Switzer Open Space — Attraction in San Diego

I love San Diego's open space canyons. I can't think of another city that really has that in any meaningful way.

Switzer is probably my favorite thus far for sitting and relaxing. It's a great spot to bring the dog on a long leash to run around wile you read in the sun. Since it has a pretty wide basin at the bottom, it's easy to get the feeling you're really in nature.

That also means that kids find it and you can tell from the skateboard rope swings that it is frequented by kids. I mean, honestly, I always gravitated to spaces like this in my hometown, so I'm not surprised in the least bit.

Someone at some point mentioned that it was a favorite 420 spot and that makes a good deal of sense to me. Its relatively secluded, quite, peaceful and more often than not, completely...

While the parking can be challenging, the biggest issue was actually finding an entrance to this place. We just entered from the roadside following a small path that was created by others. The first and the most interesting portion of this canyon is the tunnel covered in graffiti. It is pitch black inside, and the low ceiling makes it hard to walk but if you keep walking towards the light at the end of the tunnel you end up on the other side of the road. My other gripe is the lack of markings. It is easy to end up in someone's backyard. Also part of the canyon is just a path for water (i.e. big pebbles) which makes it hard to walk. Hearing the birds chirping everywhere is nice, even if we cannot observe them. Overall a nice little outing with a little art...

So you like to golf, but kids and mom want to explore...Welcome to boundary of South Park(San Diego)...Switzer Canyon trails and South Park shopping district. Let dad,uncle Eddie, aunt May, do Balboa Golf course while you hike an EZ pleasant trail, walkabout Historic Burlingame neighborhood then get a drink & bite to eat in (Northern portion of) South Park. Dad can take you later to south South Park for a meal. Beautiful nature in this urban canyon abutting San Diego's Grand Jewel: Balboa Park(east side mesa). Trails are in canyon,but have trail heads that start at famous historic homes districts! Whole day to weekend worth of exploring can be had. Just 2to3 hours needed to hike the canyon and golf...