Rube Powell Archery Range — Local services in San Diego

I really enjoyed visiting this range and shooting here. It's fairly hilly and the paths got a bit washed out from the recent rains, but it was still a nice hike through the canyon and the wildflowers were very pretty. I won't lie, it's a bit frustrating that during the week you have to hike past a bunch of closed targets to get to the open ones, but such is life. I also wish there was clearer signage marking which way to find the open targets. (that's the reason for the 4 stars instead of 5.)

A note for people unfamiliar with Balboa Park: YOU WILL PROBABLY NOT FIND PARKING CLOSE BY. BP is a very popular with both tourists and locals, and unless you're arriving at the crack of dawn or get lucky, you will need to park in the further lots. And the shuttles may refuse to let you ride if you're carrying your bow openly and not in a case or backpack. One driver didn't mind us riding with our bows unstrung, but another didn't let us get on and said "You're carrying a weapon." True, but frustrating, since my unstrung recurve is just a big stick. But whatever.

It's clear that the hardworking volunteers are doing their best to maintain this course-- it's not perfect and manicured, and it's a little shabby. But they're charging ONLY TWO DOLLARS!!!! to shoot AS MUCH AS YOU WANT ALL DAY.

I paid more than double for both my visits, it's worth it to me to have somewhere nice to shoot, out in the fresh air, that isn't a stinky gym with ugly fluorescent lights. And I wish I could volunteer regularly to help maintain it, but I live in the Bay Area and I'm...

DO NOT GO HERE. I wish I could give the place 0 stars. SO DANGEROUS. The targets and trails cut across one another which there is NO warning about anywhere. Lucky I pay attention. I had an oblivious women walk right in between me and my target while I was drawn back. AGAIN SHE IS LUCKY I PAY ATTENTION. Also there are beer cans and boxes everywhere. I really appreciate how there is no one there to monitor the safety of the range. This place should be shut down for being unsafe. THE WORST ARCHERY RANGE EVER. I can’t believe people haven’t DIED HERE. Especially small children that have parents not paying attention and running...

Just got into archery a few months ago and this range has been such a great place to dive into this awesome new hobby. The range is well kept and is really peaceful for being apart of Balboa. The only downside: if you’re not a man, expect to get unsolicited advice. 50% of the time that my wife and I come, men will come up to us without asking and start tearing into us. Sometimes it’s friendly and sometimes it’s not. I’m all for community learning, however it needs to be consensual. I think a posted rule about asking before giving advice would make this range a safer and friendlier experience for all who want to come...