East Otay Regional Trail Alignment Study

About the Program

Category: Parks and Recreation (Best in Category)

Year: 2020

The purpose of the East Otay Regional Trail Alignment Study (OTAS) was to conduct a joint feasibility study to create a coordinated, sustainable trail system in southern San Diego county that provides quality recreational trail connections while balancing the need to protect sensitive environmental resources. OTAS designated approximately 80 linear miles of trails and pathways for future implementation of an interconnected trail system between the communities of Eastlake, Otay Ranch, Rolling Hills Ranch and Jamul, including connections between ten different nature preserves in the 72,523-acre study area. To provide access for vehicle parking and trailer staging, OTAS also identified 11 formal staging areas to be co-located at existing informal parking areas, recreation areas and planned parks. The planned trail network is intended to provide opportunities for recreation including hiking, biking, and horseback riding. OTAS was prepared as a coordinated effort among a Steering Committee that includes the following agencies: the County of San Diego, City of Chula Vista, City of San Diego, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Otay Water District, Bureau of Land Management, United States Fish and Wildlife Service, and United States Customs and Border Protection.