Marian R. Bear Memorial Park - Urban Hiking San Diego

Marian Bear Memorial Park is located in the San Clemente Canyon between I-5 on the west and I-805 on the east, about 5 miles distant.  Along with Rose Canyon and Tecolote Canyon these three open space areas are collectively called the Tri-Canyon Parks.

In the 1970s when Highway 52 was scheduled to be located along the base of San Clemente Canyon, Marian Bear was the driving force to have the roadway built along the northern wall of the canyon.  Thus preserving the canyon as a natural preserve for future generations. 

This section of the canyon is dedicated to her efforts.  The plaque reads:

Marian Bear Memorial Park - Rededicated by the City Council of the City of San Diego on behalf of this City who are indebted to Marian Bear for her energetic and unselfish efforts as a planner, naturalist and conservationist and her lasting contributions toward the preservation of open space for future generations. July 31, 1979.

I last blogged San Clemente Canyon nearly 4 years ago HERE.  At that time, I parked at the Genesee entrance and hiked east to 805, before returning to the western park boundary.

On Wednesday the Canyoneers led a walk around the Nature Trail loop on the western side of the park.

On a chilly Wednesday morning, I met up with the Canyoneers near the restrooms at the Clairmont Mesa entrance.  This outing is again organized by Jerry, a very knowledgeable naturalist, from the  San Diego Natural History Museum in Balboa Park.

Note: I have never seen the self-guided trail map that should be provided at the trailhead.

The Coastal Oak trees are common along the creek.  Many have benches under their sweeping canopy for a place to relax while bird watching. 

Here is Jerry explaining the native uses of oaks.

The Toyon Tree with its red berries is a common sight throughout SoCal.  Also known as California Holly the plant was so popular for Christmas decorations it is now illegal to take cuttings.

There several foot bridges over the creek crossings, which were not here a few years ago.  A nice touch.

Some of the old twisted and knurled Sycamore Trees look they could be from a Harry Potter scene.

The sycamore buds of next year’s growth are protected by the leaves, until they fall.

This section of the park is noted for its Poison Oak.  All those shoots reaching through the sycamore leaves is a stand of poison oak.  This stand rivals any of those found in the county.  I have seen a larger stand on Palomar Mountain, but do not wish to measure either one.

The Urushiol remains with the stem and berries even after the leaves have fallen.

One of the more interesting finds Jerry showed us, was the that of a Trapdoor Spider.  The ‘D’ shape of the door has a hinge on the straight edge, with the round sides fitting snugly into the opening.

On the north facing side of the canyon is a large field of Wild Radish.  Although the young plant looks like a radish, the seed of the wild radish is above ground.

Once the radish plant dies, the stalk retains no moisture, thus allowing fire to spread rapidly.

The Nasturtium is a non-native invasive plant, but they do look nice in bloom.

The various gourds found in the valley are not poisonous, but Jerry mentions they taste pretty awful.  I'll take his word for it.

A couple parting photos

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John and Sharon of On the Road of Retirement are in San Diego, they had this outing on their calendar too.  Although they did not make the hike, check out their blog for the other adventures they did enjoy.  And hopefully they will not need to identify Poison Oak, without the leaves, as they move on to Arizona. 

Urban Hiking–San Diego’s Marian Bear Park

Marian Bear Memorial Park is in the San Clemente Canyon between I-5 on the west and I-805 on the east, about 5 miles distant.


Like Tecolote Canyon it is also divided into 3 sections, but unlike Tecolote each section has its own parking lot - and each lot has ample parking, a restroom and trash facilities.  Along with Rose Canyon and Tecolote Canyon these three open space areas are collectively called the Tri-Canyon Parks.

Today I’ll enter Marian Bear on Genesee and hike east to I-805 and then back west adding a couple miles to this beautiful morning walk.



Side trails offer easy access for the local residents to enjoy the open space.  Dogs (on leash) are most welcome too. 

Cobb Trail is where I would enter the park when making a loop from Tecolote Canyon into San Clemente Canyon.  That’s back in the day when a nice mountain bike ride was part of my weekend.

The rocks in the tree hollow make me wonder if Boo Radley has moved into the park.


Benches and picnic tables are found along the trails and the parking lots.



At all times the sounds of traffic can be heard.  The park is urban and follows along the south side of Hwy 52.  But my destination is not just the eastern end of the park at 805, but to continue on to the ‘locals only’ section.  This area was once Disney Princesses and cartoon characters, but it has become more hardened over time, altho the art is still quite good.



… but think I liked the cartoon characters better.

Time to turn around and head west, where most hikers, dog walkers or bikers would enter the park.  But there will be some water crossings, and I did dress for this!



Keen open toed sandals!  Take the water in stride and dry out quickly.


OK Pam, it is not a crested cactus, but check out the ‘hearts’.  I counted seven on this plant.  Obviously more common than the crest, but still a fun find.


Taking the trails from the Regents Road paring area make for easy, wide well maintained travel.  There are restrooms, picnic areas and ample parking here.



This last water crossing is optional.  On a bike I’d exit the park here, but in sandals … splash on!
Hard to believe I’m less than a half mile from Costco!


And I’m just across the tracks from my destination. 


It’s NOON and no beer till 2PM on a Friday!  I do not have a plan B … and out of water! ARG!!


Fortunately Fran is playing tennis at the PB Club and offers to let me buy her lunch at Rubio’s #1 in exchange for a ride back.


Altho most of the Rubio’s sites have beer alas #1 does not.
If staying in either of the RV Parks in DeAnza Cove this hike/bike can be done in reverse following the Rose Creek Trail. 


Altho I’d recommend for bikers to do the Tecolote to San Clemente in the counter clockwise direction and plan on arriving at Karl’s after 2PM on a Wed-Sat … just say’n.