Mission Trails Regional Park Visitor and Interpretive Center — Attraction in San Diego

January 23, 2013 My two friends and I just took two kids and a dog for a walk through mission trails. We parked on the road by the dam and started our walk down the trail a little up the road towards Santee to go the long way to the dam. (motivates the kids to see the dam in the later part of the walk) We got a good ways in and we Noticed a coyote up on the hill! A lady was walking her dog on a trail nearby and yelled at her to head our way. she did. the coyote watched as she came up to us. we stayed and made sure she was safe because it was just her and three little dogs, then we turned around and headed down the trail the way we came up hoping to avoid the coyote. We thought he had left because he went up the hill away from us after the lady with the little dogs had passed. We kept an eye out as we walked knowing the coyote could show up again. as we got halfway back we noticed the coyote was back, following and stalking us! Luckily we were only a half mile away from the main road so with our hearts pounding we made it back safe. This was at 2 pm! Is there a way we can send out a warning on how brave these coyotes are getting? I have been through mission trails many of times and have never had this happen let alone ever see one in mid day so close to the frequently traveled trails! I know there is not much we can do about these wild animals... but we need to warn the public to be more aware and able to protect themselves and their small animals, or like in our case small kids and a large dog! Thank you for taking the time to read this, I do't want people to be scared away.. I just want them to come prepaired and able to protect themselves and...

I visited on a Sunday. I entered the visitor center from the BACK entrance which would be facing the lookout area of the valley...

I had a small Chihuahua with me which I was holding and wanted to go to the restroom which was about 40 feet directly thru the back entrance to the main entrance.

I approached the back entrance glass doors and noticed NO SIGN posted on the back entrance doors at all stating anything about any type of pets not allowed inside the visitor center..

My pet was so small I could carry her with one arm..

When I walked in, I noticed 2 mature caucasian female employees standing behind the center counter talking... I was NOT greeted, I was NOT welcomed but rudely, scorned by both of them almost yelling at me saying, "no dogs allowed, no dogs allowed!"

I was totally shocked, I replied, "sorry I had no idea, I didn't notice any sign posted on the back glass double doors located on the back entrance where I entered." Again, there were NO SIGNS posted on this back entrance.

At that point, I was directly in front of the visitor counter where they were both standing which was in the center of the visitor center, I could've walked another 15 feet and I would've been out the front entrance and could've gone to the bathroom but they BOTH said, I had to "turn around and exit where I came from" which totally did NOT make a bit of sense!!!

I explained to BOTH of them there was NO SIGN posted, again they both refused to provide me any explanation...

These 2 women were apparently older than me. I would say both should be an example to those of us of a younger generation, they were BOTH...

This is one of San Diego's finest gems, an interpretive center surrounded by an extensive playground for hikers, bicyclists, runners and rock climbers. Since it's in our "backyard," we enjoy taking guests who are visiting us from out of town, show them the Visitor Center with its beautiful views, historical artifacts and guest shop. As you walk towards the entrance, you'll hear the recordings of typical "residents" like birds and deer. The kids love it!

You could even book an event in the Visitor Center, such as a wedding reception or bar mitzvah, if you are so inclined. We've been there for wine tastings, club gatherings, presentations about cougars, and concerts.

Looking out into the valley and peaks with rock formations, we think of it as our own...