As I walked the road above the Mission Dam at Mission Trails in Santee, I looked up to my left on the mountainside and something caught my eye. It was a lone mule deer that was looking down at me. As I continued to walk, I fully expected it to run away; but instead it slowly walked farther up the hill over the crest out of sight. This is not the only time I have seen wildlife on my walks and wanted to share some of my favorite spots.
Mission Trails Regional Park in San Diego is 5,800 acres of mountains and lakes and stretches from Santee to La Mesa. The trails are readily marked and are easy enough for novices and children, as well as areas for experienced hikers to walk off the trail. One of my favorite places is the Father Junipero Serra Trail. You can get there by turning north off of Mission Gorge Road on Santee’s east side. There is a parking lot there at the corner of Bushy Hill Drive. Across the street is Kumeyaay Lake inside the Kumeyaay Lake Campground. Cross the large gray rocks on the west side of the lake to see the small Indian hut and open-air seating.
For a special treat, take your car and head east down the paved road to Mission Dam to the parking lot. You can take the high road that looks over the dam, which is where I was when I saw the deer or the low road that takes you to the dam. Walk around the front of the dam through the overgrowth on a dirt path and there is a beautiful lake. On your way back, veer toward your right when you pass the dam and you will run into a bridge. Cross it to reach another hiking area. There are so many trails and new experiences at Mission Trails it never gets boring. The best time for hiking is from November through June.
Insider Tips: Bring water, sun protection and check the weather. During the summer it can be very hot. Wear long pants and boots for protection against the brush and rattlesnakes. Early morning is the best time to spot deer.
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