity for recreation that does not interfere with wildlife or peoples enjoyment of the Park’s natural resources.

HAVE A GOOD TIME - It is very important that people enjoy their time spent at the San Dieguito River Park. Regardless of how people feel when they enter the Park, when leaving they should feel good about themselves and their experience.

STAY ON DESIGNATED TRAILS - SDRP maintains trails designated for public use. These trails are maintained to provide access to natural areas and preserve the adjacent ecology. Use of closed trails is not allowed and use of non-designated trails is discouraged. If people stay on the trails then the wildlife will be allowed to live unaffected by the intrusion of humans who come to their habitat to enjoy nature and get exercise.

PETS MUST BE LEASHED AT ALL TIMES AND OWNERS MUST CLEAN UP AFTER THEIR PETS - Pets should be leashed and on the trail for resource protection, safety, and consideration of other people (see hand-out ‘Why should I put my dog on a leash’). Owners must clean up after their pets for obvious reasons. Although the park provides bags at the trailheads, it is the pet owner's responsibility to carry a bag or tool to remove the pet waste.

LITTERING AND DUMPING PROHIBITED - Carry out what you carry in. Trashcans are located at all trailheads and also on some trails.

DEFACEMENT PROHIBITED - All trail markers, fences, signs, benches, and materials must be protected. SDRP has limited funding and vandalism takes resources away from other projects. Natural features also must be protected from defacement. Spray painting and carving into rock, sand, or trees is, of course, strictly prohibited.

ALL GEOLOGICAL AND ARCHEOLOGICAL RESOURCES ARE PROTECTED - It is important that the geological features remain undisturbed to ensure a healthy ecosystem off the trail. Archeological resources are protected. Removal of any artifacts erases cultural history information of the San Dieguito River Park. Artifacts must be studied in their original location or the information is lost. Relics that remain may have religious value, and the removal of these artifacts can be considered the equivalent of stealing from a church.

NO COLLECTING OR REMOVING OF ANY PLANT OR ANIMAL, THEY ARE PROTECTED - In order to maintain a quality experience for people who enjoy the natural areas of the San Dieguito River Park, it is important not to disturb the ecosystem. Because of the large amount of people who visit the park, picking flowers or breaking off a branch can have long-term negative impacts on the ecosystem. For every snake or lizard that is killed or removed, many insects or rodents will not be eaten and allowed to thrive and multiply.

NO HUNTING OR FIREARMS ALLOWED, FIREWORKS ARE PROHIBITED- This includes all weapons; guns, rifles, bow and arrows, sling shots, and spears. Regardless of the target these items are not allowed. Weapons put the public’s safety at risk (*see No Collecting or removing of any plant or animal and Fires are strictly prohibited for explanation).

OFF ROAD VEHICLES ARE NOT PERMITTED, AUTHORIZED VEHICLES ONLY - Off road vehicles damage the SDRP trails that are designed for equestrian, hiker, or bicycle usage only. The noise of off-road vehicles may interfere with bird nesting and nocturnal animals that sleep close to the trail.

FIRES ARE STRICTLY PROHIBITED - Dry brush, in some cases has inherent properties that encourages fire, is extremely dangerous. Throughout San Diego County campfires contribute to devastating fires annually. BBQ’s are permitted in a specified area at the Lake Hodges boat dock ONLY, no exceptions (lake must be open for fishing).

FISHING is permitted seasonally at Lake Hodges. This helps lessen the impact of fishermen to the lake and surrounding ecosystems. Fishermen must posses a California fishing license and a daily-use permit that can be purchased at the main boat dock concession stand. Call 619-465-3474

Please remember that a large number of people utilize the trails of the San Dieguito River Park and our ability to maintain a healthy natural environment will insure our continued access to natural areas in the future.