Bayside Trail

 

 

A walk along the Bayside Trail.

NPS photo.

Bayside Trail at Cabrillo National Monument

Trail Overview

The Bayside Trail at Cabrillo National Monument offers breathtaking views and an immersive experience in both natural beauty and historical significance. This 2.5-mile round-trip trail provides stunning vistas of the ocean, San Diego Bay, and downtown San Diego. It is open every day from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.

Trail Classification:

• Western Side: Class 5
• Eastern Side: Class 3

Getting Started

The trail begins near the Old Point Loma Lighthouse. Look for the Bayside Trail sign just before you reach the lighthouse, directing you to the left. Follow the paved road, which eventually transitions to a gravel and dirt path. The walk is a self-guided tour with plenty of detailed signs that describe the sensitive vegetation, weather, habitat, animal life, and historical sites.

Directions and Access

Location: Cabrillo National Monument, 1800 Cabrillo Memorial Drive, San Diego, CA 92106

The Bayside Trail is a perfect blend of natural beauty, historical significance, and panoramic views. Whether you're a local resident or a visitor, this trail offers an unforgettable outdoor experience at Cabrillo National Monument.

Practical Information

• Trail Length: 2.5 miles round-trip
• Elevation Gain: Approximately 340 feet
• Hiking Time: 1 to 2 hours
• Difficulty: Suitable for all hiking abilities, though the uphill return can be challenging

Facilities:

• No restrooms or water along the trail
• Benches available for resting and enjoying the views
• Pets and bikes are not allowed
• Environmental hazards include toxic plants, animals, and fragile cliff faces

Tips for Hikers:

• Bring water, especially during warm summer months.
• Wear sturdy shoes and be prepared for a moderate workout.
• Stay on designated paths to protect sensitive habitats.
• Enjoy the hike and take in the beautiful natural surroundings.

Scenic Views and Natural Resources

• Scenic Views: Enjoy panoramic views of the ocean, Ballast Point, Coronado Island, Tijuana, sandstone cliffs, and, in the right season, snow-capped mountains.
• Flora and Fauna: The natural environment along the Bayside Trail is much the same as when Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo came ashore here in 1542. The trail is one of very few places in the world where Coastal Sage Scrub can thrive, alongside the Southern Maritime Chaparral.

 

Common Plants and Wildlife Along the Trail

The Bayside Trail is a natural haven, teeming with a diverse array of native plants and wildlife. As you hike along the trail, you’ll encounter the unique Coastal Sage Scrub habitat, one of the rarest and most threatened ecosystems in the world. The Point Loma peninsula serves as a crucial stopover for many migratory birds using the Pacific Flyway, making it a vibrant spot for birdwatchers. In the spring, keep an eye out for hummingbirds, warblers, wrentits, and bushtits. During the summer, watch your step as rattlesnakes may be active along the trail.

Plants

The Coastal Sage Scrub and Southern Maritime Chaparral habitats along the Bayside Trail support a variety of plant species, each adapted to the region's Mediterranean climate. Here are some common plants you might see:

• Black Sage: Known for its dark leaves and fragrant scent, black sage is a staple of the Coastal Sage Scrub.
• Sagebrush: This hardy plant can survive in the arid conditions of the trail.
• Lichens and Mosses: These organisms often cover rocks and tree bark, contributing to the trail's lush appearance.
• Prickly Pear: A type of cactus that produces bright yellow flowers and edible fruits.
• Buckwheat: Look for its clusters of small, white to pinkish flowers.
• Indian Paintbrush: Notable for its vibrant red bracts that resemble a paintbrush dipped in color.
• Laurel Sumac: Recognizable by its reddish stems and large, leathery leaves.
• Lemonade Berry: This plant has glossy leaves and produces red berries that were historically used to make a tart drink.
• Wild Cucumber: This vine produces spiny, green fruits.
• Mohave Yucca: A striking plant with tall spikes of white flowers.

Wildlife

The rich biodiversity of the Bayside Trail extends to its wildlife, offering sightings of various birds, mammals, reptiles, and more:

• California Quail: These ground-dwelling birds are often seen scurrying along the trail.
• American Kestrel: Look for this small falcon perched high, scanning for prey.
• Mourning Dove: Known for their soft cooing calls.
• Hummingbirds: These tiny birds can be seen darting among flowers, especially in the spring.
• Warblers: Small, colorful songbirds that are part of the spring migratory influx.
• Cottontail Rabbits: Frequently spotted nibbling on vegetation.
• Ground Squirrels: Often seen darting across the trail.
• Lizards: Various species basking in the sun on rocks.
• Snakes: Including non-venomous varieties and the Southern Pacific Rattlesnake.
• Foxes: Occasionally seen or heard during early morning or late evening hikes.

The Bayside Trail is a sanctuary for these and many other species, providing a glimpse into the rich ecological tapestry of Cabrillo National Monument. Whether you're a seasoned naturalist or a casual hiker, the trail offers endless opportunities to connect with nature and observe the intricate relationships within this unique coastal environment.

 

Military History

Point Loma has played a crucial role in military defense, serving as a strategic location for the U.S. Government for over a century. In 1852, the area was designated as a military reserve, and during World Wars I and II, the Army established an intricate coastal defense system on Point Loma. The Bayside Trail features wayside signs that highlight this rich military history, including:

• 1919 Searchlight Power Station: This station was part of the coastal defense system, housing powerful searchlights used to illuminate the harbor entrance, aiding in the detection and deterrence of enemy ships.
• Observation Bunkers: Scattered along the trail, these bunkers provided critical vantage points for monitoring and defense, allowing soldiers to spot enemy vessels.
• Cannons and Mortars: The remnants of artillery pieces that once protected the harbor during the wars are visible along the trail, offering a glimpse into the past defenses.
• Submarine Net: Stretching from the tip of Zuniga Jetty to Point Loma, a submarine net could be raised to block enemy underwater craft from entering the harbor, showcasing the strategic significance of this location.

Additionally, modern-day military installations can be observed along the trail. Historic Ballast Point, now home to nuclear-powered submarines, underscores Point Loma's continuing military importance. Cabrillo’s statue stands on the bluff about 300 feet above, marking the halfway point of the trail and symbolizing the area's layered history of exploration and defense.