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Rice Canyon and Snake Canyon at Rice Canyon Demonstration Gardens

Rice Canyon and Snake Canyon

The group hikes about 4.13 miles through Rice and Snake Canyons, with 258 feet of elevation change; hikers can turn back early for a shorter route.

AI summary · From the event listing

October 27, 2026 · 9:15 AM – 12 PM

Rice Canyon Demonstration Gardens, Chula Vista ·

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Website on Meetup

Take an easy, roughly 4.13-mile out-and-back hike through Rice and Snake Canyons, with options to turn back for a shorter route.

AI · From the event listing

Organizer’s description

This is based on hike number 41 in Schad's book *50 Best Short Hikes San Diego*, described as an "easy strolling" 4-mile out-and-back hike along a still-natural patch of canyon landscape. We will return by Snake Canyon, which is roughly parallel to Rice Canyon. Accordingly, our hike will be a little longer, about 4.13 miles. The elevation change is 258 feet from the lowest point to the highest point. Nick B. and I have led the same and very similar hikes several times, most recently last February. For a description and some pictures, see https://www.meetup.com/sandiegodayhikers/events/313232345/. Any hiker who wants a shorter hike can turn around at any of several places. We'll meet at 9:15 AM at the signed trailhead parking area on Rancho Del Rey Parkway North just across the street from Kumeyaay Park (formerly called Discovery Park) in Chula Vista (N 32 38.680 W 117 0.676). At 9:30 we'll start to hike. We should return between 11:30 and 12:30. *SUGGESTED ROUTE FROM SAN DIEGO:* Go south on I-805 and exit at exit 7A (H Street East). Go roughly 2 miles east on H Street and turn left on Buena Vista Way. Follow it to its end, turn right on Rancho Del Rey Parkway North and left into the Rice Canyon Demonstration Gardens parking area. Rest rooms are available at Kumeyaay Park. Wear layered clothing and good hiking shoes, use sun protection and take water.

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