Thursday, March 28, 2024

Bridgeworthy Hikes: Get a Birdseye View of South Bay From Atop Mother Miguel

Mother Miguel hikeA short 20 minute drive over the Coronado Bridge will bring you to a hikers’ paradise, Mother Miguel Mountain, where you can find the path to what some call the “Rock House” on the peak with an American Flag and POW Flag blowing in the wind.

Mother Miguel Rock House

With an immediate challenging incline to its peak, you will get your heart rate going right from the start, and you will soon be rewarded with stunning views of Coronado, Sweetwater Reservoir, Otay Lakes and North County. Many folks hike straight up to the top and return the way they came to get a short but steep 2.5 mile roundtrip hike or bike (this is also a very popular mountain biking area).

Sweetwater Reservoir

But to really enjoy all the landscape has to offer, follow the entire hike for 5.6 miles around the peak and down to Sweetwater Reservoir. While you may be intimidated to venture on after a start that is essentially straight up the mountain, the path back is much less challenging and offers equally stunning views, making it well worth the extra miles.

The wildflowers are in bloom making for a gorgeous landscape.

Spring-time is the perfect time to enjoy the fragrant hike and beauty the wildflowers add to the landscape. Add to that the green rolling hills with tall grasses that are a product of the greater than average rainfall we had and you can once again feel like you’ve been transported out of San Diego to a far off land.

A small pond you can find along the path, an unexpected treat given as a result of the rains.

The trailhead for the hike begins at the edge of Mount San Miguel Park in Chula Vista. Dogs are allowed on the trail but must be leashed. As you make your way around the loop of the mountain to Sweetwater Reservoir overlook, you will find a covered picnic table where you can enjoy a snack or a packed lunch while you rest. When you head back to complete the loop you will find yourself on a path with tall flowers and plants that leads you to a creek you will cross and then back up over a dirt path that returns you to Mount San Miguel Park.

Flowers grow tall and surround you as you make you way along this trail.

I recommend bringing lots of water for you and your dog if you bring one, as well as sunscreen and a hat now that we are enjoying more sunny weather. And don’t forget your camera as the views are beautiful and you will want to remember this hike.

 



Jeannie Groeneveld
Jeannie Groeneveld
Jeannie is a retired Naval Aviator and Public Affairs Officer whose post-Navy career includes freelance writing, PR Consulting and a two year stint as the San Diego Padres Military Affairs Advisor. Having been stationed in various parts of the country including Washington D.C., Florida and Hawaii, Jeannie appreciates how amazing the Coronado community is and loves the experience her children have had growing up here. Jeannie earned her BS in Marine Biology from Auburn University, her MS in Global Leadership from the University of San Diego and her MA in Communication and Media Relations at San Diego State University. A life-long learner and avid traveler Jeannie enjoys writing travel pieces, Navy stories and anything else that will broaden her perspective. When she is not working you will find her watching her boys play sports, walking Odin at dog beach, hiking, playing beach volleyball or spending time with the family.Have news to share? Send tips, story ideas or letters to the editor to: [email protected]

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