Tierrasanta Tutors Come To You

The nickname for the neighborhood of Tierrasanta, located in south central San Diego, California, is “Island in the Hills”: “island” referring to the fact that the community does not abut any other community, and “hills” referring to the many hills and canyons within Tierrasanta, as well as the topography of its border on the east, the Mission Trails Regional Park.

The 7,000-acre urban park is one of the largest in the United States. Its rugged canyons and hills lure Tierrasanta tutors, teachers, and students who enjoy learning about natural habitats as well as fitness enthusiasts who enjoy hiking, trail running, riding, and boating to spend a day enjoying the park’s natural beauty. Here are some of the notable points about Mission Trails Regional Park:

1. Cowles Mountain, at 1,592 feet, is the highest in the park and all of San Diego. The reward for taking the trail to the Cowles summit is a 360-degree view of San Diego.

2. Walkers, hikers, and horse lovers can take their pick of sixty miles of hiking, mountain biking, and equestrian trails. Since November 2015, the park has sponsored the “5-peak challenge,” which encourages hikers to take “selfies” at the summit of each of the park’s five peaks. Those who complete the requirements (there is no time constraint for completing the challenge) will receive a certificate, logo pin, and $10 coupon to Adventure-16.

3. The Visitor and Interpretive Center helps visitors learn about the park’s layout and attractions. Here, visitors can watch a variety of movies and slide shows about the region, its history, its plants and animals, and its indigenous people, the Kumeyaay. The center also includes a gift shop and an art display and provides a unique venue for group events such as fundraisers, corporate events, and even weddings.

4. The Kumeyaay Lake and Campground’s forty-six sites are available on Friday and Saturday nights on a first-come-first-served basis.

5. The East Fortuna Staging Area provides four horse corrals for public use and parking for up to fifteen vehicles with horse trailers and forty-seven cars.

6. The Old Mission Dam Historic Site is a nationally registered historic landmark: the dam was built to supply irrigation for farms that supplied food to the Mission San Diego de Alcala after it was established. A starting point for several hikes and a great spot for bird watching, the site includes informational displays and models of the dam and surroundings.

7. Lake Murray, a reservoir providing water to some San Diego neighborhoods, is open for shore fishing and private boats when the water level allows. Small boats and kayaks can be rented, and there are dozens of picnic tables. The lake is also a popular place for rollerblading, walking, and jogging.

For nature lovers, Mission Trails Regional Park is a literal playground. Local students who work with Tierrasanta tutors complete their homework faster and have more time to enjoy the wonders of the park.