Trail Rules

  • Stay on designated trails.
  • Trail hours are from dawn to dusk.
  • Trail speed limit for bicycles, skates and equestrians is 15 m.p.h. / 5 m.p.h. when within 50 feet of other trail users. 
  • Bicycles and skates yield to pedestrians and equestrians; pedestrians yield to equestrians. Keep to the right of the trail. Allow room for others to pass. 
  • No smoking or fires allowed. 
  • Firearms and hunting equipment are prohibited. 
  • Motorized vehicles are prohibited (except for patrol and maintenance vehicles). 
  • Keep dogs on 6 foot maximum leash at all times; clean up after your pet. 
  • Helmets are required by state law on bicycle riders 17 years and under. It is strongly recommended that all bicyclist and horseback riders wear approved helmets. 
  • Do not ride bicycles or horses where trails are muddy. Hoof and wheel ruts damage the trails, making it difficult to repair and potentially hazardous to other riders.
  • Class 1&2 e-bikes are permitted on City trails with the exception of trails surrounding Walnut Grove Park(PDF, 3MB) and Highlands(PDF, 431KB) areas.  Please see the maps for areas that e-bikes are NOT approved.
  • Releasing wild or domestic animals, fish or plants is prohibited. Do not disturb or collect plants, animals or archaeological objects. 
  • Take out what you carry in; Do not litter. 
  • There is no drinking water or restrooms available on the trails. Carry water and first aid supplies. Wear appropriate clothing and footwear. 
  • Rattlesnakes are sometimes spotted on trails. They will defend themselves if cornered or threatened so please be vigilant and report them to 9-1-1 if needed. Ticks, poison oak, loose rock, steep ravines and other dangers exist in the parks and/or trails. Mountain lions, bobcats and coyotes have been sighted in San Marcos. Please use caution.
  • Parks & Trails Ranger Hotline 760-744-9494, ext. 3704.

 

9.04.080 - Regulation of Motorized Vehicles, Traffic and Parking

(a)  Motorized Vehicles. It is unlawful for any person to operate a Motorized Vehicle within a park or trail, except on roadways and in areas specifically designated for such purposes or by Park Use Permit.

(b)  Motorized Vehicle Operation. It is unlawful for any person to:

(1)  Operate a motor vehicle at a speed in excess of 15 miles per hour, which speed is reduced to a maximum of five miles per hour when within 50 feet of another park or trail user, or to obey other speed limits as posted.

(2)  Operate a motor vehicle within a park in violation of posted regulations.

(3)  Operate a motor vehicle on any city trail other than for maintenance, security or emergency purposes.