Natural History Tour: Stories of Springs and Settlers in San Diego
Step into the past on this guided nature and history hike near Sorrento Valley, where ancient springs and shaded oak groves tell stories of 7,000 years of human history. Led by an expert naturalist, you’ll visit a centuries-old homestead, a mysterious grave site, and one of the county’s oldest standing buildings — all tucked within a peaceful, river canyon.
Along the way, learn how weather and water, alongside Indigenous peoples and Spanish settlers, have shaped the region’s landscape, and discover why this spot has attracted humans for millennia. Listen for the songs of dozens of bird species, visit a spring that's flowed for centuries, and see how nature preserves and transforms the memory of California’s past.
‣ Perfect for: families, history buffs, birders, plant lovers, and geology enthusiasts
‣ Distance: about 2 miles (flat and easy)
‣ Duration: 2 hours
‣ Location: Sorrento Valley area, ~25 minutes from downtown San Diego
‣ Private tours available with shorter or longer routes
A gentle, story-rich walk that connects you to the roots of San Diego — where culture, nature, and time intertwine.
Another fascinating hike with Cypress that included a wonderful overview of the geology and hydrology of San Diego County and its impact on indigenous peoples, Spanish settlers, present day agriculture and development as well as the plants and the creatures large and small that inhabit the diverse sun kissed county that stretches from the mountains to the coast. A wonderful hike for residents interested in the geography of their own home county, school groups who want students to understand how earth and water shape human existence, or visitors seeking some insight into the natural history of the diverse region. - Nancy H.
