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Trails

Rios West Trail to Nature Center

TRAIL STATUS: Open
DIFFICULTY: Easy
DISTANCE (ROUND-TRIP): 3 miles
TIME: 1 Hour
HOURS: Sunrise to sunset
RESTROOMS: Yes at Nature Center
BICYCLES: No
PETS/ANIMALS: Leashed dogs welcome
ENTRANCE: Rios Ave Trailhead See map Nature Center Loop Trail See map
CLOSEST PUBLIC TRANSIT: Solana Beach Transit See map
PARKING: Street parking. Please remember that you are parking in a neighborhood, so keep all driveways clear and be respectful of neighbors. Please utilize waste and recycling containers at the trailhead.
TERRAIN: Unpaved and uneven path with slight inclines + declines with erosion control “stairs” at trailhead.

At the intersection of ecology, San Diego, and birdwatching . . .

. . . you have the easy-going Rios West Trail. Meander down a pleasant path with your camera and binoculars in tow. Each year, tens of thousands of shorebirds and waterfowl visit San Elijo; they’re traveling the Pacific Flyway migration route, journeying along North America’s western coastline.

Hikers often spot a variety of birds along the salt marsh trail. After your nature walk, see how many birds you can identify in the Nature Collective Animal Guide! You can also view our bird count reports to get the latest scoop on our avian wildlife.

Keep an eye out for:

No. 1

Buhr + Martin Nature Bridges

positioned over the wetland channels that lead to the Nature Center.

No. 2

Cordgrass + Least Tern nesting area

When complete, the Least Tern nesting area will be elevated bare sand providing optimal habitat for nesting.

No. 3

Central Basin overlook

Birdwatch as you take in the views of the Central Basin.

What to Expect

Begin your hike heading down the trail and delight in the views of the Central Basin.
At .4 miles, you have the option of following the trail directly to the Nature Center Loop Trail or taking the undercrossing to Harbaugh Seaside Trails (out-and-back).
The direct route continues past the San Elijo Water Reclamation Facility.
Observe the new Least Tern nesting site – currently under construction – and Cordgrass nursery. Keep an eye out for the Ridgeway’s Rail.
Cross the Martin Nature Bridge lined with colorful blooms.

Continue the trail to cross over the Buhr Nature Bridge, taking a moment to appreciate the sweeping views of the Central Basin and close-up views of marine life.
Explore the Nature Center Loop Trail and Nature Center before heading back the same way.
At .2 miles before the trailhead venture down a short out-and-back trail on the left. Here you will find a quiet place to birdwatch and benches to rest.
Join back on the main trail turning left to reach the trailhead.