The Clairemont area is loaded with trails to hike. We have canyons galore, and exploring them is always an adventure. However, there’s one access point to a beautiful trail in Marian Bear Memorial Park that you might miss if you’re not aware of its existence.
Cobb Drive is a wide street, lined with neat houses. Your eyes will dart in search of the stairs, but you won’t be able to see them–unless you know exactly where to enter the trail. At the intersection of Cobb Drive and Cobb Place, you’ll see a tall hedge. Directly to the right of it, nestled between the hedge and a house, you’ll see a narrow path. Walk another 15-20 feet, and you’ll run into the stairs that descend to the trail below. (There was a neighbor in his garage when I was trying to find it, and I almost felt like I was trespassing).
Once you hear the leaves crunch under your feet and you see rays of sunlight peeking through the tunnel of trees, you’ll feel the tension leave your body. For a brief moment, it’ll make you almost wonder if you’re in San Diego anymore. The unmissable reminder that you haven’t actually left the city is the sound of cars whizzing by on SR-52, which runs parallel to the main trail.
The Trail
The trail is mostly flat (the stairs are the most challenging part), so it’s great for all ages. Once you head north a few hundred feet after you come down the stairs, you’ll have the option to turn left or right. Again, the trail runs parallel to the 52, but it’s boxed in on either side by The 5 and The 805.
Turn left for the longer portion of the trail toward The 5. Turn left for a shorter walk toward Limerick Ave. Whichever way you turn, you’ll be greeted by the beautiful sights of nature, including a few benches where you can take it all in or give yourself a rest.
The full length of the trail only stretches a few miles, so if you’re in decent shape, it’s an easy one. And if you’re not, it’s a great option to get yourself into shape without being overly strenuous.
Marian Bear Memorial Park
Marian Bear Memorial Park sits in San Clemente Canyon, and it has a fascinating story behind its namesake. Without Marian Bear, the park as we know it today would not exist.
As suburban sprawl began to take over San Diego in the 1970s, planners discussed routing SR-52 directly through the canyon, essentially wiping out much of its habitats. Marian Bear, a Clairemont resident, was a fierce advocate for preserving the canyon, and she lobbied hard against the expansion. Because of her efforts, conservationism won, and we have Marian to thank for the lovely trails we get to explore.
This month marks 46 years since the park was named in honor of Marian Bear and her commitment to save the canyon. Besides the recognition for her advocacy, there is very little additional information about Marian.
Trail Notables
If you decide to check out this trail, there are a few cautions. Poison oak and ticks are in the park. As long as you stay on the main trails and out of brushy areas, you should be fine. If you’re walking a dog, please keep this in mind, particularly if you have a dog that likes to explore in bushes.
The trail is open to both walkers and bikers.
If you’ve explored this trail, let us know about it in the comments!
