CABRILLO News Release


Release date: Immediate
Contact: Karl M. Pierce, Public Information Officer
Phone number: 619-523-4562
Email: Karl_Pierce@nps.gov
Date: May 30, 2009

Cabrillo National Monument Celebrates National Trails Day

(San Diego, California) Cabrillo National Monument Superintendent Tom Workman announced that the park will participate in the 2009 National Trails Day on Saturday, June 6, 2009 at Cabrillo National Monument, San Diego's National Park, by hiking the Bayside Trail and participating in the park’s Junior Ranger Programs. The scenic Bayside Trail is a moderate, 2.5 mile (roundtrip) trek that winds through remnant coastal mediterranean habitat, one of the most threatened habitat types in the world, while descending 300 feet from the 19th century Old Point Loma Lighthouse to trail's end, 90 feet above sea level. There are no restroom facilities or water along the Bayside Trail, so make sure to take care of those at the visitor center or the Old Point Loma Lighthouse prior to embarking on the trail. The Bayside Trail affords spectacular vistas of the San Diego Bay and the cities beyond, and offers opportunities for wildlife watching, history and solitude. Young people of all ages are invited to participate in the park's Junior Ranger Program.

While visiting the park, you will also wish to take the opportunity to visit the Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo and the Age of Exploration exhibit, watch a film in the auditorium or visit the Cabrillo Store at the visitor, the They Stood the Watch: the 19th Coast Artillery and Fort Rosecrans exhibit in the former Army radio station building, the 19th Century Old Point Loma Lighthouse, one of the first eight lighthouses constructed on the West Coast and the Lighthouses of Point Loma exhibit in the Assistant Keeper’s Quarters, next door to the lighthouse.

Ranger-led interpretive programs that day include:
* Exploration: European exploration during the 16th Century at 10:30 AM
* Natural History Walk: Introduction to the Coastal Sage Scrub Habitat at 11:30 AM
* 16th Century Living History Demonstration: Navigation and armaments used by 16th Century Spanish conquistadores, sailors and explorers at 2:30 PM
* Military History: A Brief Overview of the Military History of Point Loma at 3:30 PM.

Please check at the visitor center for program locations.

Said Workman, “we are proud to join the many National Trails Day events around the country, including many at other units of the National Park System. Hiking at Cabrillo National Monument is a wonderful activity that connects visitors to both the nature, wildlife watching, serenity and history, and promotes good health, and the Bayside Trail is one of the most scenic hiking trails around.”

America's 200,000 miles of trails provide access to the natural world for recreation, inspiration and education. Trails provide opportunities to breathe fresh air, get hearts pumping, escape from daily stresses and maintain overall health. The National Park Service (www.nps.gov) is a partner with the American Hiking Society (www.americanhiking.org) in sponsoring this nationwide event.

Cabrillo National Monument, located on Point Loma at the end of Catalina Boulevard, is open daily from 9:00 AM until 5:00 PM. Public Transportation (#28 Bus to Shelter Island, connecting with the #84 Bus to Cabrillo National Monument visitor center) is available from the Old Town Transit Center, and visitors are encouraged to help reduce traffic congestion and emissions which contribute to global climate change by taking public transportation. Check times and fares with the Metropolitan Transit District (www.sdmts.com or www.sdcommute.com). For additional information call 619-557-5450 or visit our web site at www.nps.gov/cabr/.

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