Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve

Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve

In December of the year we said goodbye to Anna and before GOLPP reared it’s ugly head, we took Karlie hiking at the Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve in Escondido. It was a great day and such a fun hike. Unfortunately we never returned until I took Sunny there last year and again this week. I’m really glad that we did because it’s such a fun place to explore with outstanding views and miles of trails.

History of Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve

The Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve is a 784-acre reserve that was developed with the San Diego County Water Authority and the US Department of the Interior – Bureau of Land Management. It was opened in 1992 and has about eleven miles of trails and six designated overlooks with views of the Pacific Ocean, Channel Island, Coronado Island, Laguna and San Bernardino mountain ranges, and the Olivenhaim Dam and Reservoir. The Escondido Creek watershed also flows from Lake Wohlford to the San Eligo Lagoon.

Our Adventures

During our first visit with Karlie we explored the Way Up Trail to the Harmony Grove Overlook and the Ridgetop picnic area. During this week’s visit with Sunny we also explored those areas, but then continued on the Ridgeline Maintenance Road to the Escondido Overlook, Lake Hodges Overlook Trail, the Witch Trail, the Botanical Trail, and the Creek Viewing Area. Although we hiked almost 6 miles, there are still several trails we did not explore and hope to return soon to check them out.

On both of our visits we started on the Way Up Trail which is probably the most hiked trail at the reserve. This trail is mostly uphill with a lot of stones and steps on the trail. It also has a series of switchbacks as you make your way to the Harmony Grove Overlook. There is a covered bench to take a break before continuing uphill to the Ridgetop picnic area. This is another nice spot to take a break and have a snack as there is a bench and a picnic table.

climbing up the way up trail
start of hike at Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve
big steps up
nice view at Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve
Harmony Grove Overlook
Karlie at the Ridgetop Picnic area
Andie and Karlie at Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve
Sunny and Andie at Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve

After a short rest we continued on the Ridgeline Maintenance Road to the Escondido Overlook and then started on several trails that followed the Olivenhaim Reservoir. The views of the water from most of these trails were amazing, but the trails were not for the faint of heart. They were mostly uphill with a lot of rocks on them. Although they were challenging on the way up, they were much more treacherous on the way down. Hiking poles would be helpful and shoes with good traction are a must.

more uphill climbing
more climbing
Sunny and the Olivenhaim Reservoir

the way back down at Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve
downhill climbing

Due to the remoteness of these trails it is important to know what trail you are on. Signage through the reserve is fantastic including trail signs and mileage as well as sign markers letting you know where you are on each trail. This would be especially helpful if you needed to call the Forest Ranger for assistance. Before starting to hike there is an information sign indicating who to call in an emergency and requesting that you take a photo of it.

Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve trail signs
location trail sign
emergency numbers

Sunny’s Perspective

This place is fantastic! There are amazing smells and so many cool trails. I really liked jumping up all the steps and climbing. Going downhill was not as fun because Andie would not let me go too fast. At the end we explored and even climbed some stones across the creek which was so fun.

Sunny and Andie at the creek
Karlie at the creek

Our Rating

Sunny, Karlie, and I give Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve four paws out of four paws up. It has everything we love – challenging trails, amazing views, a water feature, miles of trails, great parking, and a porto-potty. The other great thing is although it is a popular place to visit we felt like we mostly had the trails to ourselves. It should be noted that the trails are rugged and steep so this is not recommended for those with breathing, heart, or stability issues. There are also steep drop offs so it is not recommended for small children. And dogs must be kept on a 6-foot leash (no flexi-leashes).

How Do I Get There?

There are two parking areas – the main lot at 8833 Harmony Grove Road and the overflow lot which is near 8574 Harmony Grove Road. From I-15 take the E. Via Rancho Parkway exit and turn left. Continue for 3.3M and turn right onto Del Dios Road which turns into W. Valley Parkway. After .4M turn left onto Citracado Parkway and continue for .6M before turning left onto Harmony Grove Village Parkway. After .4M turn left onto Harmony Grove Road. Continue another 2.2M and then turn left into the main parking lot. If this lot is full, turn right onto Harmony Grove Road and look for the yellow metal gate.

For additional information check out:

Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve

Trail Map

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