Dictionary Hill
0 Reviews
Hello everyone! This is a friendly reminder that any of these fun places we may visit, we are a guest at. Please treat both businesses and trails with the utmost respect. We here at Hidden San Diego follow the 'Leave no Trace' mantra, meaning whatever you bring with you comes back with you. If you see trash on a trail, please do your part to help remove it. Remember, we are not picking up trash from another person but instead cleaning up for Mother Nature. Happy adventures!
2036 S Barcelona St, Spring Valley, CA 91977
32.7270474406, -116.98375300
(619) 644-5492
Dog-Friendly: Yes  Kid-Friendly: Yes
HOURS:Â Sunrise- Sunset daily
Hike: .There are all different trails  Level: Each trail has its own level of difficulty
About Dictionary Hill
This is the first spot I’ve ever added for Spring Valley on my website so I am exceptionally excited to include it! Dictionary Hill is a 175 acre preserve with many different trails with various levels of difficulty. There are also different trailheads. The specific trail we began from is in a suburban neighborhood.
The County of San Diego acquired the land in 2018 to help conserve and ensure long-term survival of sensitive plants, birds, insects, reptiles and mammals native to this area. The preserve is home to the coastal sage scrub-dwelling California Gnatcatcher- a threatened species under the Federal Endangered Species Act. This little bird has helped prevent development in many areas so big thank you to it! 
The trail we took offered incredible views of the sprawling land before complete with a lookout bench just perfect for soaking in all the beauty.
The trail took us through a lush eucalyptus grove offering shade year round. At this point there were many different directions we could take. We hooked left which brought us to the top of a hill with the beautiful view. We walked down the hill, under a bridge and then headed back. The hill was not too steep and my 3 year old was able to hike up it relatively easy. 
Apparently it has a a rare butterfly ecosystem at the top which I would be curious to witness or learn more about. Hikes typically meet at the Barcelona Street Kiosk located at. I also haven’t figured out where it got its name Dictionary Hill so if anyone knows I would appreciate you sharing!
There are certain areas of Dictionary Hill that are covered in the mustard plant, which is highly invasive but also so pretty! I will have to come back in springtime to capture some photos!
Historic photo from Dictionary Hill
If you enter from the address I have provided you will first see this kiosk. Head down the tiny hill and then choose your own adventure!
