Palm Canyon is a two acre network of trails within 1,200 acre Balboa Park, west of Spreckels Organ Pavilion. There are fifty eight species of palms, many of which were planted by Kate Sessions (also known as the “Mother of Balboa Park”), well before San Diego would be chosen to host the 1915 Panama-California Exposition.
I have been coming to Balboa Park my entire life. My sisters and I were part of the reason that the gigantic Moreton Bay Fig tree by the Natural History Museum was fenced off to the public. (In 1989, the roots were becoming damaged due to foot traffic.) As many times as I have been, I have never strolled through Palm Canyon. Now that we know about it, it will be a must when we visit the park (a nice escape from the heat and tourists). Although the Moreton Bay Fig trees in the canyon is not as big as others within Balboa Park, the buttress root system is intense, and is very appreciated by trapeze artist squirrels.
What a insightful and beautiful commentary about your visit today to Palm Canyon, BALBOA PARK!! 🌴🌴🌴And I especially loved your memory of the Moreton Bay Fig Tree – and how you and your sisters helped to have it fenced off years ago – to protect its root system. Awesome story! I have forever loved trees as well – perhaps my fav. being a Jacaranda tree in the backyard of my childhood home! It always ‘bloomed’ Lavendar bell-shaped petals in late May…just in time for my B-day, providing a purple carpet on our green lawn on which to picnic! 🌳
I don’t want to wrongfully come across as a hero, so I should clarify. We were part of a problem that led to solution… we were some of probably tens of thousands that climbed the heck out of that tree and so they fenced it off.
Oh Brady, I wish you didn’t clarify about your part in the saving of the tree. I like the image of you and your sisters, arms locked together acting as a barrier to the destructive children damaging the roots. Fun story, regardless of your role and how fun to be there with the next generation. A1 seems so comfortable in nature. I love that.
Again, this is new territory we will seek to explore next time we’re in San Diego. I was born at Balboa Naval Hospital and we spend a lot of time at the zoo, less roaming the park. You need to find your old family photos and do some flashbacks sometime. You have such great local tales to tell!
The squirrel staring you down is adorable. Thanks for the smiles and travel tips!
Wonderful photography! I’ve only been to SD twice for vacation but I always visit Balboa Park before any other place. I haven’t walked through Palm Canyon yet but will do so as soon as I can return to this gorgeous city!
It’s a nice treat in the middle of Balboa Park!