Hiking Tour Overlooking Ruffin Canyon

Come learn about native plants and enjoy the expansive view overlooking Ruffin Canyon!

The Ruffin Canyon overlook trail hike will meet at the Taft Middle School’s Joint Use Park’s parking lot. Its driveway is on the far-right side of the school. The address is 9191 Gramercy Dr. San Diego 92123.

This is a very easy hike, no rushing, but it does require attentive hiking. We will be on a trail that runs along the outside circumference of much of Taft Middle School, located in Serra Mesa.  The trail has great views of this wonderful lush native habitat that has survived in the heart of San Diego and contains a large variety of native species. The trail is flat, and only about a half mile long, but we will stop a lot to enjoy the views and talk about the native plants. At the half-way point, the view towards Mission Valley, where the small creek in Ruffin Canyon empties into the San Diego River, is extra special. It is amazing that you are literally in the middle of a city of over one million people. GO NATIVE!

Even though it is an easy hike, it is still recommended that you wear sturdy shoes and maybe long pants. The trail is uneven in places and has steep, descending slopes along its whole length on one side, with lots of native plants growing along the trail. Please make sure to bring water with you and keep in mind that the school’s restrooms may not be open.