We recently visited the Louis A Stelzer County Park in Lakeside and found a wonderful place for picnics, exploring, and hiking. The park has a nice area for kids with playground equipment and paved trails, but it also has a section of wooded and dirt trails. That’s where we headed after a quick stop at the restrooms.
The entrance to the park and trails is just past the information sign and map. It starts with an asphalt trail that leads into the park toward the playground equipment and restrooms. We followed that trail and then headed to the right past a cool tree trunk and a trail sign. Shortly after that we found dirt trails that lead toward the hills.
At first the trail meandered through a wooded area, but soon it opened up to a dirt trail up the hill and with views of hills in the background. We liked that because it was more like a typical San Diego area trail with rocks and pretty views. The climb was not too strenuous, but still gave nice views of the hills and mountains in the background. We hiked for about 1.5M and then turned around headed back to the park.
Our Rating
Sunny and I give Louis A Stelzer County Park 3 out of 4 paws. It’s a nice area with trails that aren’t too difficult, but allow you to escape into nature. There is a restroom in the park and a parking lot. There is a $5 fee to park and plenty of areas for kids to play and to have a picnic.
How Do I Get There?
From CA-52 take exit 18C and merge onto CA-67N toward Ramona. After just over 3.5M turn right onto Mapleview St. Continue for .3M and then turn left onto Ashwood St. After 1M it turns into Wildcat Canyon Road and a mile later you will see the entrance to the parking lot on the right.
For more information about Louis A Stelzer County Park check out these websites.