This 1.1 mile out-and-back stroll starts and ends at Cottonwood Creek Park, an Encinitas favorite, just off of Encinitas Blvd, west of I-5. Along the way, spot the interpretive signage telling the story of the watershed, and how the design of the park, and the City’s practices serve to filter and clean up the water before it reaches the ocean.

The route starts at the Cottonwood Creek Park parking lot. The park features grassy lawns, giant shade trees, a great playground, restrooms, parking and a great walking path that meanders along Cottonwood Creek heading east. Once you reach the east end of the park, the path continues east, beyond the tennis courts and heads toward a grove of old palm trees, giant eucalyptus trees and dense, lush vegetation between the trail and Interstate 5. You’ll be blown away by how dense the vegetation is along this stretch, like a jungle right here in Encinitas. The path continues, mostly flat and straight for a while before reaching a clearing and the end of the path, where you’ll turn back and return to the park. While the route is an easy one, the surface in some areas can be somewhat sandy, so watch your step.