San Diego River Park (SDRP) cache. Topography is relatively flat, although you may have to traverse stairs or slopes getting to or from your parked car. Parking is available within a reasonable distance of most of the caches, but you can't park right next to them. Walking or biking is recommended! Typically no need to leave the concrete path – all caches are located within easy reach. Standard hides, nothing too tricky.
This series of caches are on or near the San Diego River Park hike and bike path which stretches a couple miles along its namesake river through Mission Valley. In my opinion, this is one area which really doesn't feel like San Diego -- due to the water and the dense riparian vegetation and tree canopy. This particular path is near and dear to my heart, and you can find me walking along the north side many mornings. Plenty of birds and other critters seem to enjoy this area as well. If you're into birdwatching, the following can be see regularly: phoebes, finches, hummingbirds, woodpeckers, ducks, coots, gulls, cormorants, and egrets. It's recommended not to feed the ducks.
These walking paths are very popular with locals and you will see plenty of muggles walking, running, taking their dogs for a stroll, etc. The paths are very kid and dog friendly, but dogs must be leashed at all times, and please do pick up after your pet You will also likely see urban campers who are mostly harmless, but please use common sense. I do not recommend trying for these caches at night – the lighting is generally poor, and there are condominiums adjoining a few of the hides. Please be respectful to the neighbors. And as always, be aware of your surroundings and as stealthy as possible with the caches. Please re-hide the cache as well or better than you found it. Thanks and enjoy.
Read more about the First San Diego River Improvement Project:
Union-Tribune article
ASLA awards
This series represents my first-ever cache hides. I'm using an Android Smartphone, so I hope the coordinates are decent. However, please do let me know if you think the coordinates are off, and I will be happy to make corrections. I'll try to make the description and hint helpful enough that you can find the goods regardless.
*** You will definitely need to leave the path for this one. Unfortunately the only way I could fit this cache in was to place it significantly north of the river. Walk up through the trolley station or around via Qualcomm Way. Or park nearby....