With over 8,000 acres of pristine San Diego habitat rich with local flora and fauna, and cultural sites unique to our park, it’s no wonder Mission Trails Regional Park remains a top destination for outdoor education. Our Park Ranger-led field trips take students on local trails where they can experience wilderness firsthand. Students leave with a newfound appreciation for these special open spaces and a better understanding of why we need to protect them.
MTRP Ranger-led field trips are available from 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. (or later) on Tuesdays for third grade only, and on Thursdays for K-6th grades. Interpretive Rangers have developed specialized programs specific to individual grade levels that meet the California Next Generation Science Standards and support curriculum currently being taught in the classroom. Most of MTRP’s field trips begin at the MTRP Visitor and Interpretive Center and include a 1.5-hour guided hike, then time in the Visitor Center to discover the exhibits and view a video in the theater.
Know before you schedule
- Ranger availability fluctuates, so while we can accommodate more than 80 students per day, please add a comment when you submit your reservation request and await a follow-up email before reserving bus transportation.
- Educators are expected to read through the educator’s packet before scheduling a field trip. After making your reservation, educators will receive a confirmation email, followed by a personalized email either requesting additional information or confirming your field trip.
- Self-guided field trips are available to reserve on Mondays only, and Foundation-led field trips can be scheduled on Wednesdays and Fridays.
Please contact Park Ranger and Education Coordinator Steven Blankenship at rangered@mtrp.org for more information