About this place
- The canyon keeps a stand of Coastal Sage Scrub, a plant community that once ran from the ocean bluffs to the mountains and that development has mostly destroyed. Source
- Changing that would take a two-thirds vote of the people of San Diego. Source
- The trails start on the west and east sides of Taft Middle School, 9191 Gramercy Dr, and at the southwest end of Shawn Ave. Source
- At the end of Ruffin Road, a walk through the native habitat garden is under a quarter mile. The loop from beside Taft is 1.4 miles round trip, and the full trail down to Mission Valley is 2.6 miles round trip and rated difficult. Source
- In April 2026 the trail was partly rerouted, three footbridges went in and part of the wetland was restored. It is mainly for hikers, but bikes are allowed. Source
- The new trailhead at the bottom is inside the gated Escala community, reached in daylight through a public tunnel under Friars Road from the Fenton Marketplace shopping center. Source
- Its native plants include Blue Dicks, Mariposa Lily and Canchalagua, and shrubs such as Lemonadeberry, Monkeyflower and Holly-leafed Cherry. Source
Groups
Friends of Ruffin Canyon
- Volunteer
- Become a member
Residents looking after Ruffin Canyon's habitat and trails. They publish the trail brochure and the Serra Mesa trails guide.
Anyone can join.
Questions
Where do I get into Ruffin Canyon?
The trails start on the west and east sides of Taft Middle School, 9191 Gramercy Dr, and at the west end of Shawn Ave.
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