Bernardo Bay Trail – San Dieguito River Park
In This Guide |
|
Total Distance (?) | 2.5 miles (4 km) |
Hike Time | 1-2 Hours (Total) |
Difficulty (?) | Easy |
Total Ascent (?) | 250 feet (76m) |
Highest Elevation | 410 feet (125m) |
Fees & Permits | Free |
Dogs Allowed | Leashed |
Alerts & Closures (?) | San Dieguito River Park |
Park Phone | 858-674-2270 |
Weather & Forecast | Latest Conditions |
Stay Safe | Copy this webpage link to the clipobard and share with a friend before you hike. Let them know when to expect you back. |
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The Bernardo Bay Trail in San Dieguito River Park is a natural oasis, just minutes off the I-15 freeway. In this short loop hike on the banks of Lake Hodges, you’ll enjoy great water views, a variety of fauna, and a ton of wildlife. In fact, this whole area is known as a birding hotspot. And while I wouldn’t travel hours to do this hike on its own, its location just off the I-15 makes it a great spot for a quick leg-stretching rest stop.
Where Is the Bernardo Bay Trail?
The Bernardo Bay Trail is located in San Dieguito River Park, next to Lake Hodges, just of I-15 at exit 26. There is an official San Dieguito River Park parking lot by the hike, but it fills up quickly with mountain bikers, locals, and dog walkers. It’s much better to park around the corner at the huge Rancho Bernardo Community Park parking lot. In this guide I’ll start and end the hike from this big lot.
Use this trailhead address:
18448 W Bernardo Drive, San Diego, CA 92127


Gear for the Hike
This is a flat and easy hike, and you can probably get away with doing it in any type of clothing. Light hiking gear or fitness clothes work well. There’s no shade on the hike, so bring sun protection. If you have binoculars or a long camera lens, bring them. There’s a lot of wildlife spotting here.

Bernardo Bay Trail Maps
The trails here are all well-worn and easy to follow. Most trails don’t have signage, but if you follow the directions below, you will be fine.

Explore Map on CalTopoView a Printable PDF Hike MapDownload the Hike GPX File

Bernardo Bay Trail Hike Directions
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Lake Hodges is a man-made lake that is used as a reservoir. It’s also home to its own sea monster, Hodgee.






















This guide last updated on September 12, 2021. Did something change on this hike? If so, please contact me and let me know. I'll update the guide.