Sweetwater Reservoir to Cactus Hill Hike

San Diego Metro KOA
Chula Vista, CA
February 12, 2015

Joe and I recently did a hike at the Sweetwater Reservoir. The trailhead is located inside the park at 3218 Summit Meadow Road, Bonita, CA. There is a campground (water and electric only) here along with a day-use area that includes a splash park, playground, and covered picnic tables with grills.  

To the west, suburban neighborhoods sprawl around more than half of Sweetwater Reservoir.  But to the east is a spread of  green meadows and rounded hills with sage and coastal varieties of cholla and barrel cacti. Information states it is an "in and out" hike, bike, and horse trail...5 miles (total) to the top of Cactus Hill or you can choose an 8 miler (total) to the foot of the San Miguel Mountain.   

A project to re-establish wetlands and eradicate plants not indigenous is in progress with a goal to provide nesting places for the endangered least Bell's vireo.  

I enjoyed this hike much better than Joe did. I think his exact words were, "It is boring!". For me, it was just great to be outside and walking! 

There is no shade and with temps in the low 80s it would have been hot except that we had a nice breeze...unfortunately if was a head wind going up. Ummm, better exercise? 

Until next time, take care...

and happy trails!