Take to the Trails

Mission Trails Regional Park is 8 miles northeast of downtown San Diego. Late-spring and summer temperatures often top 90 degrees, but numerous oak and sycamore groves near the river and along seasonal streams create cool refuges. Carry water on all strolls and hikes.

WHERE: The park's Visitor & Interpretive Center is 4 1/4 miles from I-8. Take the Mission Gorge/Fairmount exit and go north on Mission Gorge Rd.; bear right at the Y (with Friars Rd.) and continue north on Mission Gorge. Look for the park entry sign after about 4 miles; turn left on Father Junipero Serra Trail into the park. The visitor center is on the left, a short distance down the road.

CAMPING: Stay in the park in Kumeyaay Lake Campground, about 2 miles east of the visitor center at the far end of Father Junipero Serra Trail. Open Thu-Mon year-round; 46 campsites from $13. (619) 668-2748.

CONTACT: Visitor center, www.mtrp.org. Explore Mission Trails Day, 9 a.m.-10 p.m. May 3. Activities include guided walks, wildlife tracking, primitive-skills demonstration, wagon rides, a late-afternoon concert, and a stargazing party (all free). For a complete schedule, call the visitor center or visit park website. or (619) 668-3275