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 Reporter |
Summary: This is a good family hike thru an ecological preserve. The main trail has many tributary trails to explore thus providing the hiker many reasons to return. The Escondido Creek marks the trailhead, be sure to explore the wildlife in its biosphere. The main trail is a 1.6 mile which meanders up a wall then leads up to numerous trails of varying difficulties. There is a Botanical Trail well marked describing the various plant life in the area. Also, be sure to look for the mule deer in the area. One can also hike about 9 miles one way over the mountain to Lake Hodges for a more strenuous journey. Trailhead: From Highway 78 take Rancho Santa Fe Road south. Go east on San Elijo Road about 5 miles to the Elfin Forest Receational Reserve parking lot. Its well marked and easy to find. (Lat:33.0799980977798 Lon:-117.129778970039) Trail Guides for Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve : Afoot & Afield in San Diego County by Jerry Schad (Wilderness Press) Best Seasons: Year-Round User Groups: Hikers, Dogs, Bikes, Horses, Ranger Contact: Olivenhain Municipal Water District Parks Dept (760) 753-6466 x 147 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Kevin Vasquez, who has posted 7 other hikes on this site Trail Reviews Page 1 of 6 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by Teri on 7/23/2010 My husband and I hiked this last Sunday and really enjoyed ourselves. The trails were rugges in some places, and well traveled in others. The distance above says 3.2 miles but there are a lot of trails off of the main trail and this distance is not accurate. You can hike here for hours if you have the time. Highly reccommend! 
Reviewed by Bill on 6/17/2010 What a nice hike, and if you wish a view of Lake Hodges go to the top. This was my wife's and my first visit and we would go again and again. We live within two miles and had never taken this set of trails. Lots more to explore. If starting late park outside the gates as parking closes at 6:30PM. Beautiful below on a nice flat walk, steeper on the 1 1/2 mile climb to see Lake Hodges. Lots of spring flowers. We enjoyed it immensely. l
Reviewed by KTA on 6/5/2010 This is one of my favorite hikes thus far in San Diego county. I did hear about a dozen rattle snakes allong the trails, but never saw one. Lots of bikers, so be careful on the switchbacks. We hike with an infant (4 weeks) in the Moby and a 2 year old in a backpack carrier and they both do great.
Reviewed by DR on 5/14/2010 A good hike but lots of rattlesnakes up there. Had a very close call with my dog last year. They just lay out on the trail(way up trail) and are difficult to see so be careful!
Reviewed by MW on 5/1/2010 Took my 7 yr old. Had a good time. Parked in the lot, and hiked the Way Up Trail, then to the Escondido Overlook. We swung by the Ridgetop Picnic area before going back. Hike is fairly steep, I wouldn't bring my 5 yr old, but others had that age. Saw a flying quail for the first time in my life, normally they just run under the brush.
Reviewed by sean&lexi on 1/31/2010 VERY GOOD EXCERSIE. sometimes steep but mostly managable. wear comfortable shoes. also the directions were kind of confusing. make sure you go all the way down Olivenhain to Santa Fe to Elijio.
Reviewed by Brady on 12/5/2009 Great Hike and I did some exploring on the creek trail, very scenic and a leisurely hike, you can take it easy and just enjoy the day check out my video I took while on the creek trail, but if you want to get near the water you have to want to do some exploring in some parts, enjoy!! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JjbLnmz077k
Reviewed by Juneboarder on 7/27/2009 This is a local hiking area and I must say that I go here at least once a month. The previous poster either couldn't locate the Way Up Trail, or chose not to go that route. You must go up the Way Up Trail to reach all other trails or else the only other trail is one that meanders along the creek. This is dog friendly, but hot in the summer months. Bring lots of water. Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: California Hiking, California Trails, California Hikes, San Diego County Hiking, San Diego County Trails, San Diego County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||