Old Mission Dam — Attraction in San Diego

This is one of San Diego's best kept secrets. Really, it's a secret on top of a secret, as the Kumeyaay Indians were "conscripted" by Spanish padres to build the dam in 1803 so water from the San Diego River could be directed toward the Mission San Diego de Alcala down the road. Today, there is a movement to change the name of the road where the dam is located - Father Junipero Serra Trail - to a Kumeyaay name.

The dam is an interesting landmark that aficionados of history, architecture, landscape and Nature will enjoy. Old Mission Dam is a National Historic Landmark, earning the distinction in 1963. It's one of only 17 National Historic Landmarks in San Diego County. And it's not just about the dam; it's about the surrounding area that is a spectacular natural setting that is host to many different kinds of plants and animals. On our hikes and mountain bike rides here, we've seen red-tailed hawks, tarantulas, ducks, and even a bobcat.

The water rises and falls with the seasons. In the winter after heavy rainfall, the dam performs as planned and looks quite dramatic. In times of summer drought, you'll see barely any water moving in the San Diego River - it's more of a trickle.

A lot of sand has sifted into the dam area over the years due to wildfires. Councilmember Raul Campillo has requested funds to dredge the dam.

This is a great place to take people who may not be up for much of a hike, as there is some disabled parking a couple hundred feet from the...

If you're looking for a peaceful and picturesque hike, the Old Dam in Santee is the perfect destination. I recently had the pleasure of visiting this trail on a day that was not too sunny, with the weather being just right for a comfortable and enjoyable experience.

What struck me the most about the Old Dam in Santee was the absence of crowds. Despite its stunning scenery and well-maintained paths, this trail seems to be a hidden gem that only locals know about. As someone who values solitude and quietness when hiking.

The trail itself is not particularly challenging, making it accessible to hikers of all levels. It's a loop trail that's just under 3 miles long, offering a nice balance of forested areas and open spaces. The highlight of the hike is, of course, the old dam, which is a beautiful and historic structure that's worth taking the time to explore.

Along the way, I was treated to some stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The trail passes by a small lake, which offers a peaceful and serene setting for a picnic or rest stop. The trees provide ample shade, making this hike ideal for those who want to escape the sun.

Overall, I highly recommend the Old Dam in Santee hike to anyone looking for a quiet, scenic, and easy-to-navigate trail. The lack of crowds, coupled with the beautiful scenery, made for a truly enjoyable experience. Whether you're a seasoned hiker or just starting out, this trail is sure to delight and...

I love talking walks in the area, but generally I refuse to go during the summer. There is very little shade on the trails, and with the drought conditions in California most of the area is dry and brown. If you go a few days after a storm it's much more pleasant to look at. The San Diego River runs through the park which is always a great thing to check out. The Old Mission Dam can be a fun place to take kids to go see, and when the waters are high I often see people fishing there. Expect to street/dirt lot park (Father Junipero Trail has ample parking on the Santee side, and the visitor center/neighboring dirt lots always have spots open). There's a tiny lot near the dam, but it consists of only ~10 spots that are almost always full. The trails range from a "walk in the park" to "I'm going to hurt tomorrow." You can often see some interesting wildlife out in the brush - coyotes, snakes, spiders. Last time I checked out the Oak Canyon Waterfall it was more like the Oak Canyon Trickle, and that was right after a pretty serious storm. Not sure what it takes to get that thing going. Probably consistent rains for a few weeks would be enough to saturate the ground and get it running, but anything less and you shouldn't...