Things to do |

Enjoy a peaceful stroll along this urban trail in Santee

Getting out in nature in San Diego County is easy with open spaces like the Walker Preserve, where wildlife coexists alongside neighborhoods and businesses.

Located on the eastern side of Santee, the preserve encompasses 107 acres in and around the San Diego River, which itself is home to about 25 rare and endangered species of plants and animals. Plus, there’s a well-maintained roughly 1.3-mile path that runs from a trailhead on Magnolia Avenue to the Lakeside Baseball Park and Riverford Road. The trail is made of decomposed granite, which is less susceptible to erosion, but it’s still important to use caution when walking after a rain.

This is an out-and-back walk — the total distance is about 3 miles — but can be extended if hikers continue east past the baseball park and onto the Lakeside River Trail.

The preserve also has various amenities for walkers and cyclists, including a bicycle repair station, waste bags for dogs and several benches and picnic tables. Dogs must be on a leash, and equestrians are also allowed here.

The trail is entirely exposed to the sun, so be sure to bring water or take advantage of the water fountains at the start of the walk.

Along the path, visitors will find informational placards about the area’s history and the wildlife.

Before the Walker Preserve trail was created in 2015, the land was used for decades for industrial sand mining. Earlier, in the 1920s, the Walker family operated a dairy farm along the San Diego River, according to local history.

To begin the walk, park on Magnolia Avenue, just north of Park Center Drive, where there is street parking near the entrance of the trail.

The path begins on the eastern side of Magnolia Avenue. Start walking and be mindful of other visitors; slower traffic should keep to the right hand side of the 14-foot wide trail.

After a half mile, a trail on the right leads down toward the San Diego River. There, walkers will find a bench — perfectly situated to view the river and its wildlife.

Continue on, passing additional benches and, at one point, the remains of a sand mining instrument.

Around the one mile mark, hikers will pass by the Lakeside Baseball Park, where there are available restrooms.

I turned around once I reached Riverford Road, at around 1.5 miles. Hikers who continue onto the Lakeside River Trail will pass by Pocket Park and the Willowbrook Golf Course.