San Pasqual Battlefield State Park

"Love having this monument to our history. The location has been closed since the start of COVID, yet you’re still able to access the hikes. Intrigued to learn more about this location and my advice is to visit the archeology center next door, they are kind enough to provide information about the battle fought here when they have time."

"I went to San Pasqual Battlefield State Historic Park on a day and time its website said it would be open and found nothing but locked gates. Personnel at the San Diego Archaeological Center down the street said the State Park has been closed since the start of Covid. A sign on the locked gates said the trails were open but parking wasn’t allowed. (You could probably park at the Archaeological Center.) If you plan on visiting the Park it’s probably in your best interest to call the number listed on the website to speak with a real person first. An updated website would work even better."

"Actually a pretty cool spot. Tons of cactus. Extremely small though. The park is only half of the Butte and enclosed by a fence. It has one trail and a semi loop that connects on and off of it. Some cool history though and honestly some enjoyable views if you have an hour to go walk around I recommend it. The museum is closed unfortunately, as is the parking lot. There's a dirt pull off just before the parking lot, park at the pull off and you'll find the trailhead behind the monument."

"Technically this is the highland valley trailhead and I think it leads into the San pasqual battlefield area. This is a great little hike! Good with kids and lots of ups and downs. Good stuff to look at the whole way and very close to the pomerado exit on the 15 freeway. We do this hike often, and if it's rained enough the stream is going! There's also a beehive over the bridge area that's pretty cool. There's parking in a dirt lot just off highland valley road"

"There is a lot of potential here, as the historic site of a significant battle in the Mexican American War. However, my experience was a tale of three unfortunates: 1) There is no easy or allowed (?) access to the trails if the park is not open. There is a smaller dirt pull off and entry to the trail from the west end of Mule Hill. It is overgrown, but usable. 2) The trail itself is poorly maintained. There was grass, weeds, and even cacti over growing the trail in places. 3) The park is only open on SAT/SUN, presumably to save money. However, the park should find a way to enable people to hike on the trail regardless of if the office/visitor center is open. I am currently a member of the 1st Cavalry Regiment, the unit whose heraldry dates to the 1st Dragoons, who fought this battle under the leadership of Gen. Kearny. I wish I lived closer, because I would gladly volunteer to help revitalize this site and maybe develop some signs to present the events that unfolded here."