Old Mission Dam- Mission Trails

Mission trails is loaded with a rich assortment of walking and hiking trails, and this one is a nice scenic route that is suited well for a short family outing. The trail itself is not challenging, and has a few minor inclines. The Old Mission Dam is the real highlight to this walk. The Dam was completed in the early 1800's and still stands today as a testament to the diligent work and collaberation between the Kumeyaay Indians and Spanish missionaries. The Dam was built to help create a consistent water resource in order to develop the mission, orchards, and fields of wheat and other crops. The water was also used to maintain large herds of cattle, sheep and horses. The Old Mission Dam was a huge contributing factor to the early success of the missionaries and a major reason that the city of San Diego was a able to flourish nearly 200 years ago and has grown into the beautiful city that it is today. "The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake." -Psalm 23:1-3