Leash-time is such quality time, especially when I get to explore new environments away from noisy cars and blistering hot asphalt. Fortunately, Balboa Park offers several miles of unpaved nature trails designed for hiking and bicycling, where I can check out a wide variety of native vegetation and constantly changing scenery.

There are several trail entrances located in and around Florida Canyon, some just off of Park Blvd. The most extensive trails, however, are found on the east side of Florida Canyon, near the Morley Field Sports Complex. A few can be accessed from behind the Morley Field Dog Park (my favorite), the tennis courts, and between the velodrome and baseball fields.

Once on the trail, you can connect to and loop back through the other trails on both sides of Florida Drive to experience the different terrain and vistas. There is so much to see and do that there is no need to wander off the marked trails, which is not a good idea anyway.

The canyon topography varies from gentle grades to steep slopes, so shoes with good traction are all your human companion will need to manage. Humans are also advised to keep a tight hold on the leash because you never know when a canyon critter will need to be chased.