Story:
Our 5.5 mile hike (1330ft elevation change) was in the Elfin Forest. Didn't see any elfs, but it was a moderate hike in typical chaparral environment common to the San Diego Area.
The trail head is located off Harmony Grove rd in Escondido, ca. Water, maps, and restroom facilities are available as well as plentiful parking. There were no fee's for the park. The hike starts out over a small bridge, crossing a creek that runs year round. We started out on the "way up" trail. This portion of the trail consisted of a number of switchbacks.
At the top of the hill, we veered right to follow the Me-xal trail, a short loop (.21 mi) leading to a picnic table and overlook. This then connected into the equine loop trail (2.6 mi). We went counter clockwise (to the right). From the top of the hill, we then went down a rock strewn trail, eventially climbing back up to the top.
We had lunch at the Elfin Forest Overlook before continuing back down the Equine loop trail. We did take a short loop trail (Chaparral) which gave a good viewing of the Olivenhain Dam and Reservoir. This trail connected back into the Equine loop trail. We followed the trail until it re-connected with the way up trail and followed it back to the parking area.
Our 5.5 mile hike (1330ft elevation change) was in the Elfin Forest. Didn't see any elfs, but it was a moderate hike in typical chaparral environment common to the San Diego Area.
The trail head is located off Harmony Grove rd in Escondido, ca. Water, maps, and restroom facilities are available as well as plentiful parking. There were no fee's for the park. The hike starts out over a small bridge, crossing a creek that runs year round. We started out on the "way up" trail. This portion of the trail consisted of a number of switchbacks.
At the top of the hill, we veered right to follow the Me-xal trail, a short loop (.21 mi) leading to a picnic table and overlook. This then connected into the equine loop trail (2.6 mi). We went counter clockwise (to the right). From the top of the hill, we then went down a rock strewn trail, eventially climbing back up to the top.
We had lunch at the Elfin Forest Overlook before continuing back down the Equine loop trail. We did take a short loop trail (Chaparral) which gave a good viewing of the Olivenhain Dam and Reservoir. This trail connected back into the Equine loop trail. We followed the trail until it re-connected with the way up trail and followed it back to the parking area.
Tips:
Hot during the summer, bring lots of water.
Hot during the summer, bring lots of water.
Tags:
escondido, San Diego
escondido, San Diego
Comments (1)
Plan to do this some day soon, Have been wanting to visit this reserve. thanks
by rastar on Feb 06, 2011
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