Indians of the acorn culture were the first inhabitants of Kit Carson Park. The park was named after Christopher (Kit) Carson, the famous scout who guided Captain John C. Fremont over the Sierra Nevada Mountains during a government exploration expedition. The park sits in a valley that is approximately five miles west of where Kit Carson fought in the Battle of San Pasqual. A historical monument commemorating the battle is located on Mule Hill, one mile southeast of the park.The City of Escondido acquired the land for its largest regional park from the City of San Diego in 1967. One hundred acres of the park have been developed and 185 acres have been preserved as natural habitat. The newest addition to Kit Carson Park is Queen Califia's Magical Circle, the only American sculpture garden by the internationally acclaimed artist, Niki de Saint Phalle.
Kit Carson Map* (not to scale)
Park Features
- Beautiful walking / hiking trails
- 5-acre arboretum: The Iris Sankey Magical Garden
- 3 ponds: Tree Lake, Duck Lake, and Sand Lake
- Tot lot / playground
- Shaded picnic areas with tables / barbecues available on a reservation basis
- Covered picnic shelter available on a reservation basis
- Open turf areas
- Lighted youth baseball and softball fields
- Lighted adult softball fields
- Lighted soccer fields
- Lighted tennis courts
- 3,000 capacity outdoor amphitheater
- Queen Califia's Magical Circle sculpture garden
- Eucalyptus Leaf Court public art piece
- Sports Center complex with pro shop, 22,000 square-foot skate park, 2 full-size covered roller hockey arenas, 1 full-size soccer arena, and 1 "mini" soccer arena
- Girl Scouts of America Program Center, located at the north end of the park
NOTE: Leashed dogs are allowed on the nature trails but are not allowed on sidewalks or in the active areas of the park (i.e., ball fields, parking lots, picnic areas, etc.). Refer to the Mayflower Dog Park for a location to bring your dog.
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KIT CARSON PARK Open from sunrise to sunset. |
