SAN DIEGO — I often write in this column that the ideal summer hikes are the ones with shade or along the San Diego coast.
But the truth of the matter is that it can be too hot to want to go anywhere at all — let alone to do a physical activity like hiking.
That’s how I was feeling this week. The county experienced a heat advisory Wednesday and Thursday, my typical hiking days. And now that I live in East County, the sunshine bears down early, with temperatures climbing from the moment I wake up at 7 a.m.
I complained to my dad about having to go for a hike in the heat, and he shared some wise words: sometimes the best hike is just finding a shady oak tree under which to read.
As in most cases, my dad’s advice was sound. Venturing out to Flinn Springs County Park, I did complete a short walk — less than a mile around the park’s perimeter. But I mostly admired the park’s big oak trees, pollinator garden and year-round creek. I also walked along the park’s story trail, an initiative from the San Diego County Library, and got a few books myself from the Little Free Library.
It’s a magical park, and it does have a network of 2.5 miles of trails, with one route even connecting to Crestridge Ecological Reserve. I’m saving that for another, cooler day.
I’d encourage visitors to make their own adventure at Flinn Springs. You can follow my walking route, or get creative with the network of trails. Or, just rest at a picnic table or on the grass under the trees.
To begin, park in one of the several lots at Flinn Springs County Park on Old Highway 80. It costs $5 to park. I started from the first parking lot near the entrance. From there, I took a ramp and wooden bridge leading into the park.
I started walking southwest along the dirt path, in the direction of the county library’s story trail. The story was titled “Baby Fox.” While the reading level was certainly for very small children, it was cute — and served as a sign that this is a great local spot for families.
I then walked by the park’s pollinator garden, a lush, shady space meant to attract butterflies, bees, hummingbirds, bats and flies. It offered a few informational markers, and was a pleasant surprise along my walk.
I continued southwest, passing by the park’s gazebo and grassy field, across more wooden bridges and through oak groves. I didn’t have a destination in mind; I was simply walking to see what was ahead.
After 0.3 miles, I made my way south toward the backside of the park. I passed by the trail connecting with the Crestridge Ecological Reserve above and started to loop back toward the park’s center. Noticing a few enticing trails off to my right, I followed them. They led to the park’s two baseball fields.
Once back in the heart of the park, I finished out my loop by walking on a paved path. At the very end, I made my way to the Little Free Library near where I began and found a few summer reads.