Balboa Park - Urban walk

Overview: A moderate, urban walk, half sidewalk, half dirt trails. Distance about 5.5 miles. Duration about 2:30 hours. Total elev gain about 400 ft. A map of the route is in the Photo section below. Note: This is not a casual stroll: there are hills & dirt, and we'll be walking briskly.

Route: We'll start on the west side of Balboa Park, head over Cabrillo bridge into the museum district, passing the Old Globe theater and the Botanical garden. Past the fountain and through the rose garden, then across Florida Dr into the eastern part of the park ... where we'll have an optional steep dirt hill for those that want some cardio. Visit the velodrome, then head west up the little-used trail #5 to the carousel. Pass the kiddie railroad, El Cid Campeador, and the Japanese Friendship garden. Then the organ pavilion, Comic-Con museum, Pan American plaza, puppet theater, cactus garden, House of Pacific Relations International Cottages, two Niki de Saint Phalle sculptures, and return across the Cabrillo bridge to our starting point.

Start time: Meet at 9:00am, start walking 9:05am.

Start at: Intersection of Balboa Dr and El Prado (west edge of Balboa park). Free on-street parking on Balboa Dr (Balboa Drive is a one-way street, and is best entered from the intersection of 6th and Upas).

Restrooms: At start/end of walk, and several places along the walk. Also several cafes along the way.

Bring a positive attitude! This is a friendly, welcoming event. No negative energy allowed :-)

Hazards: We'll be walking on some steep dirt trails, so walking poles may be useful. We'll be walking on some stones in a creek bed for a hundred yards or so.

Release of liability: Attendees understand that the organizer is simply arranging the walk and is not assuming any responsibility. By clicking "Attend" button below, attendees agree to assume all risks of injury, and agree to not hold event organizer liable in any way.

Contact: Neal O. 509-921-7612 (text only)