Marian Bear Memorial Park
A 467-acre urban preserve in San Diego offering diverse trails, from flat walks to steep hikes, with canyons, mesas, and vibrant graffiti art.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant temps, best light
Marian Bear Memorial Park
Best Time
Pleasant temps, best light
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 467-acre urban preserve in San Diego offering diverse trails, from flat walks to steep hikes, with canyons, mesas, and vibrant graffiti art.
"It's both a peaceful nature escape and a canvas for vibrant street art."
👟 Wear sturdy shoes
Trails can be rocky and involve stream crossings. Good grip is essential!
💧 Be prepared for water
Stream crossings are common; expect to get your feet wet or wear waterproof shoes.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
San Clemente Canyon Trail
Main park trail
A diverse 3-mile trail with varied terrain, from sand to rocks and water crossings.
Graffiti Art Walls
Near Coaster tracks
Discover vibrant street art adding a unique, urban edge to the natural landscape.
Kid-Friendly Paths
Various sections
Enjoy easy walks and gentle trails perfect for families with young children and strollers.
Golden Hour Photography Spots
Throughout the park
Capture magical light filtering through trees, ideal for stunning portraits and nature shots.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating Trails & Safety
Best Times for a Visit
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear sturdy shoes
Trails can be rocky and involve stream crossings. Good grip is essential!
💧 Be prepared for water
Stream crossings are common; expect to get your feet wet or wear waterproof shoes.
🐶 Dog-friendly fun
Leashed dogs are welcome! It's a favorite spot for dog walkers.
👨👩👧 Great for families
Easy trails make it perfect for little ones and strollers.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear sturdy shoes
Trails can be rocky and involve stream crossings. Good grip is essential!
💧 Be prepared for water
Stream crossings are common; expect to get your feet wet or wear waterproof shoes.
🐶 Dog-friendly fun
Leashed dogs are welcome! It's a favorite spot for dog walkers.
👨👩👧 Great for families
Easy trails make it perfect for little ones and strollers.
📸 Photographers' paradise
Ideal for portraits and nature shots, especially during golden hour.
⚠️ Be aware of surroundings
Some users report encountering cyclists at high speeds or sketchy individuals.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Marian Bear Memorial Park for its diverse trails, natural beauty, and suitability for families and dog owners. While many enjoy the varied terrain and photography opportunities, some caution about potential encounters with fast cyclists or sketchy individuals on less-trafficked paths.
"Shared trail with easy hikes & moderate skilled bike trails. Love the sand, hard pack, heavy rock & gravel and water sections. A pleasant morning, afternoon or evenings.
Parking & restrooms available"
Tom Huckabee
"Amazing spot for a quick walk, and it's great for kids. We recently went here with our 11 month old and 3 year old and absolutely loved it, will definitely go here several times :)"
Chris Johnson
"With a primary trail stretching from one end to the other – and several side trails linked to neighborhoods - Marian Bear Memorial Park is an interesting place to go take a hike. I parked on Bloch Street, north of State Route 52, where the Rose Canyon Trail starts. Walking down that trail a few hundred yards brings you to a paved trail connecting to San Clemente Canyon. Some maps call the trail that runs through the canyon the San Clemente Canyon Trail (North and South), but the City’s map and signs in the park itself don’t name the trail – you’ll have to follow signs that say “Regents” or “Genesee” which is where parking, restrooms, and picnic tables are available. My hike, going west to east, brought me through these areas, and under streets, over streams, down narrow paths, and up steep hills. I reached the east end of the trail (Limerick Ave.), got a good look at I-805, and headed west again. The trails are interesting because they’re wide and narrow, flat and steep, in the open but with plenty of shaded areas. I had to cross the stream that runs through the park about 8 times in each direction. Those crossings took place not by bridge, but by stepping on rocks about the size of your shoe. The water isn’t deep, but you may get wet feet or worse, if you slip."
Craig Bellavance
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can access Marian Bear Memorial Park from various trailheads. Popular parking areas include Bloch Street (north of SR-52) for the Rose Canyon Trail connection, and near Regents/Genesee for restrooms and picnic tables.
Yes, parking is available at designated areas, including near Regents and Genesee, and on Bloch Street. Arrive early on weekends to secure a spot.
While direct public transport to trailheads might be limited, you can check local San Diego transit routes to get close to the park's perimeter and then walk to an entrance.
Main access points include trailheads off Bloch Street, and entrances near Regents and Genesee. The park also connects to Rose Canyon Trail.
The park is located within San Diego's canyons. Using GPS to the nearest street access point (like Bloch Street or near Regents/Genesee) is recommended.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Marian Bear Memorial Park is a public preserve and does not require tickets for entry. It's free to explore!
The park is generally open from dawn to dusk. Specific hours can vary, so it's best to check local park information if you plan a very early or late visit.
There is no entrance fee to access Marian Bear Memorial Park. Enjoy the natural beauty for free.
While picnic tables are available, they are typically on a first-come, first-served basis. There's no reservation system for these areas.
Standard park rules apply, including leash laws for dogs and respecting park hours. Be mindful of other users and the natural environment.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The park offers a variety of trails, including flat, wide paths, steep hills, narrow single-track, and sandy sections. You can find easy walks and more challenging hikes.
Absolutely! It's a popular spot for hiking, with trails ranging from easy strolls to moderate climbs, covering about 3 miles on the main San Clemente Canyon Trail.
Yes, restrooms and picnic tables are available, particularly in the areas accessible from Regents and Genesee.
Yes, leashed dogs are very welcome and it's a favorite spot for dog walkers.
The terrain is diverse, featuring sand, hard-pack dirt, gravel, rocks, and even some water sections. You'll encounter both open areas and shaded canyons.
📸 📸 Photography
The park is a photographer's dream, especially during golden hour when light filters through the trees. Look for scenic overlooks, the graffiti art walls, and the natural canyon landscapes.
Yes, it's a highly recommended location for family photoshoots due to its natural beauty, varied backdrops, and the magical light.
Absolutely! The park's enchanting atmosphere makes it a popular choice for engagement sessions and even intimate elopements.
The 'golden hour' just before sunset or shortly after sunrise offers the most beautiful, soft light for photography.
The park boasts lush trees, scenic canyon views, charming bridges, and vibrant graffiti art, providing diverse and visually appealing backdrops.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Recommendation: Focus on the wider, more accessible paths near the main parking areas for the smoothest experience. Bring snacks and water, and be prepared for potential wet feet at stream crossings, which can be part of the fun!
🐶 Dog Owners
+1 The varied terrain, from soft sand to more challenging rocky paths, provides a stimulating environment for dogs of all energy levels. It's a place where your dog can truly enjoy a good run and sniff session. Must-do: Explore the main San Clemente Canyon Trail with your pup. Remember to bring plenty of water for both of you, especially on warmer days, and always clean up after your pet to keep the park beautiful for everyone.
📸 Photographers & Content Creators
+1 The unique graffiti art walls provide an edgy, urban contrast to the natural canyon landscapes, offering a wide range of photographic opportunities. Tip: Consider booking sessions during the late afternoon for that magical light. The park is also a popular spot for elopement and engagement photography due to its romantic and picturesque settings.
+1Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Trails
For those seeking an easier outing, there are flatter, wider paths suitable for casual strolls and families with young children. Conversely, steeper inclines and narrower paths offer a more challenging workout for experienced hikers and mountain bikers. The park's layout also allows for exploration of side trails that connect to surrounding neighborhoods, offering multiple entry and exit points.
Tip: Always be aware of your surroundings, as cyclists can move quickly on shared trails. Some users have also noted occasional encounters with individuals who may make them feel uneasy, so sticking to main trails and being mindful is advised.
Photography Hotspot
+1Beyond the natural scenery, the park features vibrant graffiti art walls near the coaster tracks, adding a unique urban-artistic element to photoshoots. This contrast between nature and street art provides a distinctive visual appeal. Whether you're capturing family moments, engagement photos, or even intimate elopements, the park offers a range of settings to create stunning imagery.
+2Pro-tip: Plan your visit around sunrise or sunset for the best lighting conditions. The park's diverse flora, including trees and flowers, adds color and texture to your shots throughout the year.
Family and Pet-Friendly Adventures
Dog lovers will find this park to be a paradise. It's a favorite spot for walking dogs, and leashed pets are welcome on all trails. The varied terrain provides an engaging experience for canine companions, from sandy paths to grassy areas.
+1Key takeaway: The park offers a welcoming environment for all, making it a great choice for a relaxed day out with the whole family, including your furry friends. Remember to always keep dogs on a leash and clean up after them.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit