6. Native Americans
Learn about humans 10,000 years ago. Hike to a ridge from which much of the watershed can be observed.
The ESP Café will be OPEN at 8:30. Join us for juice, coffee, light breakfast items and great conversation!
Recommended Reading:
SAN DIEGO: An Introduction to the Region by Philip R. Pryde
Chapter 4: American Indians: The County’s First Residents.
Chapter 9: Working the Land: Agriculture in San Diego County.
COAST TO CREST AND BEYOND: Across San Diego County by car along the San Dieguito River
by Wolf Berger, Ph.D.
Chapter 4: Lake Hodges and San Pasqual Valley: Pages 83 - 87.
Chapter 5: Clevenger Canyon to Santa Ysabel: Pages 88 - 98.
We begin our day at the San Diego Archaeological Center in the San Pasqual Valley (16666 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido, CA 92027). It is located on Route 78, 1.5 miles East of the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. More information is at http://www.sandiegoarchaeology.org. We will learn about the humans that were in this area 10,000 years ago and will be given a behind-the-scene tour of the Archives.
After the lecture, we will carpool to the Clevenger Canyon South staging area/parking lot and trailhead and then will hike about 2/3 of a mile (with a 450’ elevation gain) up the trail to our lunch and Reflection area. This is a beautiful location with a small bridge and a stream which is often flowing. The staging area/parking lot is located 3.8 miles east of the Archaeological Center on Highway 78. It is on the right, the uphill-side of the road.
After lunch and Reflection, we will divide into two groups:
1. The first group will hike back down the trail to their vehicles.
2. The second group will continue with the optional extended hike to the end of the Clevenger Canyon South
Trail. From this fabulous vantage point we can view Ramona, the San Pasqual Valley, Bowden and Clevenger Canyons, and Pamo Valley. A highlight of this hike is the Clevenger Canyon Chairs, something you don't want to miss! This trail is 1.5 miles long with an elevation gain of 1,000’. You can backtrack to the staging area/parking lot at any time. This section of the hike is strenuous and will take an additional 2 - 2.5 hours.
View Clevenger Canyon Trail South in a larger map.