12 Miramar Reservoir Loop

OVERVIEW

LENGTH: 4.85 miles round-trip

CONFIGURATION: Loop

SCENERY: Native plants, shimmering water

EXPOSURE: Open to sunlight

TRAFFIC: Moderate–heavy

TRAIL SURFACE: Asphalt paving

HIKING TIME: 1.5–2 hours

ACCESS: Free; open daily, sunrise–sunset

MAPS: Available at www.sandiego.gov/water/recreation/miramar.shtml

FACILITIES: Public restrooms near parking area; portable toilets at frequent intervals around the lake

SPECIAL COMMENTS: The best days to hike are Wednesday through Friday, when the loop is closed to automobiles. Picnic benches, barbecues, boating, and fishing make this a popular place, especially on weekends. Be prepared for company at any time; exercisers love the reservoir loop for jogging, inline skating, and biking. Obey the posted stay-to-the-right, pass-on-left signs for your safety. Leashed dogs allowed, but not within 50 feet of the water.

SNAPSHOT

This easy paved loop, framed by a verdant setting, is an excellent example of natural-resources management that makes a positive impact on the community. The tranquil eastern end fosters reflection and serenity, then slowly delivers visitors to the more urban western edges and a slow return to everyday life.

CLOSE-UP

In your car, bear right past the boat-launching area into the large south parking area. Begin at the kiosk, which features Project Wildlife information, near the public restrooms. With the reservoir on your left, head east. The paved road is quickly framed by native plants. Bushy lemonadeberry and chamise contrast with the more delicate leaves of twining wild-cucumber vines and the bright-red and coral blooms of monkey flower. You’ll also spot some nonnative vegetation. Eucalyptus trees, though common to and thriving in San Diego’s climate, aren’t indigenous. A few pines also mix into the landscape, as does cottony-plumed pampas grass.

As you head away from the bustle of the parking lot, the paved road dips slightly and a more peaceful setting surrounds you. The lake stretches out in fingerlike folds to your left, tall reeds lining the shore in some spots and the water’s edge wide open in others. Narrow side trails reach down to the lake. Couples picnic on colorful spread blankets, and fishers patiently wait for a catch. The reservoir is stocked December through March with largemouth bass, bluegill, catfish, sunfish, and trout. You may also spot people fishing from boats. Canoes, motorboats, and rowboats are available for rent on weekends.

At about 0.75 miles, you’ll round the lake’s southeastern finger and spot the dam to the west, across the length of shimmering water. When full, Miramar Reservoir has a surface that spans more than 162 surface acres—dramatically reflecting sunrises, sunsets, and San Diego’s beautiful skies.

The loop continues along this rural, quiet end of the lake, where hikers are occasionally interrupted by skate, bike, and foot traffic. Greet others with a smile or nod, allowing the lake’s peaceful ambience to infuse you with goodwill returned by fellow visitors. Perhaps they’re happy that the complete loop is open these days: crossing the dam was prohibited for about six years after 9-11.

In keeping with the anatomy of this body of water and its fingerlike points, at 2.5 miles you’ll come to marked Penasquitos Arm, with side trails leading up into the hillsides. Just 0.1 mile ahead is signed Woodson Point, with a fishing pier and picnic area. Poway Arm is the next signed area, with an entry to Natalie Trail within a few steps. The optional narrow (but easy) side trail delivers you to Natalie Park, 3 miles from the trailhead, which is a lovely spot to picnic or simply rest in tree shade.

At 4 miles, you’ll enter the chain-link fence–secured portion of the loop, which delivers you across the dam itself. Here, you’ll begin to encounter slower foot traffic. Many people park in the small west lot at the lake and enjoy a stroll only along the dam. Others walk from neighboring communities, making views of the water the high point of their exercise routines without adding the entire loop. In any event, exit the fence-framed dam and head left, making the loop back toward the kiosk and your beginning point. You’ll have walked 4.85 miles.

MORE FUN

Finish off your urban getaway with a taste of fine French cuisine. Escargot, shrimp, and vegetarian entrees await you at La Bastide Bistro, 10006 Scripps Ranch Boulevard, #104, just half a mile from Miramar Reservoir. Phone (858) 577-0033.

TO THE TRAILHEAD

From I-15, exit east on Mira Mesa Boulevard and travel 0.3 miles, then turn right on Scripps Ranch Boulevard. Travel 0.3 miles, then turn left on Scripps Lake Drive. The reservoir entrance is on the left, at 0.4 miles.