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 Reporter |
Summary: Nestled on the western slopes of Mt. Woodson, the 470 acre Blue Sky Ecological Reserve holds a bounty of natural sights and sounds. Established in October 1989 as a natural habitat, Blue Sky features several rare and threatened plant and animal species. In short succession, a hiker can find riparian, oak woodland, mixed chaparral, and coastal sage scrub environments. Each ecosystem holds its own special variety of wild life, and the closeness of these habitats allows a great diversity of species to exist together in harmony. This hike is especially pleasant during sunny, warm days, as the deep shade from the tree canopy keeps the creek bed relatively cool. Trailhead: Off I-15 take the Rancho Bernardo Road exit heading East. After a few miles this turns into Espola Road. The Blue Sky Ecological Reserve parking area is 3.5 miles from the I-15 exit on the left (west) side. (Lat:33.0162 Lon:-117.0235) Trail Guides for Blue Sky Ecological Reserve: Best Easy DayHikes San Diego by Sean OBrien (Falcon) Best Seasons: Year-Round User Groups: Hikers, Ranger Contact: Reserve Office 858-668-4781 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Joe Cross, who has posted 56 other hikes on this site Trail Reviews Page 1 of 2 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by Lee on 6/30/2008 This was a fantastic hike. I knocked a star off for all the man-made-ness ... the dam, the power lines, the large dam-related machinery (?). That said, I had an amazing day hiking with my dog (off-leash for most of it) and two strangers with their dog who I befriended for a few hours. It's basically two parts. The first part is a very municipal trail - very easy to find, wide and packed trail, clear markers, nice and shady. Then there's a sign to go off to Lake Ramona. I recommend you do. It's a fairly strenuous incline (my dog needed to rest), but my goodness. There is nothing quite as pleasant as a mid-summer, mid-day, mid-hike swim in the lake with your dog to refresh the soul. Then you turn around and it's all downhill! Br
Reviewed by Lee on 6/30/2008 This was a fantastic hike. I knocked a star off for all the man-made-ness ... the dam, the power lines, the large dam-related machinery (?). That said, I had an amazing day hiking with my dog (off-leash for most of it) and two strangers with their dog who I befriended for a few hours. It's basically two parts. The first part is a very municipal trail - very easy to find, wide and packed trail, clear markers, nice and shady. Then there's a sign to go off to Lake Ramona. I recommend you do. It's a fairly strenuous incline (my dog needed to rest), but my goodness. There is nothing quite as pleasant as a mid-summer, mid-day, mid-hike swim in the lake with your dog to refresh the soul. Then you turn around and it's all downhill! Br
Reviewed by Lee on 6/30/2008 This was a fantastic hike. I knocked a star off for all the man-made-ness ... the dam, the power lines, the large dam-related machinery (?). That said, I had an amazing day hiking with my dog (off-leash for most of it) and two strangers with their dog who I befriended for a few hours. It's basically two parts. The first part is a very municipal trail - very easy to find, wide and packed trail, clear markers, nice and shady. Then there's a sign to go off to Lake Ramona. I recommend you do. It's a fairly strenuous incline (my dog needed to rest), but my goodness. There is nothing quite as pleasant as a mid-summer, mid-day, mid-hike swim in the lake with your dog to refresh the soul. Then you turn around and it's all downhill! Br 
Reviewed by Leanne on 4/18/2008 The trail has been reopened and it is beautiful. The fire left some damage to the large trees but it opened up the views of the stream, plus the wildflowers are everywhere and gorgeous. 
Reviewed by look out! on 3/31/2008 the trail is closed until further notice
Reviewed by Viewer on 2/25/2007 This hike was awesome. I hiked up to Ramona Lake. The first half was flat and in a wooded area and the second half opens up to walk up the hill to some beautiful views. It was so peaceful at the top. I would definately do it again. You get an all around hike with this one.
Reviewed by Gisela on 7/14/2006 This is a great Hike to take on a sunny day because of all the shady trees. If you take the take the Lake Ramona trail that leads to the dam just be ready for a challenge, at the beginning of this dirt road is pretty much where a strenuos hike uphill with no shade starts - but the view is worth the hike if you ask me. And parts of the Shady Creek trail have grown over with thorny weeds so it may be difficult to walk through. The Main trail is great and easy to find, Def recommend it. Im going to check out the Poway hike today!
Reviewed by AK on 6/22/2006 IT WAS THE BOMB!! 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 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||