Maple Canyon
2 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!
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428 Quince St,
San Diego, CA 92103
32.736608, -117.161461
Hike: 1.8 miles roundtrip Level: Easy
Dog-Friendly: Yes Kid-Friendly: Yes
About Maple Canyon:
Maple Canyon is not only a fabulous place to witness the spring flowers and greenery, but you will also pass by two historic bridges. The first bridge you will cross which is also the trailhead and that is the Quince Street trestle: a wooden pedestrian-only footbridge, built in 1905 as a means to connect Bankers Hill with the streetcar that used to run along Fourth Ave.
While you’re in the area, make sure to take a neighborhood walk in Mission Hills!
The second bridge you will hike underneath and that is the First Ave. bridge which was built in 1931. This bridge was assembled completely in Ohio before being dismantled and shipped here. While you are in the area, I highly recommend the Spruce Street suspension bridge which is another old footbridge.
Personal Experience
This is a quick and fun hike in one of central San Diego’s canyons. Urban hikes always have their own unique charm. I highly recommend doing this hike in the springtime to get the full experience of wildflowers and thick greenery.
It is super-easy with flat ground and under a mile 1-way. The only incline is at the very beginning when hiking down the hill to the trail.
Look for this sign then head down. Take the trail which leads you right/west:
We met this man who was tending to the grounds around this fallen tree. Apparently the week before he was out exploring and the tree FELL and literally skimmed his body! He had a near-death experience that completely opened his eyes. CRAZY!!
Here is a shot of the 2nd bridge you will pass which is the First Ave. bridge:
In the springtime the flowers grow HIGH!
We found a slot canyon which was pretty cool to explore:
Brian Gomez
I drive by the Quince Trestle Bridge every day from work. That thing was built in 1905.
January 16, 2017
Kate
As an urban park, this canyon is currently under much needed maintenance/regeneration. The city is replacing drainage pipes, and reconstructing the walking path which had been eroded and overtaken by invasive plants.
December 2, 2023