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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 2 of 5 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by PS on 2/12/2008 I grew up in town and this is my favorite hike ever. It's not a difficult climb, worth the views, and there are picnic tables at the top! A lovely hike for anyone interested. 
Reviewed by itchybutt on 10/19/2007 tried to access this trail i used mapquest it took me about15 miles west then when I looked and found the way the trail head gate was closed to all access and some water authority personell gave the looked but didn't give info on when, how, and why 
Reviewed by Bill on 8/12/2007 "Trailhead" directions, in main listing, are misleading. (Met local who said they tried - unsuccessfully - to find it on 3 separate occasions!). Should say, "... Go east on San Elijo Road, then turn right (heading south-east) on Elfin Forest Road, stay on main road as it makes a hard left turn (now heading north-east) and turns into Harmony Grove Road. Then look for sign, on the right."
Reviewed by JH on 6/22/2007 Nice hike, only one way up but lots of choices when you reach the top. The equine incline is my personal favorite, it's quiet and away from the power lines and service roads. The nature loop is a nice walk for all the family, one part of the trail is rocky and on an incline and you have to balance on rocks to get across the river ! The main parking lot is closed for the summer of 2007 so be prepared to wait for a space or park on the road.
Reviewed by LH on 4/30/2007 Nice place, even have place for picnic.
Reviewed by chris on 3/12/2007 good excercise and that is it. terrible power lines run along the whole ridge on the top. Dam in the backdrop just about as picturesque as suburbia on the fringes of two metropolis can get. Close your eyes and you will have a great workout.
Reviewed by Rob D on 2/18/2007 For the first time since the military, 2 years, my friends and I went on a hike. I expected uphill hiking but nothing like this. We stopped at the end of the main trail. Two of my friends and myself started on the Lake Hodges overlook hike. At that point Ed and myself were getting a little tired. More myself than him. He started heading back. Our other friend easily took the lead and by the time we were down the hill, she had gone an extra 2.5 mile hike/loop the other way AND beat us down. -Rob PS We'll definitely be back, just not next weekend.
Reviewed by Deb on 12/19/2006 Have lived in this area for years and never hiked this area util recently. Loved it! The views from the top are awesome. Pretty steep climb not for the faint of heart. It can get hot.. so take water with you. Beautiful stream to walk thru if you take the lower trail down the hill. 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 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||