Maura Fox: Travel between Serra Mesa and Mission Valley along San Diego's Ruffin Canyon Trail

SAN DIEGO - It's not often that new hiking trails are built in San Diego County.

The work to create routes takes time and money - and a push from community members advocating for a trail doesn't hurt either.

That's why it's exciting to see a new trailhead and upgrades to the Ruffin Canyon Trail, located between Serra Mesa and Mission Valley. Efforts to improve access to the canyon have been underway for years, and the updates were officially unveiled late last week.

I took to the canyon for a nearly 4-mile, out-and-back hike, accompanied by my sister, nephew and their dog. We expected an easy morning walk, but the trail proved to be moderately strenuous at points, which was a pleasant surprise.

And while some parts of the hike traveled through a dry cobble stream bed, the new sections of trail sit higher up on the canyon walls, connected at times by three wooden footbridges. These new areas truly shine, especially with the blooming monkeyflower along the trail and lemonade berry archways.

There are a few access point to Ruffin Canyon, including near Taft Middle School in Serra Mesa and a new trailhead in Mission Valley, located within the private Escala community. I wanted to try out the new trailhead, and I'm glad I did, but I faced a few challenges.

To reach the trailhead, hikers can start on the Friars Road Walking Path - located in the same parking lot as the Costco on Fenton Parkway, next to SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union. From the walking path, a tunnel traveling north under Friars Road will take hikers into the Escala community. Walk up the paved sidewalk until you reach Northside Drive. Here, I made the error of turning right on Northside Drive as it led further into the community, but I had to pass through a gate - one that likely would be closed to the public most days.

To avoid my mistake, instead head left on Northside Drive toward Fenton Parkway, which will take you up to the trailhead, located on the northern side of Pompeii Lane. Consult a map before and during your hike to make things easier.

Once we found our way to the trailhead, the route was easy to follow as it traveled north. It was a little narrow at times, especially when we came across a few mountain bikers, but overall the trail flowed along nicely, with views of the lush canyon around us.

Some sections were exposed to the sun, but several areas offered shade from the towering lemonade berry and toyon. At one point, the canopy even forced us to duck down to avoid hitting our heads, which made the hike feel like more of a secret adventure.

Around the 1.5-mile mark, the trail started to climb uphill, with a few sets of stairs to help in the ascent. The final yards sit above the canyon, offering views of the vegetation below and homes across the canyon.

The trail ends just east of Taft Middle School. We found a shady pepper tree to rest under and have a snack before making our way back.

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This story was originally published April 30, 2026 at 5:36 AM.