The Sweetwater River runs 55 miles from its headwaters in the Cuyamaca Mountains down to San Diego Bay, passing through eastern Chula Vista near the bottom of its course. The lower Sweetwater has been incorporated into a regional trail and park corridor that provides one of the best walking and cycling routes in the South Bay, following the river bottom through riparian woodland with views of the Sweetwater Reservoir upstream.
The Sweetwater River Regional Trail runs along both banks for several miles through Bonita and Chula Vista, connecting parks and residential neighbourhoods to the bayfront. The riparian corridor is notably greener than the surrounding suburban landscape, and supports coyotes, rabbits, great blue herons, and migrating songbirds. The lower reaches of the trail connect to the Chula Vista Bayfront path and ultimately to San Diego Bay. Trail access points are scattered along Bonita Road and Sweetwater Road.