Biking San Diego: Father Junipero Serra Trail
Mission Trails Regional Park is great for hiking. There are also plenty of mountain biking trails. For those looking for an easier ride through the park the paved 2-mile Father Junipero Serra Trail is great for a family bike ride.
- Starting Point: Old Mission Dam or Visitor’s Center, Mission Trails Regional Park
- Length: 4 miles
- Elevation: 100 foot gain and loss
- Type: out-and-back
Father Junipero Serra was a founder of the California mission system in the 1700s. In 1769 he founded the first mission in California, Mission San Diego de Alcala. This mission has been restored and is open to visitors.
The Mission Trails area is located a few miles up the San Diego River from the mission. The river runs through Mission Gorge which is surrounded by mountains on both sides. Father Junipero Serra Trail runs through Mission Gorge along the river.
At one end of Father Junipero Serra is Mission Trails Regional Park Visitor’s Center. The other end is about two miles away near Old Mission Dam. Old Mission Dam was built in the early 1800s to supply water to Mission San Diego de Alcala.
Father Junipero Serra Trail is a paved road that runs one-way from the Visitor’s Center to the dam. However, only cars are limited to going one-way. Hikers and bikers can go in either direction. The speed limit is 15-mph, but hikers and bikers have a full lane where cars are not allowed.
There is generally plenty of parking at either end of the trail. There are parking lots and you can also park along the side of Father Junipero Serra Trail. We generally like to start near Old Mission Dam. This allows us to stop halfway at the visitor’s center before turning back.
The trail is mostly flat with maybe one section in the middle with a slight incline. On both sides you are surrounded by the mountains of Mission Trails. Coming from Old Mission Dam, on your right is the Fortuna area dominated by South Fortuna mountain. On your left is Kwaay Paay Peak. Both mountains are part of the 5-Peak Challenge to climb all 5 mountains in Mission Trails.
Along the way there are several points to stop and enjoy the view.
As you get near to the visitor’s center you will see the Climber’s Loop trail. This trail goes up the side of Kwaay Paay Peak. It does not go up to the top but allows climber’s access to the rocks on the side of the mountain.
At the visitor’s center there are telescopes you can look through to spot the mountain climbers. We like to use that to spot climbers so we can view them on the bike ride back.
Directly across from the south entrance to Climber’s Loop is Grinding Rocks Trail. This is where the Kumeyaay Indians would grind food on the rocks by the river. It is only a 300-foot walk from the bike trail and worth a stop.
Overall this is a relaxing and scenic bike ride that gives a great overview of the Mission Trails area. Of course, you can walk it as well. However, for a flat walk in this area we would actually recommend Visitor Center Loop Trail or the Grasslands Trail by Old Mission Dam.
For more hikes in Mission Trails Regional Park be sure and check out our full guide. We also have a regularly updated hiking guide.
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