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    Upper Otay Reservoir

    4.5 (2 reviews)

    Upper Otay Reservoir Hiking Photos

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    1 year ago

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    5 years ago

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    Otay Valley Regional Park - Map of the 8mi route. We started on the Hollister St said. Don't do that

    Otay Valley Regional Park

    3.6(21 reviews)
    9.1 miOtay

    I feel bad about leaving negative feedback on a FREE park, of all things. But I felt that the space…read morewas unsafe and dirty, so based on my recent impressions, I don't recommend this hike. We arrived before 8AM so the parking lots at the staging areas still had their gates closed. We parked on Hollister, around a block before Main. It did not look like there were any parking restrictions. So we started the hike on the western side of the park, which based on prior Yelp reviews, probably is not the best area to hike. As we progressed through the hike, we headed past multiple tents (unclear if seeing a portion of a homeless encampment or just scattered tents). We got startled by someone who seemed to materialize suddenly outside a tent into the trail. But what made us leave the area was an individual who was yelling angrily and cursing heading toward us. Maybe he was just not a morning person, but we clearly couldn't go any further. Other issues: Each dog we came across was an unleashed dog. The owners would be far behind, so the first two times, I thought they were wild dogs and was not certain of their friendliness. As an avid hiker, this does not seem to be the usual hiking etiquette. Trail is clearly demarcated and paved, but it seemed to have squashed piles of poo versus mud. Initially we went in the wrong direction and went under a dark bridge (see photo, which makes it look less ominous than it actually was). I think this direction actually does take people on a specific trail, but this one was not part of the 8mi out-and-back hike we were planning. If you end up here, you likely took a wrong turn. As we walked, I felt that the park smelled like eucalyptus mixed with something not so pleasant. Not sure what it was, but we had to switch frequently to mouth -breathing, which is not a typical problem I have during hikes. It was meant to be an 8mi hike but we turned back early because we did not feel very comfortable after being possibly chased so ended up just completing 1.6mi. Again, I hate to criticize parks, especially such a large natural space in a sea of urbanity. But this was not a fun hike, and I will never return unless the area becomes less unwelcoming.

    I have walked the full length of this park, and now I understand the mixed reviews. It is an urban…read morepark with the good, bad, and the ugly. If you are near Chula Vista, it is great having a nature trail within a few miles from Downtown CV. First of all, it's a misnomer to call it a park. It is a four mile hiking path, so expect to walk eight miles if you want to do the full length since it is one way. Its endpoints are near Highway 5 and 805. The western canyon section is my favorite. You walk parallel to the river with a view of Otay Mountain in the distance. It has dense fauna so you forget about the houses above you and the glimpses of the main road. The trail is not well marked, but it is pretty straight and level so you can't really get lost. On the western portion there are paths that crisscross. The fire utility access road on a higher plain, the "main" path, and a segway closer to the river. It is mixed surfaces varying between sandy loam, gravel, and small loss rock. You can make it with sneakers, but I prefer hiking boots . In contrast, the western portion is a bit like an apocalyptic movie set. Personally I wouldn't go pass Fenton Pond. As I reached towards the Imperial Beach border, there were underpass sections with some sketchy folks. I came across a few tents and a zombie like woman with her long hair covering her face. The path shares a section with Bella Terra nursery, which makes spruces up the barren landscape but there was an overwhelming smell of fertilizer. There is a constant hum of traffic and the nearby trolley. Since it is near urban centers, you will find graffiti and garbage anywhere by main roads. There are multiple entry points, but unless you are local they are not easy to find. I recommend starting at the ranger station on Beyer Blvd. with a parking lot and good signage. If you are within thirty minute drive, I would recommend visiting this "park." My last tip is to cross the street from the parking lot in lieu of looping around the underpass.

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    Otay Valley Regional Park
    Otay Valley Regional Park
    Otay Valley Regional Park

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    Explorer Park

    Explorer Park

    4.1(17 reviews)
    5.9 mi

    Nice open park, with two playgrounds. One is for older kids with lots of things to climb on and two…read moreswings. The tot playground is still decent for younger kids. Ample room to run around, play soccer or basketball on the court. There is. A nice track/sidewalk that goes around the loop. Only downside, no bathrooms.

    7/19/23 First time here, looking for a place to walk my dog that is cool and shady amidst this…read morepending heatwave! Here are my first impressions... Pros: *YES!!! Lots of shade and cool at around 5p in July! *Not terribly crowded when we walked here...hidden gem! *Good sized grassy area to set up sports practice, have a picnic, or rest awhile...when I was here there was a kids soccer camp with just 2 groups of kiddos CONS: *Cobwebs in the drinking fountain near the playground...bring your own water! (See picture) *Cobwebs in the doggie poo bag dispenser....please remember to bring your own bags and pick up after your pup! (See picture) NOTES: *Yelp map does not take you to the park....it takes you about 0.5 miles past to a random intersection. (See pictures) After posting this review, I will let Yelp know. Use directions from the CV Parks & Rec website instead (https://www.chulavistaca.gov/departments/public-works/parks/locations-features-amenities-photos/explorer-park) *I didn't see a parking lot...I parked on the street as did others. Parking was not a problem when I was here. Can't say for sure on holidays.

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    Explorer Park
    Explorer Park
    Explorer Park

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    Enjoy the Mountain San Diego

    Enjoy the Mountain San Diego

    4.3(10 reviews)
    26.3 mi

    We had a great time with Emil on a 1 hr ride through rain and snow flurries. The ride was safe,…read morewell paced and super fun. I would recommend wearing some waterproof pants/jacket if you are going during such weather. This is my new favorite activity! Can't wait to do it again.

    I booked this adventure for 2 reasons: (1) to FINALLY get out of the house during this pandemic…read moreespecially since all we have been doing is working and we have been working more than ever since our job is considered 'essential', and (2) celebrate my boyfriends 30th birthday. This was my first time on a quad/ATV and my boyfriend has been riding dirt bikes since he was like 6yrs old. I love being outdoors & going on new adventures, and he loves riding ... so the mixture of those things i came upon this place. For birthdays I love and prefer creating memories instead of giving materialistic gifts. Example: For his 28th birthday I booked us a little personal speed boat in San Diego. Upon arrival check-in was easy, quick, and they gave us hand sanitizer so we felt assured. They had helmets and other PPE lined up and available for us to use, however we had brought our own (riding gloves, riding jerseys, riding DOT certified helmets, and googles) which they allow. Our guide Jorge was funny and very easy going. The ride overall was really fun!! During our ride our guide also took pictures of us and he took some awesome ones with amazing backdrops! The only complaint I have was that I only booked us the 1 hour ride. Next time we are doing the 2 hour ride for sure! And maybe the Big Bear location as well.

    Photos
    Enjoy the Mountain San Diego
    Enjoy the Mountain San Diego - Through the rocks

    Through the rocks

    Enjoy the Mountain San Diego - Let's take a break

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    Let's take a break

    Upper Otay Reservoir - hiking - Updated May 2026

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