
CABRILLO NATIONAL MONUMENT
We have a hike coming up on Saturday morning September 26, 2026; here are the details:
When: Saturday September 26th at 9:15 am (when we will meet at the Cabrillo National Monument Visitor Center parking lot).
About the hike: We will combine hikes along the Pacific side and the Bay side of the Monument totaling about 4.5 miles with a combined elevation gain of about 800 feet. We will see the Old Point Loma Lighthouse, remnants of old military defenses, and tidepools. After the hike you can take in the exhibits at the Visitor Center. While the rules for dogs are a bit complicated, dogs will not be able to join us for this one. The weather should be pleasant right at the seashore, but the hike offers little shade, so bring your water and sunscreen. Single car entry is $20, so here are some ways to minimize that cost: 1) carpool with me from church; 2) use one of various passes that give you free entry, including American the Beautiful and Military passes; 3) if you make your own carpool with at least one other person, I will pay half your entry fee for up to two vehicles.
Where: On Google Maps, enter “Cabrillo National Monument, San Diego”. From Eastlake Church it is about a 45 minute drive (30 miles). From church, various routes can get you to the I-5 North or I-805 North. In either case, at the junction of the I-8, take the I-8 West. Get off at Sunset Cliffs Blvd but keep left to get onto Nimitz Blvd, staying on it for 1.3 miles. You will then turn right onto Chatsworth Blvd, and in just under a mile turn left onto Catalina Blvd. Continue on Catalina to the Monument, continuing past the entry kiosk to the Visitor Center Parking lot. I will have an “Eastlake Hike” sign on my car and will be wearing a UCLA ball cap.
Please let me know if you are interested in carpooling with me from the church. If you plan to go, please let me know so I will be looking for you. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me.
Photo: Old Point Loma Lighthouse at Cabrillo National Monument.

Hiking in natural areas can present a variety of potential hazards, starting with uneven terrain, loose gravel, and obstacles on trails that can result in slips/trips/falls. Conditions on hikes can also potentially lead to dermatitis from poison oak, heat illness, snake bites, and insect stings or bites. Always take appropriate precautions and come prepared for the hike. Wear solid footwear with good tread and clothing to fit the weather. Apply sunscreen as needed and bring plenty of water, a minimum of one quart. For cool weather, layer your clothing so you are warm enough but can take off outer layers if you get warm.
For bike rides, it's always a good idea to wear a helmet and follow traffic rules for bicycles.
Photo: Garapito Canyon Trail, Mulholland Gateway Park, Tarzana, CA

On August 15, 2026 we trekked portions of Torrey Pines State Park.
Photo: Torrey Pines State Park
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