Rolando Village Catwalks

This is a 2.4-mile "bow tie" loop around part of the Rolando neighborhood of San Diego, including eight "catwalks", which are pedestrian passages from one street to the next.

We've done this hike before, most recently last March. It is a very popular hike. For a description and photographs, see www.meetup.com/sandiegodayhikers/events/313996007

Hikers who want a shorter hike can return after the fourth catwalk.

The catwalks have Spanish names. However, some of the name plaques have been damaged or removed.

The total change in elevation is about 600 feet, and there are stairways in all but one catwalk, but the walk is much easier than the Mount Nebo Stairs hike that we've done before.

Here is some basic information about the catwalks, listed in the order in which we will hike them:

name - length in miles - number of steps - direction of steps

-------------------------------------------
Paseo del Papagayo (parrot) 0.04 43 down
Paseo de la Naranja (orange) 0.04 0
Paseo del Colibrí (hummingbird) 0.05 7 up
Paseo de los Agaves 0.02 37 down
Paseo de los Coyotes 0.05 30 up
Paseo de las Palmas 0.05 44 down
Paseo de los Pinos (pine trees) 0.04 65 down
Paseo del Halcón (hawk) 0.03 34 down

We'll meet at 9:15 AM in the parking lot for Rolando Park, a La Mesa city park at 6600 Vigo Dr., La Mesa, CA 91942 (N 32 45.444 W 117 3.165). The park has adequate rest rooms. At 9:30 AM we'll start the walk.

Then we'll cross the city limit into San Diego and stay in San Diego until we return to Rolando Park, probably 1.5 to 2 hours later.

Leashed dogs are allowed. Cats are allowed, too. I even met a woman walking her cat on one of the catwalks, but this is very unusual.

Wear good walking shoes and appropriate clothing. It should be warm, but not too hot to hike. Hiking shoes are not required because the hike is entirely on pavement. You don't have to take water unless it's really hot. Sun protection is recommended because the sidewalks and catwalks are only partly shaded. Take a camera if you wish.

CONTACT: Philip Erdelsky, cell 619-866-8512, E-mail [email protected]. Rolando has cell phone service, although there may be a few dead spots.

WEATHER WATCH: Rain is expected to begin on Wednesday. Let's hope the forecast is correct.