At the edge of Lake Hodges, the Piedras Pintadas Trail offers visitors a chance to experience a landscape where scenic beauty and Kumeyaay history meet. Located within the San Dieguito River Park near Rancho Bernardo, the trail winds through open hillsides and natural habitat with views toward the lake, creating a peaceful setting for a hike that is both outdoorsy and educational.
The name Piedras Pintadas means “painted rocks,” a reference to the Indigenous cultural history connected to the area. While the historic pictograph site is not open to public access, visitors can learn about the region through interpretive signs along the trail. These displays explore Kumeyaay technologies, traditional resource management and the ways Indigenous communities used local plants, animals and other natural materials to support daily life.
As you walk past the interpretive kiosk and into the surrounding landscape, the trail offers a quieter side of San Diego County. Birds move through the surrounding habitat, sunlight stretches across the hills and Lake Hodges provides a scenic backdrop along portions of the route. The experience encourages visitors to look beyond the scenery and consider the knowledge and relationships that have connected Kumeyaay people to this land for generations.
The Piedras Pintadas Trail can also be combined with portions of the Bernardo Bay Trails for a longer outing. The Piedras Pintadas Trail is approximately 2.2 miles, the trail includes additional interpretive signs focused on Kumeyaay resource management and traditional uses of the landscape. The Bernardo Bay Trail is 1.6 miles. Visitors can enjoy hiking, wildlife viewing and scenic views while gaining a deeper understanding of the area's Indigenous history.
The trailhead also provides access to the broader San Dieguito River Park, a regional network of more than 65 miles of trails open for year-round day use. For travelers looking to combine outdoor recreation with cultural learning, Piedras Pintadas offers a meaningful way to experience the landscape at a slower pace. Here, a walk beside the lake becomes more than a hike — it becomes an opportunity to understand the land as a place shaped by both natural forces and generations of human knowledge.
Recreation & Experiences
Piedras Pintadas Trail – Hike through the Bernardo Bay area while exploring interpretive signs about Kumeyaay history, technologies and resource management.
Bernardo Bay Trails – Combine trail segments for longer walks and loops around the Lake Hodges area.
Lake Hodges views – Enjoy scenic views of the lake, surrounding hills and open space.
Wildlife and birdwatching – Observe wildlife in the habitats surrounding the lake and river valley.
Nearby biking opportunities – Access nearby biking routes within the San Dieguito River Park trail network.
Amenities
Interpretive kiosk
Interpretive signs along the trail
Bernardo Bay Natural Area staging area
Portable toilet
Parking
Access to additional Bernardo Bay trails
Nearby access to the West Bernardo Drive Bike Path
Nearby access to the David Kreitzer Lake Hodges Bicycle Pedestrian Bridge
Visitor Information
Hours: Bernardo Bay Natural Area Staging Area is open daily from 6 a.m.–6 p.m. Oct. 1–March 31 and 6 a.m.–7:30 p.m. April 1–Sept. 30.
Admission: Free for day use.
Age Requirement: All ages are welcome.
Reservations: Not required for regular trail use.
Pets: Visitors should follow posted San Dieguito River Park regulations regarding pets.
Accessibility: Trail conditions vary. Visitors should check current conditions before visiting.
Parking: Bernardo Bay Natural Area Staging Area is accessed from West Bernardo Drive near Rancho Bernardo Community Park. Alternative parking is available at Rancho Bernardo Community Park.
Important: The historic pictograph site is closed to public access. Visitors should not enter restricted areas or disturb cultural resources.
See Trail Map (PDF file)
