Rice Canyon is a typical San Diego nature preserve, in that it is too small, too modified by humans, and surrounded by houses. But, its still nice to get out into some open and green space.

Or yellow and brown space, even.
This trail follows a stream which is surrounded by a small marsh. It's odd to see marsh in San Diego, but it is there. Strangely, someone at some point tried to preserve the stream in its present state, and they just poured concrete over it's bed and rocks in some places. Here's what may have once been a lovely little waterfall, now coated in cement.

For unknown reasons, here's a shoebox in a bush.

Here's a willow tree, and some very tall marsh reeds.

This trail had its share of flora.

Some shrubbery was suffering some sort of blight.







One thing about this trail that is both a pro and a con, is that it's filled with insects. They are very annoying and are everywhere. But, some of them are quite photogenic.










This guy probably eats insects. If so, he's definitely well fed in this place.

The loop is about 4 miles. Due to it's location, I'd recommend hiking it in the early morning, late afternoon, or winter months, as it will get warm in Bonita. Oh, and consider using "Off" or some equivalent insect repellent.