Many Trails To Travel, Many Tales To Tell

By Barbara B. Baker, Event & Volunteer Coordinator

Through The Santa Fe Valley

We’re already a few months beyond New Year’s resolutions and a few months before summer; and I’m feeling restless from what I haven’t done and what I should be doing before it gets too late and too hot.   I know what the problem is: I need a different direction, a change of pace.   It’s hard to be motivated when I’m bored – even with visions of renewed energy, the promise of better health, and the horror of shopping for a bathing suit!   Today, though, is cool and cloudy and I’m in the mood to put on my hiking shoes and go exploring.   If I wait until I have it planned I may not get out and get moving.   I don’t want to take the more established trails of the River Park, so I’m heading west, through the Santa Fe Valley . . .  

One of the newest trails in the San Dieguito River Park is just off the Del Dios Highway between Escondido and Del Mar. The staging area is located behind the Lemon Twist Stand, the roadside fruit and flower kiosk.   In my low-to-the-ground car it feels a bit like I’m taking a nose-dive as I drive in, heading down the pavement to the parking area. To the left is the Del Dios Gorge Trail, which is still a work in progress and will offer scenic vistas to Lake Hodges. To the right, or west, is the Santa Fe Valley Trail.   It’s been called the Crosby Trail because much of it runs adjacent to the Crosby Estates; and the Starwood Trail -- the name of the development firm.   But this is the heart of the Santa Fe Valley, and thus its official trail name.      

    For the first forty minutes of this meandering trail running adjacent to the golf course there are plenty of flowers to see:   fiesta flowers, Indian Paint Brush, wild fuchsias, shooting stars, and wild roses.   I like leisurely strolls, little bridges, and the sound of babbling brooks.   There are also birds everywhere: Brown Towhees, red-winged blackbirds, hawks, quail   . . . There are “Sensitive Habitat’ signs posted along the way and the trail passes by areas set aside for wildlife. Lichen covered rocks are strewn though the valley and as the trail cuts away from the golf course and takes me along the riverbed I’m beginning to get a real feel for this valley.   This is the home of the famous archaeological Harris Site, now capped to preserve it for archaeologists in the future to study.

I know exactly where the trail begins its steep ascent.   I can see the switchbacks winding up and around and I have to admit that I’m wondering if I want to follow the rails that far.   It’s a fleeting thought because I’m curious about what’s beyond the next bend.   I think there are nice viewing areas along the way – curves in the trail where I can take a moment to look out and catch my breath.   The trail is built wider in these places for the horses, but no matter.   Thick manzanita bushes, wild cucumber, and canyon sunflowers surround me.   It’s so quiet that I can hear creatures scurrying in the spicebush and underbrush.   Glancing at my watch I see that it has taken me about another thirty-five minutes to reach the summit.  

The trail ends, for now, at the electrical tower where I can hear power sizzling through the lines.   Looking across the valley I get a bird’s eye view of the area and some spots are still pristine.   The Coast To Crest Trail will soon connect this piece to the west towards the San Dieguito Lagoon.   The River Park, with the help of the Conservancy and the Friends of the River Valley and many other groups, agencies, and individuals has come a long way in creating what will be fifty-five miles of open space corridors for hikers, bicyclists, and equestrians to enjoy.   Heading down, I see people coming up that I hadn’t even noticed.   They’re jogging and power-walking.   I’m glad they can’t hear what I’m thinking.

Unless birds are spitting on me it has started to rain.   It’s coming down so lightly that I can’t see it.   It’s funny how when it’s cloudy and drizzling I automatically think it’s getting colder even if it isn’t.    I’m glad I decided to go hiking today.   I do feel refreshed and renewed even if I haven’t shed those pounds I vowed I would back in January and there’s no hope of shopping early for a bathing suit.   But a different direction and a change of pace can alter my mood as much as chocolate.   If you’re looking for an out of the way trail and a way out of the doldrums try taking the Santa Fe Valley Trail.   It’s so new that it’s not on any current River Park maps.   And don’t forget to peruse the fruit at the Lemon Twist Stand on your way out.     I should be eating apples.   . . .

 If you have a favorite trail or story please contact me at Barbara@sdrp.org.   History isn’t always in the books; sometimes it’s in the stories!   Share your history with the San Dieguito River Park.