East Fortuna Staging Area - Hiking area in Santee - Equestrian Cir, USA

Many trails to select from, easy to not so easy. This area does have a small visitor center (not sure if manned), well maintained running water restrooms, a fair amount of parking inside the circle on either side -the further has horse pins to unload into; as well as street parking leading up to it, a fair amount of circular and rectangular picnic tables, trash and recycling bins around the parking/picnic areas as well on the trails. Just be mindful of when it last rained as there will be water flowing or sitting on the trails that you'll need to get around, some trails do have crossover points.

Great trailhead for walking to the grasslands loop, Fortuna trails and others. Easy and flat, its great for all ages and great for dogs.

Visiting San Diego and trying to get some non-touristy hikes in the book.. Mission accomplished. I think this is a trail runner and mountain bike destination (no, not you Mr electrified bike, that gear is inappropriate here). You could spend all day here. Logistics: bathrooms at this trailhead. Get here early, wear plenty of sun protection, and carry enough water. Our kids are 10 and 12 and we arrived mid-morning. If we were going to summit North or South Fortuna we needed to arrive earlier. We still had a great hike to the saddle. Interesting caveat. I had my first rattlesnake encounter at the parking lot at about 12pm. Stepped one inch from it. It even rattled. Posted that pic for your own "I spy" game. Both kids enjoyed it. Next time we roll in when the park opens. Enjoy!

Very accessible parking, broad trails. Love this areas for light hikes and running. Super clean too

Wonderful trails all over Mission Trails - we hike here often - difficult to easy - what ever your pleasure. There is a place for horses although I have never seen one!

Beautiful walk through grasslands and oak studded chaparral. Easy to moderate strolling or if interested, more distant, and challenging hill climbs.

Great east county location to hike. So many different routes you can take based on the level of difficulty.

In the spring when there’s water flowing through Mission Trails, this is the best side of the park for hiking. Easy access right off the highway, but as soon as you’re on the trail, you’ll feel like you’re in another world. If you have 2 hours or more to spare, get on the Oak Canyon Trail (see a trail map for a couple ways to get to it), where the path follows a creek and you’ll enjoy several small waterfalls.