elfin forest recreational reserve

Spook's Canyon, Old Stage Coach Route, Indian Peace Grounds all reside in the Elfin Forest....a seemingly magical and mysterious place with many names. About 1.5 hours from LA, this reserve is an ideal location for a hike, especially in spring and after rain, but phone ahead for conditions.A nice parking lot awaits along with portables near trailhead. Over 11 miles of trails in the reserve, but our group settled on six with approx 1200 ft gain....a nice hill workout! Due to drying conditions and cool temps, we crossed very few people. Enjoyed nice views at the top plus a unique dog collar memorial post for our loyal companions.Tips: Group of 8 or more, call ahead for permit; bring snacks and water; exposed trails so hats recommended; enjoy!

Very scenic place to hike and bike. I go here to get some exercise with my two dogs and to enjoy the beautiful scenery.

The park employee who stationed at the nature center was a font of knowledge. She spent her time covering all that is the nature center and it's exhibits. The forest trails, trees, creek and wildlife, are all quite enjoyable.

It's a little complicated to get to, but we liked the fact that it's right outside Escondido - not far from highway 78 - just use your phone GPS and you'll get there.Moderately easy hike (wear good hiking shoes), not overly steep, about 3 miles round-trip. Great views, variety of plants, well maintained trail. We loved it.

I've read online that this reserve is in the Encinitas area, but really it is just outside Escondido, adjacent to Lake Hodges. This is a pleasant area to take an escape hike, hidden but not to far from freeways, shopping and residential areas.The Way Up Trail is a satisfying, moderately uphill path, a comfortable 8' wide that gets steeper in isolated areas. For the first 3/4 mile it's mostly packed dirt with embedded rocks but after that there are waves of loose rocks. I've read everything from 1.4 to 1.7 miles one-way; at any rate it's steady uphill going out so if you walk at a good clip you get a decent cardio workout, but the many switchbacks ease the climb to about 1100'. There's a sheltered bench along the way to rest if you need to, at the Harmony Grove overlook. When you get to the "top" of Way Up Trail, there is really nothing to see except a sign post pointing to other trails in different directions. So, to make the uphill trip worth it, continue on one of the other trails. We went a short way further up to view the reservoir, which provided a pretty, serene, very blue view. Up by the reservoir overlook you can have your dog off-leash, but ONLY on weekdays. On the way down we branched off to take the Botanical Trail, which had numbered plant markers that needed a separate identification key. This trail was a lot prettier, more dense in vegetation and ended at a fun, scenic stream where we had to hop on rocks to get across. This route was only 0.2 miles further in length but we still landed up at the bottom by the parking lots. There are two lots but they close at sunset so if there's any doubt you will return to your car in time, be sure to park up along the road so your car doesn't get locked in.We were there late on the Saturday after Christmas and there were a good number of people but not enough to get in your way. Everyone was polite and pleasant, and compliant with dogs on leashes. The reserve is well monitored and therefore is very safe (i.e. not isolated) and very well maintained. We saw several rangers there, which explains why it was so clean at the time, although I understand there are times when there is trash along the trails. Too bad humans aren't smart enough to do the right thing and clean up after themselves without someone constantly instructing them. We were up and back in two hours, with a little time taken here and there to take pictures or sit for a few minutes to enjoy the view.

Like any area in so-cal, make sure to check the weather before heading out for the day. In the summer, the place is pretty heated, but there are some nice oaks and a river depending on the area you're in. The Elfin Forest isn't very crowded and you'll get everything from the hills to the valleys with picnic areas and trails accessible to horses, bikes, hikers, and your dogs too. They also have an interactive interpretive center great for kids of all ages and adults too. Check out http://escondidocreek.org/interpretive-center/ for more info.

very remote yet a gorgeous hike that isn't as packed as other hiking locations in san diego - very well worth the drive inland!

I travel through this area when I need to free my mind and get away from the crowd. This place, in my personal opinion, is the quintessential example of California country side. Worth a visit, I assure you.

I went here thinking this was the Elfin Preserve that is actually located near San Luis Obispo but this place is pretty cool anyways. The hiking is easy and there are several outcrops with water, picnic tables, etc. Closer to the parking area/entrance it is more wooded and then the scenery changes as one ascends into the reserve. Very nice area for families, horseback riding, really anything.