Dust Devil Nature Trail - Urban Hiking Del Mar

We woke up to a postcard perfect morning, under blue skies and low 70s.  It’s also Spring Break and the beaches are packed with a line of cars a mile in all directions to pick a spot on the sand to show off the latest in spandex or thong wear.

Last week I enjoyed the Piedras Pintadas Trail, which is part of the San Dieguito River Park and the Coast to Crest trail system.

I was looking for a short hike this week that would not be heavily traveled.  While looking over the offerings of the San Dieguito River Park trails I decided the Dust Devil Nature Trail would fit the requirements.  It is within the San Dieguito park, but not part of the Coast to Crest trails.

Fran and I set out to do the 3 loops, from looking at the map it we decided to do the north loop first and take the trail to the right at every intersection.

The three loops of the trail are all short and dog (on leash) friendly.  We follow my plan of right turns, doing the north loop first.  Right at the trail head there is a sign describing the Dust Devils.  They are a group of volunteers who help establish and maintain the trails within the San Dieguito Park system.

The small picnic area could use a bit of attention of the Dust Devils as it is getting a bit overgrown.

Cirque du Soleil is under the big top at the Del Mar Fairgrounds.  Tickets start at $49 … a bit out of our range.

There are several benches spaced throughout all three loops.  I suspect this one is to watch the wildlife in the meadow, or to count the passing trucks on I-5.

Not much in wildlife, besides the lone caterpillar Fran spotted, there are quite a few waterfowl in the marsh.

The next right turn (I took this picture from the other side to avoid the sun shadows) leads to the center loop and a view point. 

This section of the trail forks, but either way leads to a view point, to be consistent we took the right fork.

Not as many flowers as I had expected, especially after the abundance of blooms along Piedras Pintadas.

The view point is a bit closer to the waterfowl.  If you come out here bring a spotting scope or binoculars to get a better view.

The backseat of my dad’s Oldsmobile would have gotten me just about as close :)

Certainly this was a good day, but do not expect to return, unless the north or south loop is extended to connect to the Coast to Crest trail system.  I hope you too have No Bad Days!

Piedras Pintadas - Urban Hiking Escondido

A few weeks ago I spent the morning in Piedras Grandes (Big Rocks) of Anza Borrego.  Today I wandered the Piedras Pintadas (Painted Rocks).  Which is now part of the Coast to Crest trail system there is now ample parking near the trailhead, trail maintenance and signage.

 The wide trail straight ahead is the Bernardo Bay trail.  Both trails are easy and with time permitting can easily be combined.  But I need to be home by 3 PM and will see how well I manage my time.

Piedras Pintadas trail head

The hillsides are full of color

The trails are well marked

Bernardo Bay trail soon has a small fork

Easy to miss this turn

Bridge over Green Valley Creek

A lot of water in the creek

In memorial for Chelsea King

17 year old Chelsea King was raped and murdered at this spot in 2010. 

Chelsea’s Light is a foundation to ensure this does not happen again

First view of the White Pelicans

Lots of water after all the rain

The City of San Diego maintains this area of the park

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These two young were busted by Ranger Paul.  I was detained as a witness to their crime of 'being boys'.  Ranger Paul was great explaining the situation, sacred rocks, etc.  He did not want their last names so it could be left out of his report, I was not that fortunate – he also wanted my phone number! I guess insurance against some parent calling the park later. 

Most of the rock art is near the falls.  The right light and a pair of binoculars are needed to see more of them.

A few Pictographs on the center rock

Morteros under the large Coastal Oak

Trail continues down to lake

Heron, Osprey, White Pelicans

A bit of a rock scramble

A rabbit!

Wildflowers seen along the trail, there were way more than I would have expected. 

  

This little hummer was singing happily above the trail on the return.  Certainly No Bad Days for either of us!, Although I did miss my deadline getting home :)