San Diego River Days 2026

Wildlife Tracking Exhibit
2026-05-09 09:00 - 12:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Mission Trails Regional Park Kumeyaay Lake Campground, 2 Father Junípero Serra Trail, San Diego, CA, 92119, United States
Join members of the San Diego Tracking Team anytime between 9 AM and 12 PM to learn how to identify the tracks of common animals in the San Diego River watershed. Examine samples of their fur and scat. Make tracks of your favorite animal in a dirt tray. Animals that inhabit our open space areas are seldom seen but their tracks make us realize they are nearby. Get a free tracking guide to take on your next hike. Learn about education and citizen science opportunities with the San Diego Tracking Team.
Additional Notes:

Drive into the campground and park in the day-use lot to the right. Then walk back to the campground and turn right for 100 yards to the shade structure across from the east comfort station.
All ages are welcome.
Restrooms available.
Mission Trails Regional Park Kumeyaay Lake Campground (shade structure) 2 Father Junipero Serra Trail, San Diego, CA 92119

Registration:
This is a drop-in event. No registration or RSVP required, but we would still like to know if you plan on attending.

Santa Ysabel Open Space Preserve East Wildflower Hike
2026-05-10 08:00 - 13:00 | Santa Ysabel East Open Space Preserve, 500 Farmer Rd., Julian, CA, 92036, United States
Presented by the San Diego River Park Foundation and County of San Diego Parks and Recreation
Join Senior Manager of Natural Resources Natalie Borchardt and County Park Ranger Alex Barone for a scenic hike as we explore the oak woodlands and native grasslands near the source of the San Diego River at Santa Ysabel East Open Space Preserve.
On this 8-mile out-and-back hike, we will travel through oak woodlands, native grasslands, and vibrant fields of wildflowers. Along the way, we will identify native wildflowers, revel in their bright colors and fragrant smells, and celebrate the beauty of spring together!
This hike is rated as moderate difficulty.
Event Location: Santa Ysabel Open Space Preserve trailhead off Farmer Rd.
Additional Notes:

Family Friendly (all ages welcome), as long as all hikers are prepared for the distance. Contact us with specific questions.
Closed-toe shoes required
Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses) recommended
Bring your own reusable water bottle
Bring your own snacks and lunch for a scenic picnic
Participating in this event will include walking on uneven terrain and/or some stooping and bending

Free Fly Casting Lessons
2026-05-10 09:00 - 11:00 | Lake Murray, 5540 Kiowa Drive, La Mesa, 91942, United States
Presented by the San Diego Fly Fishers
Join the San Diego Fly Fishers (SDFF) for a free fly casting clinic at Lake Murray! This event is designed for beginners, but more experienced fly fishers are always welcome to come practice, give tips, and learn new techniques. The clinic begins promptly at 9 am, so please plan to arrive a little early so you won’t miss out on any fishy details in the beginning. You can use your own equipment or borrow club equipment from one of the certified instructors. SDFF is very proud that it is one of the few clubs in the country that offers this service free to the general public.
REGISTER HERE:
info@sandiegoflyfishers.com

Event Location:
Lake Murray Park next to the launch ramp using Kiowa Street entrance
This event is family-friendly, and young aspiring fly-fishers (8+) are encouraged to join.
This event is outdoors, please plan appropriately.
If you have any questions please email Alan Thompson at athompson64@hotmail.com

SDMBA Mission Trails Regional Park Intermediate Ride
2026-05-12 17:30 - 19:00 | Mission Trails (Clairemont Mesa trail head), Mission Trails (Clairemont Mesa trail head) 11499 Clairemont Mesa Blvd. ·, San Diego, CA, CA, 92124, United States
Come celebrate the 23rd Annual San Diego River Days with an intermediate ride through Mission Trails Regional Park courtesy of the San Diego Mountain Biking Association! This ride is geared towards more experienced riders comfortable with their mountain bike on blue and (optional) black difficulty trails.
We will meet at the Mission Trails Clairemont Mesa Trailhead at the East end of Clairemont Mesa Blvd at 5:30pm on Tuesday, May 12. Bring water and snacks!
REGISTER HERE
WHAT TO KNOW: for Intermediate Mountain Bikers

River Days - Hike With a Purpose: BioBlitz at Mildred Falls
2026-05-16 09:00 - 12:00 | Eagle Peak Ranch, 5030 Eagle Peak Rd, Julian, CA, 92036, United States
Discover the hidden beauty of Mildred Falls at our River Days BioBlitz! Join us for a hands-on community science adventure as we explore this stunning preserve and document its incredible biodiversity. Using the iNaturalist app on our smartphones, we’ll identify and record local flora and fauna, contributing valuable data that supports countywide conservation strategies.
This is more than a peaceful escape into nature. The observations you collect help protect native species and strengthen local ecosystems for generations to come.
Come explore, learn, and make a meaningful impact. We can’t wait to see you there!
Parking Location: Google Maps Pin
Additional Parking Location: Google Maps Pin
Here are a few tips to help you prepare for the event:

Please ensure you have a smartphone or camera for this event (at least one per group).
Before leaving home, kindly download the iNaturalist app on your phone.
Familiarize yourself with our iNaturalist tutorial on YouTube: “Become a Community Scientist! How To Use iNaturalist.“
Join our iNaturalist project: “SDRPF – Mildred Falls” and “SDRPF – Eagle Peak Preserve”
Arrive 10 minutes early to facilitate timely check-in.
Consider wearing protective clothing, such as a hat and sunscreen, to shield yourself from the sun. These are recommended for all our outdoor events.
We suggest opting for sturdy tennis or hiking shoes.
To minimize single-use plastics, we encourage you to bring your own reusable water bottle with water.
Please arrive by 8:50 am for check-in. Please view these driving directions.
We’re excited to see you there and appreciate your support!

River Days Pollinator Safari & Bee-o-Blitz
2026-05-17 13:30 - 16:00 | Point Loma Native Plant Garden, 4444 Greene St., San Diego, CA, 92107, United States
Join the California Native Bee Society and The San Diego River Park Foundation at the Point Loma Native Plant Garden to learn more about the pollinators that live in the San Diego River Watershed. We’ll look for hummingbirds, native bees, and bugs, and upload our findings to iNaturalist. This demonstration garden is full of native plants and brings in some truly unique pollinators! Bring a cell phone or camera to take photos of what you find. Drop in at any time. This is a flexible event where we will be walking around slowly on dirt paths, peering into flowers, and can be attended by all ages. There are no bathrooms at this location.
