Birding Outing: Switzer Canyon

About Switzer Canyon

Nestled in a quaint residential neighborhood adjacent to Balboa Park, Switzer Canyon grants you the opportunity to see a variety of birds. Some of the most common are: Mourning Doves, Rock Pigeons, Anna's Hummingbirds, Allen's Hummingbirds, Cooper's Hawks, Red-Shouldered Hawks, Red-Tailed Hawks, a variety of Flycatchers, Pewees, Wrens, Scaly-Breasted Munias, Hooded Orioles, and Black Headed Grosbeaks. A little less common are: Spotted Towhees, Nuttall's Woodpeckers (easy to hear, sometimes hard to spot with the Eucalyptus), Red-Masked Parakeets, and (if we are really lucky) American Kestrels. This small canyon is home to a surprising assortment of birds, we hope you can join us and find them all!

Sturdy hiking shoes recommended, hiking poles may be helpful. Hydrate and sunscreen! See trail information below.

Location Information:

The trailhead is at the bottom of Burlingame Dr. Find residential parking in the residential neighborhood on Burlingame, San Marcos Ave., or elsewhere nearby.

A steep walk down Burglingame Dr. leads to the trailhead. This is an approximately 1.5 to 2-mile loop on an uneven dirt trail with occasional rocks to watch for, including a small pond crossing. A little over half of the trail is shaded. There are no restrooms or drinking fountains so please come prepared. 

GPS: Apple Maps

Burlingame Dr (Google Maps)

Coordinates: 32.73373° N, 117.12714° W

The MTS 2 bus stop at 30th & Juniper St. is approximately 0.4 mi from the meeting point on Burlingame Dr.