Scenic Loop Trail - (Original Page Nos. 71—74)

Introduction

The following report provides a description of the proposed Loop Trail System, with guidelines and suggested actions.

For a town of its small size, Del Mar is singularly fortunate to have largely within its own borders the potential for a major hiking trail system of great recreational and scenic value. The Scenic Loop Trail System not only offers a rich diversity of terrain and scenic beauty, but also links almost all of the most important Open Space Elements of Del Mar and its environs. If the Trail System is suitably protected from the impact of adjacent development, it will provide its users with the feeling of extensive open space, even though large areas of land are not involved.

Approximately seven miles of trail are included in the main loop of the system. The Trail can be hiked in its entirety for an all day walking trip or in segments for a variety of shorter trips. It is also proposed to link this Trail System with the Torrey Pines State Park to the south thus greatly extending the trail system and giving it outstanding regional significance. No other comparable recreational experience is available to Del Mar residents without the use of an automobile. The combination of beach bluffs, canyons, and lagoon offered to the hiker is unique.

The essential elements of the proposed trail system are:

1.

San Dieguito Trail from Del Mar Bluffs Preserve to the north end of Crest Canyon (ABCDV on enclosed map);

2.

a North Hills Trail connecting north hills residents to the San Dieguito Trail and to Seagrove Park (DEFG);

3.

a Beach Bluff Trail extending from Seagrove Park south to the Del Mar Canyon (GHI);

4.

a Del Mar Canyon Trail (IJK);

5.

a Railroad Cut Trail crossing the south end of town and a portion of the City of San Diego to the Torrey Pines Annex State Park (KLMNO);

6.

a Torrey Pines Annex Trail extending north towards Crest Canyon (OPQR); and finally

7.

a Crest Canyon Trail (RSTUV).

From the Railroad Cut Trail at N, a proposed Penasquitos Lagoon Trail would extend south to Torrey Pines State Park. Two additional branch trails linking Del Mar with the Torrey Pines Annex Trail (KWP) or with the Crest Canyon Trail (XT) are also proposed.

Specifics of the Trail

A brief description is given below of each proposed segment of the Trail System together with suggestions for implementation.

San Dieguito Trail : Del Mar Bluffs Preserve to Crest Canyon (ABCDV on enclosed map), about 1.3 miles.

This trail would provide a hike along the San Dieguito River with the opportunity for observing flora and fauna (particularly birds) in the waterways and marshes. It would also link the Del Mar Bluffs Preserve with the rest of the Trail System. The route on the map is based on the present lagoon boundaries and would of course be modified to conform to changes that might result from whatever plan is adopted to preserve the lagoon.

From the Bluffs Preserve, A, the trail would extend southeasterly along the southern bank of the lagoon crossing both Camino del Mar and the railroad track. Easements would have to be acquired for the portion between the Bluffs Preserve and the railroad track, Jimmy Durante Boulevard, and Palm Drive, easements are suggested to implement the connection. South from Palm Drive to the city limit the trail would also continue by easement. At present, some of this land is marshy and some fill would be required for a walkway. Easements for the San Dieguito Trail should afford unobstructed views to the water on the east, and where there is building to the west, the trail should be buffered by setbacks, and planting.

North Hills Trail : San Dieguito Trail to North Hills and North Hills to Seagrove Park.

A number of alternate routes for this Trail are possible. The route selected will depend on the fate of the walled-in area, ("Snake Wall" property) and the feelings of area residents. The ideal route for scenic and recreational value would be the one that enters the Snake Wall property through the gate at its northeast corner, D, then follows the existing graded path to the top for the unparalleled panoramic view of the San Dieguito flood plain and the hills to the east and north, and of Del Mar and the ocean to the north and west. If the Snake Wall property is acquired as a park this portion of the trail is guaranteed; otherwise easements would be required. Such easements should preserve the panoramic views as well as the trees, vegetation, and geological formations adjacent to the trail. Any buildings should be as inconspicuous from the trail as possible, to preserve the maximum feeling of openness and isolation.

Alternative routes from the San Dieguito Trail to the top of Arden Heights are (1) from Y just south of the Snake Wall up the existing city-owned easement to Serpentine Drive, or (2) from D straight up to the end of Gatun Street, just north of the wall. The latter strip of land is in private ownership as part of the Snake Wall property. Both alternatives are steep and might require construction of unobtrusive stairways.

Between the north hills and Seagrove Park, the Trail would first follow the existing "Grand Avenue" easement from the Z crossing. From the E crossing a short easement would be required connecting the end of the tunnel with Grand Avenue. From the southern end of Grand Avenue the exact route would depend on the future disposition of the area near the railroad station. It could either parallel the tracks (in which case right of passage should be negotiated with the railroad company), or circle up through the Del Mar Village Square. If the latter site is preferred for the route, there is some urgency in reaching an agreement with the owners, since building construction is proceeding on the site.

Beach Bluff Trail : Seagrove Park to Del Mar Canyon (GHI), about 1.1 miles.

The first portion of this Trail, GH, would pass across properties most of which are already developed. Therefore, since the bluff west of the railroad right-of-way here is too narrow for pedestrian traffic the trail would have to follow city streets until easements can be negotiated with the property owners. As of this writing, one easement has been negotiated, through the property on the extreme northwest corner of 11th Street. An easement south from 11th Street is included to connect the Loop Trail with the proposed park at the foot of 10th Street. Easements along this portion of the Trail should provide unobstructed views to the west, and be buffered from adjacent houses by setbacks, and planting.

At H, the trail would cross the railroad tracks and continue south along the west side of the bluff. This parcel is unsuitable for building and might be purchased at a cost near the present, very low, fair market value. At some point between 4th and 8th Streets, for example at the foot of 6th and 7th Streets, an overpass over the railroad tracks might be constructed to provide area residents with access to the Loop Trail and to the beach

Del Mar Canyon Trail : From the west bluff to Torrey Pines Terrace (IJK), about 0.25 mile.

The trail would cross the railroad tracks at I, then continue east along the north rim of the canyon, where it would provide a birds-eye view of this rugged canyon and also of ocean views to the west and south. The choice of the north rim is dictated not only by the view but also by consideration of the impact of the Trail upon the canyon. A Trail through the middle of the canyon would accelerate erosion and might encourage defacement of the sandstone formations. The north rim has already been disturbed by recent grading and resulting erosion, and the trail could cross here with a minimum of further disturbance. It will be necessary to negotiate with owners to realize this portion of trail.

At J, the trail would cross Camino del Mar, requiring traffic regulation, then continue up the canyon to the intersection of Ocean View Avenue with Pine Needles Drive at K. Easements would be required. Segment JK could follow the existing footpath or could follow the existing 10 foot drainage easement along the property boundaries. If these lots are not acquired, special setback requirements for building, and guidelines for maintaining the scenic value of this little canyon should be adopted.

Railroad Cut Trail : From the top of Del Mar Canyon to Torrey Pines Annex State Park (KLMNO), about 0.5 mile.

The first segment, KL, would pass along Ocean View Avenue, turn west to the bluff above Camino del Mar, then turn south along the top of the bluff to meet the old railroad cut at M. The portion from L to M affords extensive and impressive views to the west and south. It would require easements.

The portion from M to N follows an old railroad cut where segments isolated by steep walls on both sides alternate with sections where the view opens out into canyons extending northwards and the flood plain to the south. Extensive shell deposits are exposed by the cuts and many wildflowers grow along the floor. Along portions of this cut it is still possible for the hiker to feel isolated from the sounds and sights of civilization. An easement will be required. It is recommended that building which could impact this valuable segment of the Trail be strictly regulated to preserve the feeling of quiet and isolation as well as the existing topography and views.

At N, just inside Del Mar City Limits, an easement is proposed across Carmel Valley Road to continue the trail southward as the Penasquitos Lagoon Trail, and thus link the Del Mar Loop Trail with Torrey Pines State Park. The Penasquitos Lagoon Trail would have to be negotiated with the City of San Diego and the State Park Service. A possible route is indicated on an enclosed map.

From N, the Loop Trail would continue across a portion of San Diego to the Torrey Pines Extension State Park at 0. An easement would have to be negotiated with the property owners and/or the City of San Diego.

Torrey Pines Extension Trail : (OPQR), about 0.8 mile; with the branch connecting it to Torrey Pines Terrace, (PW), about 0.4 mile.

This segment follows an existing trail in the Torrey Pines Extension State Park. From 0 the trail climbs slowly to meet the branch from Torrey Pines Terrace at P; it then continues over the ridge to the floor of the large canyon running the length of the State Park Annex. An easement linking the end of Hidden Pines Road with the State Park at W will be required. With this easement a pleasant mini-loop (KLMONPWK) about a mile long would be possible.

The north end of this trail between Q and R is not within the State Park. A foot path exists but passes through privately-owned property in the City of San Diego. At the time of this writing, local citizens are seeking to create an Assessment District to acquire the entire wedge-shaped parcel bounded by city streets and the State Park, but there is pressure for development, and its future is in doubt. The City of Del Mar should communicate immediately with the City of San Diego regarding the regional significance of preserving a trail through here.

Crest Canyon Trail : From Del Mar Heights Road, the length of the canyon to San Dieguito Drive (STUV), a little more than 1 mile.

From R to S, the trail would follow Durango Street, cross Del Mar Heights Road, and drop into Crest Canyon. Except for a short segment at the north end where some brush clearing might be required, the route follows existing footpaths which presently meander along the canyon floor. The realization of this portion of the Loop Trail obviously depends on the fate of Crest Canyon.

A branch connecting Crest Road in Del Mar with Crest Canyon Trail from (X to T) is proposed. This branch would follow the existing grade for the undeveloped Oribia Road and would connect the surrounding proposed open space area with the Loop Trail and would provide access to the Trail from this part of town.

If for any reason the Crest Canyon Trail as shown from S to V cannot be realized, an alternative route could be taken within Del Mar city limits. Such a route would be of much less scenic value, but would preserve the continuity of the Loop Trail concept. This alternative route would extend from S along Del Mar Scenic Drive to Crest Road, then along Crest Road to the undeveloped Oribia Road grade at X. From X the trail would extend along the Oribia Road grade as a high quality scenic trail, then parallel city limits to the other end of Oribia Road (also undeveloped) just west of U on the map. It would follow this road grade to the Snake Wall, and thus connect with the North Hills Trail.

Standards

A.

Private land adjacent to the Loop Trail shall be developed in such a way as to maintain the feeling of open space near the Trail.

B.

Trail easement shall be wide enough to maintain the feeling of natural terrain to walkers and to keep the Trail from creating detrimental impact on neighboring private properties.

C.

The Trail shall be planned with lateral accesses so that it can be used in segments for short walks as well as in its entirety for hiking. However, the numbers of access points shall be arranged so that wild animal habitats and native vegetation will not be damaged.

D.

Maintain a buffer of native plants between the Trail and developed land.

E.

No signs from major streets shall point to the Trail. No signs shall be permitted on the Trail. Signs are permitted from residential streets to publicly-owned portions of the trail.

F.

Trail design and layout shall be supervised by a professional planner who will take into account:

1.

All historic and natural features along the Trail.

2.

The rugged character of the Trail. (Grading and filling are to be avoided).

3.

The safety of the public.

4.

The general and specific educational objectives of the Trail.

5.

Use of the Trail by all age groups.

6.

Probable extent of public usage.

7.

Maintenance of the Trail, including use of volunteer groups to assist (Girl and Boy Scouts, for example).

Implementation

The establishment of the Loop Trail System is closely linked to the city's Open Space Program as well as to regional programs. It is recommended, however, that the city begin immediately to act on this proposal, so that important options will not be foreclosed. Key elements of the Trail System: the Snake Wall property, the Lagoon, Del Mar Canyon, the Railroad Cut, and portions of the bluffs are all subject to developmental pressure. Sensitive lots should be zoned so that negotiations between the city and property owners are a required part of the building permit process. If property owners can be persuaded to donate easements for the Trail, the expense will of course be much less than if all easements have to be purchased. To this end, the city might consider such trade-offs as reducing setback requirements on the side of a lot further from the desired easement. Guidelines for preserving the privacy of adjacent residences and the environmental and scenic qualities of the Trail should be formulated. Also, since the value of the Trail will be considerably enhanced by the acquisition of larger parcels of land (e.g. the Snake Wall property) as recommended, it is important to begin immediately to generate revenue for an Open Space Acquisition Fund.

We also urge that the City of Del Mar continue to communicate with appropriate agencies of the City of San Diego about the Trail, point out its regional significance and potential benefits to San Diego citizens, and enter into joint planning to secure the relevant portions of the Trail System (the Crest Canyon Trail, STUV, the northward extension of the Torrey Pines Annex Trail, QR, the portion NO of the Railroad Cut Trail, and the extension southwards of the proposed Penasquitos Lagoon Trail beyond N).