Balboa Park is laid out around canyons. Florida Canyon is one of them. I "discovered" it over a decade ago wandering down from the Desert Garden to a 2+ mile trail that loops through the canyon. It's an easy walk that can be done in an hour or so ... more if you stop and enjoy the desert species along the way. More adventurous, there are dozens of other trails of varying degrees of difficulty in the canyon. Best place to park (free) is across Park Blvd at the San Diego Zoo. read more

San Diego County Craft Brewery Road Trip Week! When the beer nerd friend I homebrew with (& fellow Yelp Elite) planned a week vacation down in San Diego with the wife & kids, he asked if I might want to take that same week off & go down there too. Hmmm, a whole week of drinking beer at craft breweries all over San Diego County? Oh Hell yeah! While in town, I spent almost as much time trying to explore all the great outdoor places SD has to offer as I did exploring the beer scene. Almost (priorities). After reading reviews from a few Yelp Elite friends, I became interested in checking out Florida Canyon. I rolled out here on a warm Thursday morning. Having really gotten into trail running this year, Florida Canyon seemed right up my alley. It's a compact area with a good number of trails that zig & zag up & down both sides above Florida Dr. Though I only ran 2 miles, I still worked up a serious sweat. It was the heat. It got a lot warmer here than places I usually run up in NorCal. By degree of incline, the trails are moderately challenging. The trail surface itself is mostly smooth. No need for hardcore trail running shoes, street running shoes will do fine. After my quick run, I rehydrated with as much water as I had with me, which wasn't enough. It was obviously time to supplement my fluids with beer... read more

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Ahhh, I love the outdoors! The nature trail is part of the whole Balboa Park Trails. I'm so pleased I found this initial spot to start my journey. It's clean and well maintained. Making it even more enjoyable as I pass through. Sure, it isn't nearly as challenging as Cowles Mountain and as large as Mission Trails, but if you hussel your tussy up and down enough, you can get in some serious cardio and without the conjestion or run-ins with the other hikers. Such a great way to also take in some of SD's beauty and relieve some of those day to day stresses. read more

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Came here for a biology field trip and the trail is nicely laid out. Looks like you can enter from a variety of entrances. Today we parked by the dog park and walked across the grass. This canyon goes along Florida street but you can also take other side trails to a big flower field. Just as a side note, the people that bring their dogs here do a really good job of picking up after their pets. And it's a leash free friendly open area. The trail is pretty easy to walk along and not too many people trying to maneuver around one another, of course this was a Tuesday morning. Only run in we had was with a biker towards the end of our hike when we were walking through the valley and up a hill. I think he almost ran someone over because I just heard breaks squeak and everyone stop. At least he was nice enough to let us all pass. Will definitely try this trail out again. I like that there is still a good presence of San Diego natural native wildlife. read more

Florida Canyon - Beginning of the trail by dog park. - Parks Near Me - San Diego, California

Florida canyon is a great place to run or bike trails in Diego (if you are not from Northern Cali and know what trail riding is SUPPOSED to be). The trails are short and the elevation change is minimal but you take what you can get when you are living in the city. It is a nice hike to go from Morley field, through Florida Canyon, over to the Florida Canyon Nature Preserve and Balboa Park and then back again. Two problems with Florida Canyon: 1) when the wild flowers bloom and run their course they smell awful right before they die and/or get cut down.http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/I3WnPNnABroaj7A0-rI_vA?select=cOJTs4GCoGKWqLmI2itCYg 2) to get to the other side of the trails you have to cross Pershing Dr. which some people use as a freeway to get from downtown to Twin Parks. There really needs to be a pedestrian bridge there, or a light, or even a crosswalk to let the cars see that there are people crossing there. You would think the death at that crossing point this year would instigate some action towards making the crossing safer but so far there is nothing. Other than that it is a great place to get out for a hike or ride. read more

In all of my chunky, occasionally sedentary glory, at least three times a week, I try to propel my bulk throughout North Park via running. Florida Canyon is both a joy and a horror to that end. I generally run down south to Morley field before heading west up to Balboa Park and the Zoo; unfortunately, that means traversing the Florida Canyon, a somewhat steep valley that separates Hillcrest and North Park. Generally when I'm rabbiting up the sagebrushy slopes on the way there, I'm fine, but God help me when I'm on my way back, and I'm stragglign up that damned Morley Field Drive out of the canyon. Two months ago, I was straggling, Sufjan Stevens blaring optimism I didnt' feel through my iPod's earphones, when a car stopped down MOrley Field drive and rolled down its windows. A marvelously in shape couple (jealousy? yes) stuck their heads out the window and shouted, "You can do it! You freakin' rock!" Embarrassed but secretly delighted i managed to propel the ponderous bulk further, and defeat that evil wench, Florida Canyon. TIl next time, Florida. I'm putting on my running shoes as we speak. read more

Florida Canyon is the corner store of outdoor recreation areas--- despite its size, it offers some solid hiking/biking trails just minutes from downtown, the 5, and the 163. It connects to Morley Field, with its dog park, velodrome, pool, tennis courts, and disc golf course. I like to ride on over to Florida Canyon on my mountain bike after work and hit up some trails. Since I'm still a beginner, Florida Canyon offers some good, short courses with a few steep hills to hone my skills. Even my more advanced mountain biking friends, who have explored bigger, greener pastures, still like to hit up Florida for certain techniques. Hikers and trail runners can also enjoy the terrain, dotted with sagebrush and jackrabbits. So if you see a girl in an orange Trek bike and a goofy yellow helmet hauling ass uphill (possibly walking my bike instead of riding it) say what up. read more

Always funny to see what random place/service will be the next to be reviewed on Yelp. I am also a pretty big fan of Florida Canyon. It helps that I live on Florida Street which runs through FL canyon (called FL Drive once it goes through Balboa Park). I have done two park cleanups here in the last year in the canyon as well. Unfortunately the Canyon has its fair share of trash and problems with homeless encampments. I keep riding by one and startling myself. It is really too bad that Florida Drive cuts through it... it would be amazing if the whole canyon was preserved. Traffic could be rerouted to Pershing Dr. or Park Blvd... just a thought. The trails are pretty good and challenging enough that I have to bail out (off) my bike quite often when I hit a really steep section or loose gravel. There are plenty of places where you can ride easily too, but most of it is uphill... hence the words "canyon" attached to the name. I had to knock one star off for the trash that can be found throughout. I was forced to knock one more off when I was thinking about how dangerous the bike path seems along the road. There is a high curb channelling you in with the cars doing 50MPH + . Short of turning the road into a bike path, its too bad they dont have a dedicated bike lane on the other side of the curb where there is plenty of room, but only an uneven dirt surface that can be treacherous to ride on. Be careful once you ride south of the Navy Hospital because traffic picks up and eventually you will find yourself fighting cars that are getting on the freeway. A treasure indeed, but still classifies as "in the rough." read more

Only recently have I started walking through the Florida Canyon Nature trails. I love the idea that they are somewhat hidden, like a little mystery steps away from the 5 freeway, the zoo, and other craziness of San Diego. When I was little my mother forbade me from walking on them, only recently, now that I am in my 30's, have lived in South America, and if I hold her hand, am I allowed. She was positive my sister and I would be attacked on the trails. Which all together makes them more enchanting since they were something I was not allowed to do in my childhood although I still have the fear of predators when walking through. While the trails are short, they are fun to walk through. Even if you get lost you are only a bit away from a main street and a few yards away from finding your way. The wild flowers are lovely as is the little wooden bridge which makes me feel like I am on a mini adventure. Maybe I am easily impressed but I am happy that the Florida Canyon Nature Trails have come into my life. read more

My first hike here was during my initial training with the San Diego Natural History Museum Canyoneer program. The area is one of the best native plant areas in San Diego and the trail has a great history. The Florida canyon trail became a popular hiking destination back in 1973 when the SD NAT Canyoneer program first stated up. In fact the program was called "The Florida Canyoneers" after the trail. A lot has changed since 1973, but the Florida Canyon still remains a hidden gem in the middle of San Diego. Along the trail, you will see ceanothus - both the blue blossom Ramona lilac and the white blossom warty-stemmed ceanothus, along with many others. Other favorites you'll find include chamise, bush monkey flower, California sage brush, white & black sage, native daisies, sunflowers, honey suckle, wild cucumber, and dozens more. The trail is fairly extensive stretching from Morley Field all the way over to the Zoo. And depending on your goals and energy level, you could enjoy a brisk walk along the paved sections around Morley Field or the Rose garden / Desert garden. If you are looking for a little bit more of a challenge, you could hike the entire length down across Florida Drive and up through the canyon. Whichever direction you choose to go, please be mindful of rattle snakes as they are a common sight in the canyon. Also, please watch your footing as there are many eroded spots along the trail and lots of lose gravel. Enjoy. read more

Everytime we come here, it's a different experience. We discovered Florida Canyon through yelp, and we've been three times already in the past month. The first time we went, we were astounded by the amount of flowers. The second time we went, we took a different trail and found lots of wildlife. Third time we went, we found the cacti garden. How did we not know about Florida Canyon before? This is our go-to hiking spot. :) And soon to be mountain biking spot. Just waiting on the money to buy those bikes!!! Now if we could only get our tax return. read more

Pretty good place to walk/bike/jog. I ride my mountain bike up and down the trails on both sides of the canyon. Florida street runs North/South, obviously. On the west side of the canyon there are a lot of really good bike trails. Be careful though! There are blind corners, and the terrain is very steep. Going up the steep hills can be a real chore on a bike. There is also a small stream bed that can carry water, depending on where you go. This side is also where most of the homeless camps are. I don't think I would go here by myself if I were female. The east side also has good trails, it is a strange little corner of Balboa park, almost as if they forgot some of this land exists. I personally enjoy riding on the upper area, adjacent to the maintenance yard. There are also some nice trails that surround the velodrome. Overall it is a hidden gem in the city, a little taste of the outdoors close to home. read more

Florida Canyons got some pretty fun urban bike trails! Theyre kinda short, but definitely a blast to ride through! That is, when ya dont bust ya ass like i did the other day...well, even that was fun! Hit me up ifya headin out there, ill twist something up and meetcha somewhere in the cut. read more

Flo-rida Canyon is soooo cool! It's a great place to hike, run, walk, bike, walk your dog... I frequent these trails as there are so many of them you'll never get bored and you'll always find something new... like the cactus garden... or fields full of flowers... or little gecko lizards guys...definitely go out there get some exercise and check this place out! :) read more

Florida Canyon nature trails is a nice spot to hike and exercise, especially in spring when the wildflowers are blooming. I would recommend staying on the trails; once we tried to take a shortcut and went off the trails and ran into a homeless encampment. Good for dogs. read more

Just tried out the hiking trail this afternoon. Florida Canyon certainly isn't a destination hike. Proximity to busy roads and Balboa Park mean there's no illusion that you're out in nature, and there is little shade along the trails. However, the pleasant range of plant life, bunnies and lizards zipping around in the brush, and gentle vertical climbs make this a nice place to get a little time with Nature, all practically at the front door of the North Park/Hillcrest area. read more

I jog on these trails 4 days a week mostly because I like the feel of being in nature while only having to walk three minutes from my house to get to it. They have been doing emergency sewer repair for a while that took out a big chunk of the trails you could access but slowly its getting fixed. It is really hot out though right now (duh it's summer) so I'd recommend coming out morning no later than 8:30 or 9 and trying the evening time also. There are snakes, lizards rabbits, birds and bugs. It gives you something to look at, or in some cases shriek and jump over while you are running. Have fun. read more

Great mountain bike (or running) trails. If they are too short for you, you can always double back and take another trail... which is not what I do because I am a novice. We usually ride through the canyon and then up the road by the zoo. It's a nice urban ride! read more

I love running here because there are a lot of trails coming down from Morley and connecting to Balboa, the only bad thing is that in the summer it is wayyy too hot. read more

I am a photographer and LOVE to shoot here in the spring! SO beautiful! However-- I am not happy that the city came along last year and mowed all the beautiful flowers away.. luckily they are growing back but just waiting for my photo spot to be gone soon :( read more

If you feel the need to hike and areatuck in the city then these may be the trails for you. They are pretty short and easy, but they do the job. read more

I live about 15 minutes away, and I think it took me less than that to ride the trails on my mountain bike. Did I miss something? I went by the dog park, velodrome, then crossed Pershing and headed back towards where I started from. read more

Okay, I just found out about this one yesterday and I checked it out today, early in the morning. I must admit, I had to give it 4 stars for the simple fact that it is right in the "backyard" of San Diego and I guess that is what I miss the most about where I grew up, trails right in my back yard. I have been Mountain Biking awhile and I am not gonna lie, I do miss the east coast trails, but if you are into a quick workout that is not that far from San Diego, then this is the place to go, if you live near down town like I do and sometimes just need to blow some steam off. For some real fun, use the bike to get there...it will warm you up by the time you get there...then feel free to start manualing and bunny-hopping till your hearts content. One word of caution, please respect the land so that all may enjoy this little treasure. Please allow me one more word of caution too, others share this trail such as hikers, runners, and dog-walkers, please watch out for them, we all share this set of trails together. read more

I just bought a new mountain bike, the problem is I live downtown and there's no mountains here. Fortunately, the guy at the bike shop where I got my bike recommended Florida Canyon. Instead of going down tot he gym this morning, I hopped on my bike and rode from Petco Park all the way up Park. I think I may have jumped on the trail a little too soon (I hear I could have gone up to Morley Field Dr.) but I got on at Zoo place and the drop down into the canyon was refreshing. For a begginer it wasn't bad at all, I did run i nto one dead end trail, but it was part of the "adventure" I rode it down to Zoo Place where I had to cross Florida and continued on the trail across the street until 26th and pershing. This was the only down side the bike lane is suitable, not the best but works... the problem is at 8:30am there are a ton of cars getting ont he 5 N on ramp and the 5 south off ramp.... which isn't too bad except for the idiots talking on their cell phones swerving into the bike lane or the last minute mascara appliers about to get on the freeway. I am sure this is ok at any other time of the day except for maybe 4-6pm. Overall it was great to be able to ride to a trail from downtown and be back in time to get to the office on time. read more