Mission Trails - #MissionTrails

Socal - San Diego County - Tierrasanta NickNames: #MissionTrails

Mission Trails Park can be reached from Mission Gorge Road from the I-8 or S-52. Exit the 52 on Santo Rd. turn left on Antigua. At the end of the road turn left. Go down the hill, before road turns enter trailhead just before the condos. Also the Western end is accessible from Clairmont Mesa Dr. Thomas Guide page 1230 A7

26 Review(s)Login

• Trail UpdateDry-Trail is looking ok, E-ticket is getting rutten up pretty bad and the dust is pretty bad as things are getting really dry!
  protijy a 28 year old Downhiller riding a Indy Fab Beatsick from San Diego URL: Protijy

  Posted:08/02/2007

• Trail UpdateRuts And Mud-I entered from Clairemont Mesa Blvd and wandered around toward North Fortuna, then got lazy and went along Suycott wash then up South Fortuna until the trail became stairs. The recent storms cause some serious erosion, so it's all ruts near North Fortuna. Huge long ruts. And surprisingly dry. Some parts of it are so steep that I don't know how anyone could ride it.
  Riding a little farther south, Suycott Wash is a lot of muddy fun. The mud is stickier than it looks. It's an easy, tranquil trail criss-crossing a small stream through the bottom of a valley. But be alert, as a couple very large drops have formed that drop you onto sand/mud, so you can't really pedal out. I'm sure this will all change once the next storm comes.
  Now that this place has had some water, the scenery is all green and beautiful. And the view is amazing.
  Ride rating: Novice
  Ride distance: Elevation change:
  Singletrack=50% Dirt Road=50%
  Exteban a 23 year old Cross-Country Rider riding a K2 Razorback from San Diego

  Posted:01/18/2005

• Trail UpdateYep, It's MOSTLY Open-The Rim Trail Loop area (the northwest section of the park) is still closed, but the rest is open (see http://www.mtrp.org/trail_map.asp). Last weekend I went up Father Junipero, across the Grasslands, up the Saddle Trail and South Fortuna, where I sat and communed with a deer who was obviously happy the vegetation was starting to grow back! It still looks like a wasteland on the burnt side of S. Fortuna, but it's kind of cool! Besides, it'll be interesting watching it progress...

  This was my first time back riding a steep trail in months since a broken wrist (obtained courtesy of a sandy patch in Orange County), and I was a little tuckered after the Saddle Trail uphill towards the Fortunas, so I didn't do North Fortuna, even though it look like a lot of fun. Next time!
  Ride rating: Novice
  Ride distance: 10miles Elevation change: 1000
  Singletrack=5% Dirt Road=70% Paved Path=25%
  The SeaClasper a 34 year old Cross-Country Rider riding a A tye-dyed unicycle from The sterilized wasteland called Mira Mesa

  Posted:04/11/2004

• Trail UpdateOpen!!!-Mission trails is now open again... check out mtrp.com it reopened april 3rd
  J. Christ a 2004 year old Weekend Warrior riding a Specy Endruo from Spring Valley

  Posted:04/09/2004

• Trail UpdateClossed-Just went by the trail head at Mission Trails on the Tierrasanta side and there's a sign posted that says the park is closed till Nov 17th.
  Sailor a 41 year old Die-hard Enthusiast riding a GT LTS from San Diego

  Posted:10/31/2003

• Trail UpdateOur tax money hard at work. If the cops didn't have the time they could of at least had security at Frys check out the cameras. I dought the credit card company will bother. Meanwhile the scumbags are out focking someone else over. well at least they didn't steal the gold [parks pass & zoo pass].
  DIRTJUNKIE a 41 year old Die-hard Enthusiast riding a Intense uzzi-sl from Lamesa

  Posted:10/09/2003

• Trail UpdateHey Dirtjunkie: no, the cops just took a report--over the phone--and said "good luck." I am told that the credit card company will follow up with Fry's and the other stores in that area where the scumbags hit.

  A stakeout at the trailhead would be a good idea sometime. I heard they have the same problem at Daley Ranch, so beware. Fact is, I usually NEVER leave my wallet in my truck when I ride, but for whatever reason, this one time I did. Oh well, at least they didn't steal my zoo and National Parks passes... ; )
  HecklerNada

  Posted:10/09/2003

• Trail UpdateMission Trails Security Cameras?-Yeah, MOTO, why don't you trek on down to Fry's and demand to see the tapes. I hear they can see as far away as OC on a clear day.
  Good Karma

  Posted:10/08/2003

• Trail UpdateMission Trails Security Cameras?-Yeah, MOTO, why don't you trek on down to Fry's and demand to see the tapes. I hear they can see as far away as OC on a clear day.
  Good Karma

  Posted:10/08/2003

• Trail UpdateMission Trails Security Cameras?-Yeah, MOTO, why don't you trek on down to Fry's and demand to see the tapes. I hear they can see as far away as OC on a clear day.
  Good Karma

  Posted:10/08/2003

• Trail UpdateMission Trails Security Cameras?-Yeah, MOTO, why don't you trek on down to Fry's and demand to see the tapes. I hear they can see as far away as OC on a clear day.
  Good Karma

  Posted:10/08/2003

• Trail UpdateMission Trails Security Cameras?-Yeah, MOTO, why don't you trek on down to Fry's and demand to see the tapes. I hear they can see as far away as OC on a clear day.
  Good Karma

  Posted:10/08/2003

• Trail UpdateHey Nada what about checking out the security cameras at Fry's? Did the cops even care enough to do this? Sorry to hear of your loss and damage brah.
  DIRTJUNKIE a 41 year old Die-hard Enthusiast riding a Intense uzzi-sl from Lamesa

  Posted:10/08/2003

• Trail Update"Good Karma," you're a dick, and I'm not MOTO.

  
  HecklerNada

  Posted:10/07/2003

• Trail UpdateMission Trails-Karma, MOTO, karma. I always takle my wallet with me in case I happen upon a kiosk and want to do a little shopping or I kill myself and they need to ID my corpse.
  Good Karma

  Posted:10/06/2003

• Trail UpdateThieves-WARNING--I parked my truck at the trailhead at the end of Clairemont Mesa Blvd. in Tierrasanta on Saturday, 10-4-03 and while I was riding it was broken into and credit cards were stolen from my wallet. The thieves carefully disassembled my locked glove compartment to get to the wallet. They got away with a few grand in purchases at the nearby Fry's within hours.

  When I reported it to the police, they advised me that many, many vehicle break-ins occur at that location. I have a strong suspicion that it was the work of two guys that were parked in a dark green Ford Explorer who were scoping out the area when I arrived. Several reasons lead me to believe they weren't there for hiking or biking.

  Anyway, don't ever leave your wallets in a vehicle at that location.
  HecklerNada

  Posted:10/06/2003

• Trail UpdateSuycott Wash Trail-I heard from a buddy that this trail was graded within the last week and it ruined the traction for the downhilling portion of the trail. What a bummer. Apparently, Suycott Wash is all "washed up" and too slippery to charge anymore without sliding out. Ther used to be ruts, rain steps, etc., to add additional traction and roughness on the downhills.

  Hopefully, some rains will come a bring out some roughness in the trail again.

  
  Ride rating: Advanced
  Ride distance: 6 miles Elevation change: 2500
  Singletrack=40% Dirt Road=60%
  Log-jam a 20 year old Die-hard Enthusiast riding a Trek 4500 from Coronado

  Posted:10/22/2002

• Trail UpdateMission Trails Prime Season Oct.-To me, this is the prime time for mission trails. October. It's starting to get cooler. Usually, I ride to mission trails from my house, which is across the street from Lake murray, I'll go through lake murray, and exit it at the tennis club, eventually speeding, I mean, safely riding down Jackson drive to the visitor's center entrance to Mission Trails. Then I ride that Junipero Serra "trail" (it's actually a road closed to motor vehicles) to the grassland crossings. They should call it Dried Brush Lands, cuz it certainly aint grassy. And that's what this is all about, normally I would get there at around noon, and I would just overheat, the ice in my camelbak would melt almost instantly. It gets so dry and hot during the summer, that riding is less fun, since you get tired alot quicker. But it's october, and this, to me is the sweet spot for riding that part of misssion trails. Before the rains come in (if any). The weather is tolerable, and alot less exhaustive. I try to stay away from this place on weekends though, I get alot of looks from portly casual riders who think I'm passing them too quickly. (And I'm pretty slow as mountain bikers go.) There's less people period since most people do the mon-fri work thing. So if you wanna check this place out with out getting overheated and without running into alot of people, I would say October, during the week, is prime time on the trails. One more thing, I was climbing to the top of Spring Hill (I think), and at the top there were signs that indicated a trail closure. I forget now what exactly was closed, but it wasn't listed as closed on the map they gave me at the ranger station thingy, I was confused so I turned around and went down the hill.
  Lektrotek a 25 year old Cross-Country Rider riding a Trek Fuel Custom from La Mesa

  Posted:10/15/2002

• Trail UpdateMission Trail-I am from out of town. I brought my bike with me to San Diego for business in the morning. Then I was going to finally try Noble Canyon in the afternoon. It's my luck that they decided to close Cleveland national forest on the same day due to fire danger! So instead, I was glad to find this trail close to town.
  I entered through Jackson entrance. This little trail is tough. You are either climbing steep hills or goin down loose trails, and not much inbetween. I had hard time finding any single tracts. Some that I found toward highway 52 around Suycott Wash were all closed for habitat rehab. Eventually I hiked up a trail up to the peak of North Fortuna mountain, rode down to saddle, and then down to grasslands. The view was awesome but the whole trail was a struggle.
  Turtleman a Die-hard Enthusiast

  Posted:10/15/2002

• Trail UpdateMission Trails- "Suycott Wash"-I rode this trail a whole lot in September of 2002. It is the trail at the very, very top of the fire road which climbs the mountain. It actually takes about two fairly large fireroad climbs. If you stay to the right hand trails on the top, you will eventually come down a steep downhill section and stop at a fork which should have trailhead signs. The right hand trailhead is Suycott Wash. This trail is very, very fun. The climb to get to it is pretty brutal, but the rest is easy street and tests you coordination across berms, rocks, switchbacks, and lotsa single-track. I very much enjoy this trail and I recommend doing it at least twice.
  Ride distance: 7 miles in&out Elevation change: approx. 1,500 feet
  Singletrack=60% Truck Trail=40%
  Log-jam a 20 year old Die-hard Enthusiast riding a Trek 3500 from Coronado

  Posted:10/04/2002

• Trail UpdateAWSOME RIDE-Park at the MAST EXIT off of the 52. Follow the main trail, after you ride across the stone bridge continue to your right. The trail you are on will dead-end onto another trail. Take a right onto the new trail. You are now headed towards the 52 highway. Go under the 52 highway and continue on the trail you are on. This trail is a old rock bed creek. The climb up is a easy climb and not very steep. Pay attention to the terrian you are ridding over fore you will be ridding on it on your way back down. This trail turns into a single track with many blind turns, so keep your eyes open for other ridders. The trail end with a fairly short jaunt up a hill where it joins with a fire road. Turn around at this point and let it rip. The ride down is steep enough as to where you dont have to peddle much, but not so steep as to where you will need to ride the breaks all the way down. This trail is a blast. I have taken first time ridders and pro ridders on it with me and all have loved it. If you have problems finding this trail, please contact me and i can show you in person and ride it with you.
  David a 32 year old Downhiller riding a GT from San Diego

  Posted:09/10/2001

• Trail UpdateTrail To South Fortuna Mountain-I like to start out on Jackson Drive. You go down the visitors center loop trail, it is lke a steep drop to the river. I love to Ride full speed in the river, its fun, Caution: You get drenched, then you head up the other side of that canyon it is steep, you can see it from Jackson drive, then 3 quarter's up there is a small narrow trail cut-off that has a sign that says "Fortuna Mt./ South Soycott" First the trail is flat sorrounded by brush then you start to head down this steep drop that is very rocky and eroted, you have to ride in the tire prints for safe riding,then at the bottom you drop in Soycott Wash, it is nice with trees everywhere, but the tral is very narrow, then the trail widens and there is abuch of telephones everywhere, then you start heading up a grade that is small but hard to climb then there is a bigger grade about 5 times the lentgh, it is tough, at the top of the hill the trail stops and there is a trail that goes left and right, I go right and 30 feet away is the Fortuna Saddle, I then continue going right till I see a sign that says South Fortuna Mountain This Way, You head down hill first then there is a grade that has rocks all around it then there is a switch back, and another rocky grade then out of nowhere you reach the top, it is nothin but a big rock and you cant see a good view because it is a flat summit but you can take the trail 100 yards to check out the hole summit, you can see the Father Serra Trail and the river its nice but not much of a view, then when goin down the mountain it is a thrill ride but just watch out for rocks then at the saddle I decited to go down the North side of the Mountain. I looked at the trail it was a very steep drop IT was just straight down like 1000 feet down , it is known as "The Alley" I went down it with my breks but the gravel was loose and you can fall, so I just let go of my breaks and went down fast, it is so freakey my bike was bouncing like crazy,I felt like I was gunna fly off my bike like 10 times , then at the bottom is Oak Canyon, it has streams and trees its nice. You start heading up a grade that takes you north of the trail then there is this drop that is not to rocky, not to slipery, but just right you can go down full speed and you wont get hert, at the bottom is the grasslands then I take the trail near the Dam view point and the grinding rocks then a smooth hill down near that bulliton board, Then you go in the bridge river crossing that takes you to the Father Serra Trail Which takes me to Mission Gorge.
  
  Ride rating: Advanced
  Ride distance: about 4 miles Elevation change: 200Ft.-1,094Ft.
  Pete a 15 year old Weekend Warrior riding a Trek Aluminm 45000 from San Diego

  Posted:12/19/2000

• Trail UpdateChristiane & Gary-3-22-98 We were suprised at the devastation El Nino caused in the last couple of months. Oak Canyon trail is now a small stream (approximately 6' wide) and the bridge that existed there was wiped out by rain and erosion. You can still get thorugh the trail but be prepared to carry your bike! Even the trail to Fortuna Mountain was eroded. We found lots of ruts and more than usual loose rock. However the ride is still fun if your adventurous. Christiane & Gary a 24/31 year old Weekend Warrior riding a Specialized A1FS/ Trek 6500 from San Diego

  Posted:03/22/1998

• Trail UpdateThis is a well rounded trail. It has a little bit of everything for people at all stages of difficulty. If you want more difficult stuff there is definitely some there. Also there are a lot of different trails so you don't have to always go the same way. Plus you don't have to ride the same trail out as you rode in. Just bring lots of water and remember where you park is where you have to ride back to, if you park at the south end the is a real nice and long descent but remember you have to go back up to get out!
  Singletrack=85% Dirt Road=5% Paved Path=10%
  Sean a 20 year old Weekend Warrior riding a '96 Specialized Ground Control full suspension from Chulajuana

  Posted:09/08/1997

• Trail UpdateMission Trails Park-Mission Trails park has a wide variety of terrain, ranging from family put-puts in the Grasslands to the nearly unclimbable Fortuna Mountain. The best way to ride is to start at the Old Mission Dam. Ride through the Grasslands following the signs for Fortuna Mountain and Upper Oak Canyon. After a nice short spin in the Grasslands, you will climb a small hill. Look for the signs directing you towards Fortuna Mountain or West Fortuna. After a short downhill and crossing of Oak Creek, you will get to climb "The Alley" this is a challenging climb, steep and loose. I've yet to see anyone make it all the way to the top, as the last 100 yard are a real doozy. Look for the piled rocks to indicate were your fellow bikers have marked their best efforts. At the top of the saddle you will have the choice of bombing down into the West Fortuna Area, or continuing up the top of East Fortuna. If you go down keep your eye out for a single track off to your left. But the funner trip is to keep climbing up over East Fortuna. When you reach the top you can take a well deserved rest. Then continue on a narrow and broken trail down the back side of the mountain. This is a very technical downhill singletrack that will challenge your bike handling skills. After the singletrack you will drop onto a truck trail for a little while. Keep your eye out for the good trail to break off to the left. This will take you on a rollercoaster ride for about a mile. As you work your way along the west shoulder of Fortuna you will come to a small saddle where five trails merge. Just before you get to those trails a singletrack breaks off to the left. This will lead you to what I call a bombertrack down the center of Sycott Wash. This is a high spped single track that is wide open so you can hit maximum speed without hitting anyone. At the Oak Grove at the bottom of the wash, take a right and follow the signs for the San Diego River. This will require another tough climb. this climb is rewarded with an extremely fast down hill truck trail. It is pretty much straight down and you can get as much speed as you dare. At the bottom of the hill crash through the San Diego River. Only whimps walk this one, but only the skilled make it through.Take a left after the river crossing and work your way back to the road. Take a left at the road and continue back to your car.
  Singletrack=30% Dirt Road=10% Paved Path=10% Truck Trail=50%
  Greg Shorts a 32 year old Weekend Warrior riding a Zaskar LE from San Diego CA URL:Mission Trails Regional Park

  Posted:09/08/1997

• Trail UpdateWEST SIDE OF FORTUNA MTN.-THIS TRAIL HAS A LITTLE OF EVERYTHING FOR EVERY TYPE OF RIDER. WHEN YOU ENTER THE TRAIL HEAD GO DOWN TO THE FORK IN THE ROAD. TURN LEFT AND LOOK FOR A PATH TO THE RIGHT JUST PAST THE SHORT HILL. ONCE YOU'RE ON THE PATH CONTINUE PAST THE POND, THROUGH THE FENCES. AT THE NEXT FORK AT THE TOP OF A TECHNICAL HILL TURN RT. CONT. DOWN AND TAKE FIRST LEFT. AT THE TOP OF THE HILL IS THE FIRST FUN DOWNHILL. THIS SINGLE TRACK IS FAST, ROCKY, AND TECHNICAL.(STAY OUT OF THE RUTS! DON'T LOCK UP YOU'RE TIRE'S BARNO!) FOLLOW TRAIL TO TOP AND TURN RT. BE READY FOR A NICE DROP OFF. HEAD TOWARD HILL TO THE WEST. AT THE TOP TURN LEFT FOR A GOOD FIRE ROAD DOWNHILL. AT THE BOTTOM IS THE S.D. RIVER. CONT. TO MISSION GORGE ROAD OR TURN AROUND IF YOU HAVE THE LUNGS FOR IT.
  Single Track 20%, Dirt Road 80%
  KICK ASS RIDER FROM TIERRASANTA a 20 year old cross-country rider from TIERRASANTA, S.D.

  Posted:09/08/1997