Landscapes in and around the Communities of Chula Vista

The landscape around the communities chula vista, California, is an environmentally diverse playground. There are mountains, canyons, gentle hills, wide open spaces, beaches, and bays. Combine the varied terrain with the beautiful California weather, and visitors and locals alike get exploration opportunities galore – chances for any nature or outdoor enthusiast to get outside and indulge their passion. Bays and Marshes San Diego Bay is a main feature of coastal Chula Vista. It is natural bay and harbor 12 miles long and 1-3 miles wide. The bay supports a myriad of wildlife and waterfowl, including endangered or threatened species. Areas of the bay are included in the San Diego National Wildlife Refuge Complex. The Chula Vista Nature Center additionally offers public access to the bay and wetlands, including nature exhibits and walking trails.

Sweetwater Marsh is also included in the San Diego National Wildlife Refuge Complex. Located at the mouth of the Sweetwater River, it is the largest remaining salt marsh of San Diego Bay. Wetlands and mudflats cover the area, which is home to a large variety of migratory birds and waterfowl during different seasons. In fact, this area has been designated a Globally Important Bird Area by the American Bird Conservancy. Just a few found here include two endangered species, the light-footed clapper rail and the California least tern. Mountains and Foothills Chula Vista is situated right at the foothills of the San Ysidro Mountains and Jamul Mountains. A far cry from the wetlands of the coast, this area is an arid desert with scorching summers and warm winters bookended by cold nights. The San Ysidro Peak reaches 6,147 ft. and is appealing for hikers and climbers of all levels. Here there are plenty of cacti and agave as well as bighorn sheep.

Rivers Valleys and Mesas The Otay River runs through Chula Vista and empties into San Diego Bay. The Otay River Valley itself is surrounded by a mesa with open grassland. This is one of the largest open space areas in San Diego County. It is maintained by Otay Valley Regional Park, which contains miles of trails and recreational areas. The types of animal and plant species found in the Otay River Valley include the Otay tarplant, coast prickly pear, California poppy, California cotton fern, red tail hawks, coyotes, Great Blue herons, and turkey vultures.

An Ecologically and Environmentally Diverse Setting The areas surrounding Chula Vista and Southern San Diego are naturally diverse and span from wetlands, mudflats, and beaches near the coast to fertile river valleys and mesas that lead to hot, dry deserts and mountain ranges. This natural variance in landscapes, plants, and animal life is unique to this area of the United States. In fact, it is one of the most diverse land areas in the country. Communities in and around Chula Vista are fortunate to have such beautiful and interesting natural surroundings just out their back doors.