Part of Balboa Park, positioned above the park’s golf course is Golden Hill Park. A striking park, it is a close, outdoor recreational site for all ages. Plenty of open space and nearby trails give this park a zest of its own. Filled with people, the park provides something for everyone. A group of 20 arrived for a two-hour tour.
Our guide, Outdoor School Instructor JP Ruiz, REI, said it is a leisurely walk, with many things to see in this hilltop park. Ruiz is an outstanding guide who interacts well with people of all ages. He immediately began telling the story of the park and the many ways to take pleasure in it.
This skillfully manicured hilltop is home to century old fig trees, lined from largest to smallest. Largest of them all, protected by a fence, is no longer climbable, due to its age. Fig trees spread their roots deep and long and sprout up another tree. Connected together by roots, this line of fig trees is one in the same, only in different ages of growth. Underneath the open trees is a perfect place for a picnic or an afternoon nap.
NEARLY A CENTURY OLD: Oldest fig trees in the park are estimated to be about 100 years old, give or take a few years.
At this height, there is an awesome view of downtown through the trees, and the small valley. Many others were in the park with us, enjoying their evening. Young men played soccer with the enthusiasm of World Cup fever. People, walked, used strollers and played with their dogs. Kids climbed trees. One father was teaching his children the proper way to climb a palm tree. Serious runners were tearing through the park at Olympic marathon speed. Homeless took comfort in the serenity of this park also.
WORLD CUP FEVER: Soccor is the sport of the day.
Graffiti is a problem, with no respect to the age of the trees or the park. A sadistic act creates a continuous battle to keep the park clean of this selfless art.
Trees in the park contrast from type to age. One extremely old oak tree caught the attention of everyone. Bark was thick, rough and protruding, looking more like eroded rock.
A century plant blooming stood 15 feet. Ruiz told us of how the Native Americans used the needle of the sharp leaves as thread. Leaves are very fibrous and stay attached when you break off the needle. An instant needle and thread in an emergency. (Great survival information.)
As we walked around the parameter of the park, a young hawk swept over the valley and rested in one of the nearby trees. It sat there, looking over the valley for a bit, then flew away.
RAPTOR: This hawk overlooks the valley in search for prey.
A hand built brick water fountain is the oldest building structure in Balboa Park. It is not operational, but the craftmanship is priceless. A miniature amphitheater by day, it shelters small groups of homeless when the sun goes down.
Heading into the valley, the brush was thick. Wildlife in this small canyon is plentiful and the trails are satisfying. Provided trash bags came in handy, especially through the trail area. Trash bags should be on every hiker’s list of supplies. Every bag filled makes our parks cleaner and safer.
After climbing up, we stopped at the Golden Hill Community Garden. It is not big, but the growth occurring in this small fenced-in yard in surprising. Divided into small plots, each their own, varieties of plants were growing healthy and sturdy. As individual as the people who care for them, each plot was distinct and special. My favorite was Bob’s tomato boat. Built with sticks twine and cloth it resembled an old wooden schooner-a creative tomato cage.
BOB'S TOMATO BOAT: An creative alternative to tomato cages.
Flowers planted purposely to attract butterflies, gave eggs a safer place to mature. Flowers, vegetables and herbs looked hale and hearty and made everyone hungry. It was time to call it an evening.
REI sponsored hikes are perfect for everyone. Education of our local environmental paradises, no matter how large or small is their goal. Kudos to REI and WiLDCOAST for sponsoring these educating and free outdoor explorations in our neighborhoods.
ALWAYS AN EDUCATOR: JP Ruiz speaks to the children about vegetables that grow easily in this region.
OLD OAK: This oak tree caught every one's attention with its thick protruding bark.
OLD SCHOOL: This man demonstrates to his children the correct way to climb a palm tree.
GRAFFITI: A continuous problem for the park. Many hours and dollars are spent trying to keep the park clean.
SMALL BUT PRODUCTIVE: Golden Hill Community Garden is filled with small plots producing an array of flowers and vegetables.
Photo Credits: Albert Fulcher
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