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    Old Mission Dam Trail

    4.2 (13 reviews)

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    Marcus F.

    Old Mission Dam is location in the Mission Trails section of the Mission Trails Regional Park system ( Fortuna and Cowles being the other two). The easiest way to get here in from Santee via the 52 freeway. We came in and parked in the first parking lot and hiked to the Old Mission Dam ( Less than a mile hike, but up a large hill). You can try and park in the Old Mission Dam parking lot ( small ), or along the street. Just know that if you come here on the weekend parking is going to be tight. I don't believe there is an "Old Mission Dam Trail" but there is the old Mission Dam. The dam and the immediate area is family friendly and handicapped friendly too. The one thing that I took away from this visit was that you can actually walk along the dam wall and around the San Diego river. There are chem-cans, a drinking fountain, and picnic tables. There is a also a road for handicapped people to go around this area. For the hiker, there is a bounty of trails that connect from this Dam. Oak Canyon South, and Kwaay Paay Peak trail. I HIGHLY recommend taking one or both of these hikes while you're at this Dam. Each hike is under a few miles. - This is the staging area for many large REI group hikes.. - Snakes!

    Very polluted and murky water
    Kevin N.

    Very easy trail for all hikers. You can even walk, bike, walk your dog, wheelchair, etc. from the interpretative center to the Mission Dam... but if you really don't want to walk, you can drive there, but parking is limited. The Old Mission Dam is very beautiful and there are some fun facts behind the Natives who built the dam under the Spaniards' watch. The dam itself isn't suitable for swimming for fishing. It's sad how people use the dam to put their trash in it. To get to the other side of the dam, you have to go around, there's no "bridge" built over the main dam. The dam stretches far into the other trails. Just a heads up to apply insect repellent, wear light colored clothing, avoid dawn & dusk hours, because mosquitoes love the calm waters of the dam, especially during the summer.

    Mel C.

    Old Mission Dam Trail (Mission Trails Regional Park) There are a ton of hikes and trails inside Mission Trails Regional Park. The Old Mission Dam Trail is one of them. The reviews for this trail are all over the place. Some people say it's easy. Some people say it's hard. That's the beauty of Mission Trails Regional Park. The difficulty of this trail really depends on the person, how long they're willing to hike, and which of the connecting trails they choose to follow. In my opinion, this trail is mainly flat and easy. The trail leads to multiple other trails, including Oak Canyon Trail and both South & North Fortuna Trail Loop. The dam and San Diego River are conveniently located at the trailhead, which is perfect if you just want to take few photos and enjoy the scenery without putting in any real effort. I hiked a total of 2 miles before deciding to head back and check out the other trails that Mission Trails Regional Park had to offer. The Old Mission Dam Trail is very easy to follow and great for leisure hike.

    Morning Mist on the Old Mission Dam Trail is glorious.
    Sarah L.

    This is a great beginners day-hike for the whole family! Not too far from the hubbub of the San Diego city, perfect for a jaunt out in the morning Old Mission Dam Trail is a refreshing way to treat yourself to nature. This trail leads of into many other trails where you can explore the hillside all day. Be sure to bring lots of water. It's mostly a flat walk with slight inclines, therefore if you were in a motorized wheelchair you could enjoy mother nature too. The walk to the old dam is gentle, and the dam itself is a fantastic find. It's part of San Diego history! I especially enjoyed stumbling across old military signs from the cold war era exclaiming that there are missiles in the area and new signs telling you where you should not go. Just like all other southern California hikes and trails, it is always busy on the weekends... no matter how early you arrive. REASONS TO VISIT: 1. Off the road parking 2. Maintained trails 3. Beginners level 4. Great for bikers 5. Old Dam 6. Several trails

    Alfred A.

    There are several trails that pass through the dam but it seems like the dam is the most popular spot to stop! The trails around the dam are nice and easy not too rocky or much of an incline. There is lots of scenery and plenty of photo ops. When the park is open you can park down by the dam but they usually close the gates by sunset so it's better to park just outside the gates if you go in the late afternoon. I looks like they added mulch to some of the grassland loop trail as well which I found to be awesome... easier on the joints for sure! This trail is definitely family friendly and pet friendly. There are no restrooms at this location but they have portable one if you must go. Remember to carry plenty of water and stay hydrated.... enjoy the trails!

    Ed M.

    So far every hiking trail in town has not let me down. I underestimated this trail thinking it was an easy dirt trail but it is not. There are some fairly steep hills to climb and a lot of rocky terrain around the watery area of the trail. Signs are easy to find to point you where to go. This is a good woodsy trail to hit up if you prefer the greenery scene over the beach trails in town. Its also a good alternative to Cowles which is in the same regional park as this trail. Estimated a loop to be just over 3 miles. If I recall this trail connected with the Oak Creek Trail and Fortuna trail during the hike.

    The dam
    Heather H.

    We went to explore the old mission dam trail today the drive up wasn't bad at all we found our spot and got over to the dam , I think the water levels are a little low today just because I have seen some other pictures and there seemed to be more water flowing . Although that is ok I wanted to take my family to a place that was a new site to see as well as educational and someplace to explore the dam is very cool , great place to get cool pictures and walk around get some hiking in as well we had fun at the end of the day

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    Review Highlights - Old Mission Dam Trail

    Its also a good alternative to Cowles which is in the same regional park as this trail.

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    Old Mission Dam Trail - hiking - Updated May 2026

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