Tecolote Canyon Natural Park and Nature Center

Pretty hike along the creek area... Don't just stay on the service road. There are lots of little single track type hiking through the trees. There's not much elevation gain, so it's fairly easy walking...

Parking is little to none. The street parking is narrow. there are about six Little League fields and baseball is always going on but that also means the snack bar is open. The play area is sand. I do like that they have basketball courts. There were not crowded games going on.

Trail closed for maintenance at south trailhead. I rerouted and tried to enter south of the golf course, only to make it a mile down on my run and encountered the other side of the trail closed too. Ran north towards Genesee along incredibly steep, dusty route along power line access road. Great trail challenge due to unexpected detouring. Would recommend the East-west trail from the golf course to Genesee Rd, it's a lovely grove. Just lots of trash, sadly, at the exit by Mesa College 😤😭

With a primary trail stretching from the Tecolote Nature Center in the south to the North Clairemont Recreation Center in the north – and several side trails linked to neighborhoods – Tecolote Canyon Natural Park is an enjoyable place to go take a hike. I parked at the Nature Center, where the Tecolote Canyon Trail - South starts. (App “Hiking Project” divides the TCT into North and South segments.) The City’s map and signs in the park itself don’t name the trail – they just call it “Trail” with arrows telling you which way to go. There are, however, signs that tell you where the branch trails will take you. My hike, took me north, then east to Genesee Ave. The first mile or so of the trail is wide and used by official vehicles. It rained the night before my hike so that part of the trail had big puddles, mud, and puddles of mud (but no Puddle of Mudd). The rest of the trail brought me under streets, over streams, down narrow paths, and up steep hills. I reached the east end of the trail (Genesee Ave.) and spent some time there viewing works of art (graffiti) in the 2 tunnels crossing under the street. The trails are more interesting from past the golf course (going north) to Genesee because it’s mostly spooky cool trees and streams with plenty of shaded areas. I had to cross the streams that run through the park several times in each direction. The hike is about 7 miles round-trip. I’m saving the TCT - North for another day. The Nature Center is small but worth a visit. No fee to enter. Restrooms available. NOTE: The correct name for this park is Tecolote Canyon Natural Park, NOT Tecolote Canyon Natural Open Space Park as it appears on Google Maps.

Beautiful trails all marked and easy to navigate we entered from a steep entrance in a neighborhood area. Very clean canyon, no trash cans do not litter! Also did run into 1 snake but only caught a glimpse before it slithered out of the trail be mindful wear you step.