Tecolote Canyon offers creeks and shady oak canopies in the heart of Clairemont.
With about 6.5 miles of trails, Tecolote Canyon Natural Park & Nature Center is located between the communities of Bay Park, Linda Vista and Clairemont. The canyons proximity to neighborhoods and busy roads may be a downside to this hiking area for some, but it is accessible, especially for a weekday hike.
The preserve is named tecolote — which comes from the Indigenous Nahuatl language and means owl — since the bird is one of several that roam this canyon.
The nearly 3-mile easy loop travels through a section near the northern end of the canyon, starting at a trailhead behind Mt. Etna Park. Along the way, hikers will pass by a few creeks — some dry, others with water — and cross over wooden bridges. But note that the final section of the hike follows a sidewalk and a busy road, so this one may not be desirable for all hikers.
Trunk sewer pipes are are located underground in Tecolote Canyon, so hikers will see some sewage infrastructure and may smell sewage at points on the hike, though only for a short time.
Begin by parking at Mt. Etna Park, located on Mt. Etna Drive in Clairemont. The trailhead is located in the far left corner behind the parks baseball fields, about a 0.2-mile walk from the parking lot, and is marked with a sign. Start walking on the wide dirt path as it heads south.
Around 0.6 miles, the trail begins to run parallel to Balboa Avenue and is more exposed to the sun. This was my least favorite section of the hike. At midday in late October, it was very warm, and the noise of the cars on Balboa Avenue was unfortunate, especially after the peace of the first part of the hike.
But it doesnt last long. Hikers will climb up and down a short hill before reaching a wide, flat path around the 1-mile mark. From here, head right, or slightly northwest, and stay on this trail until you reach Genesee Avenue.
The trail travels along a creek, and toward the end hikers will need to navigate a few shallow creek crossings, including stepping from rock to rock.
Around 2 miles, follow the sign pointing toward Chataeu Drive. Soon, the dirt trail ends at the intersection of Chataeu Drive and Genesee Avenue.
From here, hikers will walk southeast on the sidewalk up Genesee, toward Mt. Herbert Avenue. Turn right onto Mt. Herbert Avenue and walk about 0.2 miles before turning left onto Mt. Etna Drive and back to your vehicle.