Hike Ruffin Canyon, Central San Diego Register

Date and Time:
Sat, Nov 7, 2026; 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM  (Pacific)
Time is tentative.

Organized By: San Diego Chapter

Location: 2345 Fenton Pkwy, San Diego, CA 92108, USA

Map | Directions

Please join us on one of San Diego’s newest canyon trails, Ruffin Canyon now connects Mission Valley to Serra Mesa. After a decade of planning, this trail opened just this past spring in 2026. It’s a great morning hike with a gentle ascent up a green canyon. This urban canyon is a hidden gem. Although you’re only steps from civilization, it feels like you’re deep in nature walking among native coastal sage scrub.

We’ll start in the Mission Valley Costco parking lot, walk under a tunnel and pass through the community of Escala. After a short walk along some public roads, we arrive at the newly constructed trial head.

This is a well graded trail. It’s primarily flat with a couple of rock creek bed portions and a short ¼ mile steep section with some large stone steps.

The hike is around 4.5 miles up and back with only around 550 feet of elevation gain.

I recommend that you bring 2 L of water, snacks, a sun hat, sunscreen, sturdy shoes and optional trekking poles.

Space is limited. Please register by 10/31/2026

During the hike, we can review the tenants of Leave No Trace and how we can minimize our negative impact while exploring in nature.

Trail announcement video: https://youtu.be/vsrvHEOZDe8?si=7VdpQAjIcytz2kDH

Level: Easy (4.5 mile trail, mostly flat)

Cost: No cost

Signup Instructions: Please contact Andrew Levacy: 619.300.6124 after registering online.

Recommended Items: I recommend that you bring 2 L of water, snacks, a sun hat, sunscreen, sturdy shoes and optional trekking poles.

Video about the new trail