Cabrillo Bayside Trail
An old military-road descent from Cabrillo's lighthouse area toward San Diego Bay, followed by the climb back.
- Distance
- 2.5 mi · Out & back
- Time
- 50 min
- Surface
- Asphalt road changing to gravel and dirt trail
- Grade / hills
- 340 ft descent, then climb back; numeric grade not published
Start
Main Visitor Center parking, 1800 Cabrillo Memorial Drive
Directions
Route
- Begin near the Old Point Loma Lighthouse grounds, northeast of the lighthouse, after arriving at the main Visitor Center parking area.
- Follow the old asphalt military road downhill, then take the signed Bayside Trail where it changes to gravel and dirt.
- Continue to the official trail end above the bay; there is no beach access.
- Turn around and retrace the route uphill to the lighthouse area and main parking.
Good to know
This is the effort upper bound in the set. The route loses 340 feet and requires the full climb back; NPS notes this may challenge people with respiratory or heart conditions. Benches occur along the route, but there is no water or restroom after leaving the lighthouse area. Entry fees, 9 a.m.–4 p.m. trail hours, heat, erosion, and alerts can affect the outing.