Rose Canyon Open Space Park

I spent a few hours walking through Rose Canyon Open Space Park. I hiked on the Rose Canyon Trail which is the primary trail running from one end of the park to the other. The park may be entered from Genesee Avenue, Regents Road, or Bloch Street. I’ve always used the Bloch Street entrance which seems to be the “back door” entrance - it doesn’t have a fancy park sign like the one you’ll see on Genesee Avenue. Bloch Street is in a quiet neighborhood with plenty of street parking. The Rose Canyon Trail from Bloch Street to Genesee Avenue is 2.5 miles. Most of the trail is a dirt or dirt/rock road – wide, flat, and easy to navigate. A bit of easy climbing on a path is required near the Bloch Street end of the park. At the Bloch Street end of the park, you’ll get great views of Interstate 5 and the train and trolley tracks, and the noise that goes with them. The park has a creek running through it and at times you’ll walk near it or cross over it. A major native vegetation restoration project in taking place in the park. The trail is clean. The creek, unfortunately, had a lot of trash in it. The park had very few other visitors when I hiked on a Friday morning. The park does not have a visitor center, porta-potties, or other facilities. Pack it in, pack it out.

Beautiful hike with varying elevations, lush veggitation, high and low canyon points, flowing creek; trails are pretty clean and maintained. Saw walkers, runners, cyclists, and a good amount of people with their dogs, a couple squirrels, a few frogs on the hillside walking parallel to the I-5, but not too much wild life otherwise. Just have to be aware of spots with loose dirt, gravel, and sand when walking along to avoid slips; at the end of the trail I lost my footing and sprained my ankle, while waiting for my hubby to get the car -I saw 2 other people hobbling injured out of the trail too.

Parking on dirt road for about 15 cars. At the start you descent ona semi-steep path. After about 5 minutes you will reach to an intersection. You can turn right to Genesee or left. We took left, and walked on a wide path good for running, biking, or hiking. It gets rocky with pebbles towards the end. Spring time feels great with hills covered in yellow flowers and rare poppies here and there. Some road noise but not enough to bother us. Great hiking trail overall.

The only place I have been in San Diego that wasnt crawling with people. I almost don't want to post a review so less people are likely to go there and ruin its scene. Dogs are welcome but on a leash. There is mountain bikers to keep aware. There isnt a lot of parking. Great if you are looking for a breath of fresh air.

Nice place to hike if you don't mind the train going by every 20min. Also there is poison oak all over the place! Keep your eyes open and dogs on leash!