![\"News](\"https:\/\/missiontimescourier.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/baskets-1-225x300.jpg\")
Gifts that give twice! Take care of your holiday shopping and support Mission Trails at the Visitor Center Gift Shop. You can find books for adults and children, walking sticks, MTRP-branded items including our new 5-Peak Challenge T-shirt, toys, puppets, jewelry, stocking stuffers, and pottery and baskets made by indigenous peoples in Baja. Your purchase supports the park through the Mission Trails Regional Park Foundation. The Gift Shop is open 9 a.m. \u2013 5 p.m. daily.<\/p>\n
Mission Trails holidays Itinerary<\/strong><\/p>\n If you have friends and family visiting this holiday season or simply want to have new experiences at MTRP during the holiday break, we have outing ideas for you.<\/p>\n At the MTRP Visitor & Interpretive Center, explore our stunning 14,000-square-foot facility that includes educational exhibits, films, a library, gift shop, and an expansive terrace with a stunning view of Mission Gorge. On view at the Visitor Center is \u201cWilderness Views,\u201d an art exhibit featuring artworks by students from the Grossmont Union High School District, including the following schools: El Cajon Valley, El Capitan, Grossmont, IDEA Center, Monte Vista, Steele Canyon, Valhalla, and West Hills. The students\u2019 works will be on view through Jan. 4, 2019. Admission to the Visitor Center is free and it is open 9 a.m.\u20135 p.m. daily.<\/p>\n Take one of our frequent and free Guided Nature Walks with Mission Trails\u2019 volunteer Trail Guides. Learn about Mission Trails\u2019 history, flora and fauna, geology, and wildlife on these 90-minute walks. See our calendar for dates and times.<\/p>\n Families with children of all ages can go on one of our monthly Family Discovery Walks, this month taking place on Sunday, Dec. 23 at 3 p.m. These walks help children and youth discover the wonder and beauty of nature. The trails used are easy, but have uneven surfaces so be sure to wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes and bring along water. A hat and sunscreen are also recommended. The walks are free and open to the public, with no reservations required, but cancelled if raining.<\/p>\n Also on Dec. 23, MTRP Ranger Andrew Miller will lead a 90-minute nature walk at the park\u2019s northernmost property, West Sycamore. This area encompasses 1,128 acres and includes seven miles of trails to be explored by hiking, mountain biking, or horseback riding. Learn about the native plants and wildlife commonly found in this area of the park. Meet at 8 a.m. at the West Sycamore Staging Area, at the very east end of Stonebridge Parkway in Scripps Ranch.<\/p>\n The West Sycamore Staging Area will also be the site of one of our regular nighttime Star Parties. From 5\u201310 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 21, join members from the San Diego Astronomy Association for viewings of the night sky through telescopes. If you come, please avoid the use of flashlights and white light in the area of the events. Cloudy skies and\/or rain cancels the event, which is free, and no registration is necessary. See the West Sycamore webpage at mtrp.org<\/a> para m\u00e1s informaci\u00f3n.<\/p>\n