County of San Diego Department of Parks and Recreation

Experience the upside of outside — from biking to hiking, backpacking to birding, camping, stargazing and so many more activities in nature — across San Diego County. The County’s award-winning park system features 154 facilities across 56,000 acres of land, including 23 regional parks, dozens of local parks and open space preserves, 10 camping parks, 18 sports facilities, four community centers and two historic adobes.

Some 380 miles of trails take visitors through diverse habitats, from the coast to the desert and from valleys to mountaintops. County teams work every day to promote health and wellness, safe communities and civic pride through hundreds of free programs with a special focus on families, seniors, people with disabilities, and at-risk youth. Popular excursions include the Experience the Outdoors Program, Warrior Hike Challenge and Women in the Wild.

Experience the Outdoors Program

The new Experience the Outdoors Program is more accessible than ever. By waiving parking fees, providing essential gear like bikes and helmets, and offering translation and transportation assistance, for example, the County helps families turn their curiosity into participation.

Three new components of the Experience the Outdoors Program are:

Rad Regional Parks — This event series features one park per month, highlighting all of the “rad” events, activities and recreational opportunities that can and do take place on site.

Ride On Mountain Biking Challenge — This multi-agency project explores eight popular trails at six County parks and preserves. Ride solo, with a group or with experts at planned meetups while coasting along scenic loops and tackling steep climbs. Free bike rentals can be arranged upon request.Parks 101 First-timer Series — Beginners learn outdoor skills like how to hike, bike, rock climb, camp, fish, kayak and canoe, without the burden of having to pay for the class or purchase equipment. Translation assistance is available upon request.

Learn more about the Experience the Outdoors Program here

Warrior Hike Challenge

This thrilling bi-annual experience salutes everyday heroes, and celebrates the athletic and mental fitness required to tackle arguably the toughest hike in San Diego County – El Cajon Mountain in the El Capitan County Preserve. Warrior Hike Challenges take place twice a year on Memorial Day and Veteran’s Day weekends. Learn more here

Women in the Wild

Women in the Wild experiences range from backpacking to bouldering and hiking to camping. Women get expert instruction by female staff members and partners, along with opportunities for conversation, connection and collaboration. Learn more about the program here

Other outdoor activities include nature-led walks and hikes, tree plantings, early-morning birding, team sports at County ball fields and sports courts; storytime, crafts and short jaunts for little explorers; Summer Movies in the Park, Teen Paint Nights; and even an Annual Youth Chess Tournament!

Looking to tie the knot?The County has unique spaces to suit all venue preferences. Consider hosting your ceremony on a patio overlooking a lake, a country meadow that features an ancient wedding tree, and several indoor locations including a vintage temple. Learn more here

You don’t need previous experience — or even a good understanding of the outdoors — just a desire to play outside and a willingness to try something new! Plan an adventure at sdparks.org. For more information, call (858) 565-3600.