Nearby Nature

Almost every neighborhood in San Diego has parks, canyons, and trails that are ideal for a local nature walks. Use this guide to find outdoor programs and places to explore in your neighborhoods and near your service unit.

Canyon Trails Region (Mid-County)

Canyon Crest, Carmel Valley, Mira Mesa, Mountain Shadow, Scripps Ranch, Solana Ranch, and University City Service Units

Parks, Canyons, and Open Space

Lagoons and Beaches

Outdoor and Nature Activities

Los Penasquitos Canyon Preserve and Black Mountain Open Space Park

hikes and events
volunteer projects
Contact volunteer Anne Fege for Girl Scout nature walks and badges.

San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve and Nature Center

general info
public nature walks
Contact Rusty Rodes, 760-634-3026, for Girl Scout naturalist-led walks.
Contact Joe DeWolf, 760-436-3944, at The Nature Collective for Take Action projects.

Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve

general info
group field trips
Contact the visitors center at 858-755-2063.

Videos

Los Penasquitos Canyon Preserve (six videos)
San Dieguito River Park (six videos)
Torrey Pines State Natural Preserve (19 videos)

Chaparral Shores Region (North County Inland)

Blue Sky, Escondido, Fallbrook, Lilac Oaks, Oak Creek, Rancho Bernardo, and Sunrise Valley Service Units

Parks, Canyons, and Open Space

Blue Sky Ecological Reserve
City of Escondido
Daley Ranch
Dixon Lake trails and campground
The Escondido Creek Conservancy (nature center in Harmony Grove)
Hellhole Canyon County Preserve
Iron Mountain (Poway)
Kit Carson Park
Lake Poway
Ramona Grasslands County Preserve
San Dieguito River Valley Conservancy
Santa Margarita County Preserve (north of Fallbrook)
Sycamore Canyon and Goodan Ranch
Wilderness Garden Preserve (on Highway 76 in Pala)

Outdoor and Nature Programs

San Diego Children’s Discovery Museum (downtown Escondido)

San Dieguito River Valley Conservancy

general info
Watershed Explorers (Cadettes and Seniors)
Contact Ana Lutz, 858-755-6956 (Juniors and older).

Sycamore Canyon and Goodan Ranch

general info
Contact Lewis Chertkow, 858-694-3900, for Girl Scout activities.

The Escondido Creek Conservancy

general info
Contact Simon Breen.

Imperial County

Parks, Canyons, and Open Space

Agua Caliente County Park, Borrego Springs area (map)
Parks in City of Brawley
Parks in City of Calexico
Parks in City of El Centro (list and map)
Parks in City of Imperial
Pichacho State Recreation Area (map)
Salton Sea State Recreation Area
Sea and Desert Interpretive Association (Visitor Center, 255 State Park Road, Mecca, CA)
Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge
Vallecito County Park, Borrego Springs area

Outdoor and Nature Programs

Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge

Schedule hikes or service projects by contacting Project Leader Christian Schoneman, 760-348-5278.

Northern Lights Region (North County Coastal)

Camp Pendleton, Carlsbad, Encinitas, Oceanside, Rancho Vista, San Marcos, Seacoast, and Vista Service Units

Parks, Canyons, and Open Space

City of Carlsbad parks and trails
City of Encinitas parks and trails
City of Oceanside parks
City of San Marcos parks
City of Vista parks
Discovery Lake Park and Open Space
The Escondido Creak Conservancy (south of San Marcos)
Guajome Regional Park
Lake Calavera Preserve (trails, lake, and ancient volcano)
Rancho Guajome Adobe (park/campground)
San Luis Rey and other trails

Lagoons and Beaches

Outdoor and Nature Programs

Agua Hedionda Lagoon Foundation

general info
invitation to Girl Scouts
Contact Cierra Russo for Girl Scout programs.

Batiquitos Lagoon

general info
Contact two weeks in advance to schedule walks for Girl Scouts (760-931-0800).

Buena Vista Lagoon

general info
Contact Sondra Renwanz to schedule walks.

San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve and Nature Center

general info
public nature walks
Contact Rusty Rodes, 760-634-3026, for Girl Scout naturalist-led walks.
Contact Joe DeWolf, 760-436-3944, at The Nature Collective for Take Action projects.