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Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve
Rating Details »
8833 Harmony Grove Road
Escondido, CA 92024
(760) 753-6466
Escondido, CA 92024
(760) 753-6466
- Good for Kids:
- No
5 reviews for Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve
An enjoyable hike every time. If you've never been, pace yourself on The Way Up Trail, take your time and enjoy the foliage and views as you ascend the switchbacks. I don't recommend the Botanical Trail unless you're really in to Botany, looking for a very short hike, or just feel the need to extend your hike on the way down. There's a small water crossing towards the bottom and it's not maintained so expect to do a little rock hopping.
There really are some great viewpoints at this reserve. I've been hiking it for years and have taken every trail numerous times. The Lake Hodges Overlook is my favorite. You can see so far, watch the boats motoring around Lake Hodges. I almost get a little dizzy at times because there's so much to take in and look it. If you've made it that far and have the energy for another 3/4's mile, I suggest taking the Lake Hodges Overlook Trail loop just to add to the experience, it takes you fairly close to the water - at this point I am so tempted to jump in and cool down! Bringing water for the hike isn't really necessary because they have drinking water fountains spread throughout, just grab a map at the trail head to locate them. The Elfin Forest Overlook is another wonderful sight on a clear day. You can do a 360 and see everything from Escondido to San Marcos to Carlsbad to Rancho Santa Fe.
All in all, it's a nice escape from the city and is in center of North County so it's fairly close to everyone in these parts. The only bummer is the power lines...
This is a great leisurely hike for about 2.5 hours up and back if you keep going as far as you can up the different path options you'll have once you hike up to the first view point about 1.5 miles up. There are a lot of vista points to take in gorgeous views of Lake Hodges and some awesome green hills that you wouldn't think would exist in SD. The entrance to the hike is a stream you have to hop some rocks to get over. It's good fun and not so hard but a good picture taking event. Although it is called a "forest", none of the trail is really shaded with trees. Lots of picnic areas at the tops if you want to hike up with a picnic basket. I even saw a group with a mini grill and a full on set up. I would do this one again. It's right at the beginning of Escondido if you are coming from the south and easy to find once you exit.
According to my heart rate monitor, I burned a good 1250 calories in a 2.5 hour time frame, even with little breaks at vista points along the way.
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Like Goldilocks and the Three Bears, this is a good intremediate-level workout. Mount Woodson takes way too long and I'm beat afterwards, Mission Trails is too flat to work up a sweat., this is just right. A good place to get some exercise if you happen to be in North County.
Bonus for the Chevron station that's got cheap gas on the way there.
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Sunday morning rolled around, but the boy and I slept in. Yes, 8:30 for us is sleeping in and we're okay with that. He caught up on the morning news while I baked some apple flapjacks. Around 10, we decided to hop in the Westie, pick up the pup from my mom's place, and head over to Elfin Forest for some hiking in the sun. And boy, was there sun! I've got a pretty little souvenir on my shoulders. We adventured on the "Way Up" trail. No lies, it IS a way up trail! It's so pretty though... tons of different plants, all flowering in the Spring, and incredible views! When we reached the top of the mountain, we had several different forks in the road to choose from... we decided to head over to Lake Hodges. The dog did some swimming while he and i ate a couple of apples on a log. By the time we got back home, we were exhausted and enjoyed a 3 hour nap. Just in time to wake up to Sunday night cartoons on Fox and Chinese leftovers for dinner. Now that's what I call a FUN-tastic Sunday!
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If you're looking for switchbacks and an incline that goes on for about 1.5 miles, then this is the hike for you! At the start of the trail, there is a wooden box for walking sticks and since one can come in use here, I'd suggest taking it if there's one in there. It's pretty dry and there's lots of rocks, but it is a good hike up to the top of the reservoir. You can take your dogs too, as long as they are leashed. I'd recommend bringing your own poop bags though, since the blue ones that are provided are perfumed and get in the way of smelling the brush and such. Also, if you don't like the heat, go around 2 or 3 and you can walk up a lot of the trail in the shade.
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