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In the 1950s, owner Jerry Buteyn invested in several improvements, including constructing the lake and marsh area, planting palm trees, and terracing the land. The county purchased the land in 1970 to develop the current park and put finishing touches on the setting we enjoy here today.
So put on those hiking shoes, bring along water and a snack, and see for yourself what Guajome has to offer.
THE ROUTE
Six trailheads provide access to Guajome Regional Park, but only three have convenient parking. Two of these are adjacent to day-use areas ($3 fee)—one in the Main Entrance Picnic Area off Guajome Lake Road and the second in the Lower Picnic Entrance area off North Santa Fe Avenue. Day-use parking is 9:30 a.m.–sunset. A third hiking option, as described here, starts from the Night Exit just east of the main entrance on Guajome Lake Road.
Starting from the Night Exit, turn left on Summit Trail paralleling the road. Take in the expansive views looking out over the center portion of the park. Continue east and down a slight incline to merge with Upper Pond Trail/Willow Trail 0.2 mile from the start. The area on your right features a mix of grassland and riparian vegetation consisting of native and nonnative plants. This is an excellent area to watch for raptors, such as northern harriers and red-tailed hawks, impressively soaring or dropping low in search of prey. Bring along binoculars to appreciate their aerial skills. In another 0.25 mile, the trail intersects the Luiseno Trail heading to the right. Continue straight on Upper Pond Trail to a second intersection, the start of a loop path around Upper Pond. Cattails and reeds obscure the margins of Upper Pond, providing protection and hunting opportunities for the resident critters. There are a couple of small access points around the loop. Proceed in either direction and return to the same point, then back to the Luiseno Trail junction, having traveled a little over 0.75 mile to complete the loop.