Marian Bear Memorial Park

Flowing Stream at Marian Bear Memorial Park

Marian Bear Memorial Park, as well as the San Clemente Canyon, is home to a variety of animals. The area provides a landscape for animals such as: raccoons, skunks, rabbits, amphibians, reptiles, and birds.

It is also home for coyotes, foxes, and other native mammals. The park is also home to beautiful trees such as the California Sycamore, coast live oak, and native willow tree woodlands. It also houses the chaparral and riparian plant, which is native to California.

Trail Going Over Small River at Marian Bear Memorial Park

Marian Bear Memorial Park is a great place to travel for every level of adventurer. Whether you are new to the hiking world, or an experienced traveler, Marian Bear has something for you.

San Clemente Canyon Trail

The San Clemente Canyon trail is 2.7 miles long, and is the most popular of all the trails at Marian Bear Memorial Park. The loop features beautiful wild flowers and has many activity options for all skill levels. The trail is also family and dog friendly (dogs must always be on a leash).

Rose Trail

Another trail that Marian Bear Memorial Park has to offer is the Rose Trail. It is a less crowded trail than the San Clemente Trail, but offers the opportunity to see the park’s wildlife. The trail runs 1.5 miles long and is great for hiking, running or walking.

Please be aware that the park is in the wild, and there have been accounts of people encountering rattlesnakes in the brush. Please be attentive while walking the path. A walking stick could be helpful in scaring off the snakes.

Marian Bear Trail

The Marian Bear Trail is located near the back of the park and runs 1.6 miles long. This trail is great for all skill levels and has beautiful flowers and plant life. It is recommended to visit the Marian Bear Trail between the months of April and September.

Biltmore Trail

The Biltmore Trail is the shortest of the trails at Marian Bear Memorial Park. It is a mile long, but is home to beautiful flowers and activities along the way. This trail is also best visited during the months of April and September.

Not Just for Hiking

Not in the mood for a hike? Marian Bear Memorial Park also offers you the opportunity to enjoy nature on a bike ride. Bikers can ride on the trails but they need to give way to hikers on foot.

The trails in Marian Bear Memorial Park are also great for runners. You can stay on the flat trails for a nice, brisk run. For an extra challenge, you can head off onto side trails or canyons to take your runs to the next level!

From Flat to Challenging Trails

The public can enjoy over three miles of mostly flat trails along the length of the canyon. More challenging hiking is available on the trails in several of the finger canyons leading up to the mesa tops.

Parking at Marian Bear Memorial Park

Marian Bear Memorial Park is the perfect place to take a day trip for any adventure seekers looking to trade bustling city life for nature.

Getting to Marian Bear Memorial Park

Marian Bear Memorial Park spans I-5 on the west and I-805 on the east. If you are heading to the park from downtown San Diego, simply take I-5 North towards Genesee Ave. Take Exit 2 from CA-52 E. Turn right onto Genesee Ave and the park will be on your left, just south of CA-52 E.

Parking at Marian Bear Memorial Park

There are two main entrances to the park. The first entrance can be found on Genesee Avenue. The other entrance can be found on Regents Road. When driving into the main park entrances, you will find parking lots, as well as picnic areas and restrooms.

Hiking with a Dog at Marian Bear Memorial Park

What to bring and what to leave at home

Dogs are welcome in the park, as long as they remain on a leash. Visitors can pack a picnic lunch, as long as there is no alcohol or glass containers. Leave your camping gear at home! There is no camping or fires permitted in the park. If you’re looking for places to camp, check out our article on the best San Diego Camping. Also you will not need a stroller, as the terrain on the trails is often muddy and overall too rough to accommodate strollers.

Restrooms at Marian Bear Memorial Park

Conveniences

Restrooms and picnic areas are available near the entrance of the park.

Prohibited activities

Horseback riding is prohibited in the park. There are no motorized or off-road vehicles permitted on the trails or in the park. Mountain biking is only permitted on the maintenance roads along the canyon, but not on the hiking trails.