This weeks hike takes you through another one of San Diegos canyons.

Of the citys 24,000 acres of open space, about 3,200 acres are neighborhood canyons and parklands. I tried an easy out-and-back hike through Rose Canyon, located in University City between Interstates 5 and 805. The roughly 4-mile journey doesnt offer too much of a retreat from the city, but there were sweet spots of nature: I saw hawks soaring overhead along with several native plants being restored on the hillside.

In recent years, Friends of Rose Canyon, a nonprofit that works to preserve the area, has worked to re-establish oak trees in the canyon as well.

Rose Canyon was named after San Diegos first Jewish resident, Louis Rose, according to historian Donald H. Harrison in his book “Louis Rose, San Diego’s First Jewish Settler and Entrepreneur.”

“Roses do not grow naturally in San Diego’s Rose Canyon, or along the associated Rose Creek, Harrison wrote in the Journal of San Diego History, but Rose established a ranch and tannery there in the late 19th century, so the name stuck.

Though the days of ranching in University City are now over, its interesting to think on your walk about how the area has vastly changed through the years.

There are a few ways to start this hike, but I chose to begin at the trailhead on Genesee Avenue, just southeast of Centurion Square. Parking on Genesee Avenue was unavailable due to construction in mid-November, so consider parking near University City High School on the weekend. Or, park on a nearby street and walk along the sidewalk to reach the trailhead, which is marked with a large sign.

Hikers cross three wooden bridges throughout the out-and-back walk. (Maura Fox / The San Diego Union-Tribune)

Once youre on the path, its a simple trail to follow. Its located along Rose Creek, within the Rose Creek watershed, and some areas along the way were slightly swampy but drying up.

The watershed — which includes Rose Canyon and Marian Bear Park — drains all the way into Mission Bay.

Hikers will pass over three wooden bridges, which provided some variety since most of the hike followed a wide dirt-packed trail. Keep in mind that while this trail has some lovely shaded sections, others are exposed to the sun, so time your hike accordingly.

The trail overlooks the Coaster and state Route 52 beyond it. (Maura Fox / The San Diego Union-Tribune)

Around the 2-mile mark, the trail inclines a bit. Shortly after, when I began to see state Route 52, I decided to turn around since it became less scenic.

Hikers who want to travel farther can continue on and turn back to their vehicle when theyve had their fill. The benefit of this hike is that you can make it as long or as short as you want.