The Santa Ysabel County Preserve is currently divided into two separate parcels known as Santa Ysabel West and Santa Ysabel East. While land is being acquired to connect the two parcels, for the time being the two still stand apart. We had previously explored all of the Santa Ysabel West Trails, and part of the larger Santa Ysabel East Preserve. We’d been waiting for cooler weather and a long weekend to take on the more ambitious end-to-end exploration of Santa Ysabel East. Today was the day. Continue reading Santa Ysabel East Preserve
Category Archives: 6-10 miles
La Cima Trail/Soapstone Loop
“La Cima” means “the top” or “the summit” in Spanish. While this hike doesn’t involve summiting any peaks, it still has some fantastic scenery to enjoy as it passes from the edge of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park to neighboring Cuyamaca Rancho State Park and back again. Continue reading La Cima Trail/Soapstone Loop
South Clevenger Canyon
As highway 78 winds through the San Pasqual Valley, the tall slopes Clevenger Canyon Open Space Park loom above. The Park is bisected by the highway, and separate trail heads provide access to trails on either side. We had hiked the North Clevenger Canyon trail over a year ago, and we decided it was high time to get back and finish the job by hiking South Clevenger Canyon. The two trails offer similar terrain and views, and both are enjoyable hikes. The South Clevenger trail splits at the half mile point, with one fork going east and one going west. Our intention was to hike both forks, but if you’re looking for a shorter hike you could certainly just do one. Of the two, I found the eastern fork a little more scenic and interesting. Continue reading South Clevenger Canyon
Lake Hodges
Lake Hodges is one of San Diego’s many water reservoirs, created in 1918 when the San Dieguito River was dammed. In addition to storing water, Lake Hodges is an important habitat for resident and migratory birds. The hills surrounding the reservoir are primarily coastal sage scrub, and are also home to the coastal cactus wren, who nest in exclusively in prickly pear cactus. Continue reading Lake Hodges
Middle Peak (Cuyamaca Rancho State Park)
Middle Peak is one of several promontories in Cuyamaca Rancho State Park. Along with Cuyamaca Peak to the south and North Peak to the north, Middle Peak is a landmark easily identified from many other popular trails in the county. Once covered in pine and oak trees, Middle Peak, like the rest of Cuyamaca Rancho State Park, was hit hard by the 2003 Cedar Fire. Much of the mountain is now covered in ceanothus, and the charred remains of blackened trees line the slopes. Reforestation efforts are underway, but in the meantime, the lack of trees allows for some sweeping views of the surrounding area. Continue reading Middle Peak (Cuyamaca Rancho State Park)
Airplane Monument & Arroyo Seco Loop (Cuyamaca Rancho State Park)
On December 7, 1922, a twin-seat model biplane carrying Col. F.C. Marshall and Lt. C.L. Webber crashed into a ridge near Cuyamaca Peak. Despite extensive searches, the wreckage and pilots’ remains weren’t discovered until May the following year. A monument to the two men was built and today is an interesting bit of history residing in the western portion of Cuyamaca Rancho State Park. Continue reading Airplane Monument & Arroyo Seco Loop (Cuyamaca Rancho State Park)
Way Up Trail/Lake Hodges Overlook (Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve)
The Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve is a popular North County hiking and mountain biking destination. The Reserve is home to the Olivenhain Reservoir and is owned and operated by the Olivenhain Municipal Water District. There are 11 miles of trail that pass through oak riparian, oak woodland, coastal sage scrub, and chaparral habitats providing a nice variety of scenery. The Escondido Creek flows year-round through the lower section of the Reserve, making a beautiful photo or picnic spot for those seeking a less challenging outing. For those who want to work up a little sweat, there is the Way Up Trail which leads to the upper section of the Reserve. Continue reading Way Up Trail/Lake Hodges Overlook (Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve)
Eagle Rock
Eagle Rock is perhaps the most aptly named rock formation I have ever encountered. Found along the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) just a few miles from highway 79 in Warner Springs, this awesome pile of granite bears an astonishing resemblance to an enormous raptor with outstretched wings. As an added bonus, this short stretch of the PCT travels through a startling variety of landscapes, including a gorgeous riparian oak-lined creek, exposed chaparral expanses, and rolling grass-covered hills. There is something in this hike for everyone! Continue reading Eagle Rock
Iron Mountain/Ellie Lane Loop
While I really enjoy the main trail leading up Iron Mountain, I have to admit it gets pretty crowded at times. If you’ve ever attempted to start this trail mid-morning on a weekend, you’ve probably experienced the challenge of the very full parking lot. Fortunately, there is an alternate trailhead and route just up the street that connects with the Iron Mountain trail. The Ellie Lane staging area is usually much less crowded and offers a great alternative to the more popular main route. Continue reading Iron Mountain/Ellie Lane Loop
Morena Butte
Lake Morena is the highest and most remote of the County’s reservoirs. High above the lake looms Morena Butte, a three-peaked mountain topped with huge expanses of gorgeous granite slabs. The route up to the mountain begins at Lake Morena County Park, and travels 3 miles south along the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) before turning off to climb to the summit. Continue reading Morena Butte