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!
Dog-Friendly: Yes Kid-Friendly: Yes
Fenton Pond is located within Otay Valley Regional Park. There are many hiking trails in this area and multiple ponds which you will quite likely come across. We came here specifically for Fenton Pond but ended up finding a lot more than expected, including learning some very interesting history tied to this area!
Fenton Pond is named after Henry G. Fenton who had a sand and gravel mining company in this valley. This was a highly productive company which provided the concrete that helped construct the Salk Institute, the UCSD campus, the Home Federal skyscraper in downtown and even the Coronado bridge!
The ponds were used to remove the clay from the gravel but were also said to be popular swimming holes for the locals. At least a couple tragic drowning incidents happened in these ponds due to their depth, specifically at LeMay Pond.
Today the area is a lovely and tranquil nature preserve with so many trails giving you the opportunity to return over and over again. I know I will be as I already am learning of more little gems that we missed last time!