Viking Hiking (and Mead)

Hike at Buena Vista Park and Visit Twisted Horn Mead and Cider in San Diego County

Hike Buena Vista Park In San Diego County

Engage in some Viking hiking at Buena Vista Park via a 2-mile loop trail that features a steep warrior ascent (almost all the way to Asgard!), expansive chaparral fields (Freyja would be proud), and a hidden wetland with ferocious beasts (okay, it’s actually a pond with cute ducks!). After the journey, reward yourself at a mead hall fit for the likes of Odin ... and you!

Park and check out the adjacent pond before starting your adventure. There is a surprising amount of local waterfowl here—mallards dominate the flock, but you can also find coots and geese. Search for the colorful crests of wood ducks amongst the waddlers and a resident black-crowned night heron perched on a tree branch above the water. Start hiking on a dirt path at the southern end of the lot.

Hiking at Buena Vista Park in San Diego County

Check the map at the shaded bench. There are multiple options to complete the loop, but we recommend taking the left path. The trail immediately provides a leg-hammering ascent to bring out your inner Thor. At the top, enjoy the expansive panoramas of the park and surrounding suburbs of Vista—the park is, after all, named for its good views. Explore the different viewpoints before heading down the steep northeastern slope that takes you to the creekbed.

Follow the stream south; the trail becomes shaded here under gnarled oaks and is perfect for a cooldown. There is also a picturesque bridge that crosses the stream (just be sure to stay on the trail as there is poison oak here). When the trees part, stay left to reach a large meadow framed by rolling hills, a prime spot for photography and the final stretch of your park exploration as it deposits you back at the lot.

undefined

Bonus Mead: Head to nearby Twisted Horn Mead and Cider to complete your Vista Valhalla Voyage. It’s no surprise this drinking establishment with patio seating is Nordic themed (check out the mead hall!), the perfect atmosphere for your indulgence in all things mead. What’s more, the mead is some of the best in Southern California. We love the bochet-style Thor’s Mighty Impearment, but are truly obsessed with Freyja’s Obsession (orange blossom honey, strawberry and Madagascar vanilla!). Skol!

To get to the Buena Vista Park lot and trailhead, from the north take the CA-78 to the Melrose Dr. exit and head south. Stay on Melrose for nearly 3 miles before turning right onto Shadowridge Dr. The park entrance and lot will be your first left. Dog-friendly!

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Afternoon on the Island

    What is it about tiny islands in the middle of lakes? There’s something that just draws you in. It’s even more fun when getting there is half the adventure because you have to reach it by canoe, kayak, paddleboat, or a ranger-guided boat tour!

    View
  2. Golden Gate's Blue Heron

    Golden Gate Park’s Blue Heron Lake is home to birds of many feathers, turtles lounging on rocks, visitors from afar, and locals who love this urban oasis in San Francisco. Try the "Boats and Breakfast" rowboat or pedal boat deal.

    View
  3. Rio Del Mar-velous

    Rio Del Mar State Beach in Aptos might be one of the best places for a treasure hunt. Its location between two other beaches makes for a good stroll featuring a spectacle of wildlife as you search the sand for sea glass and seashells.

    View
  4. Aloha from California

    Say Aloha without leaving California with a 7-mile out-and-back hiking adventure to Lake Aloha in El Dorado National Forest. You can also camp here, a premier place for stargazing.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Gentle Giants

    Some people visit national parks to marvel at the iconic sights, while others come seeking solitude in nature. With visitation on the rise, it can be hard to find both. But in Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, this pair of trails offers both....

    View
  2. Walking the Los Angeles River Trail Through Frogtown

    Frogtown Strutter’s Stroll

    Don’t go dismissing the Los Angeles River as merely a 51-mile concrete channel. It’s a genuine urban artery that links real neighborhoods, and its riverside bike/ped paths endear i

    View
  3. Griffith's Golden

    With over 4,200 acres and hundreds of trails, Griffith Park is the gold standard. Opt for the lesser-hiked northwestern end of the park and visit the 2.25-mile Skyline and Oak Canyon loop from Travel Town.

    View
  4. Sponsored

    Fall for It All in Reno Tahoe

    The best kind of getaway? Less time on logistics, more time on memory-making. Jackpot! You’ve got Reno Tahoe.

    View