I like the view but the only thing that I didn't know which didn't mention on the reviews is that it's not good for strollers. read more

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Would give the Del Dios trail itself at least a four out of five, but given all the other trails that are accessible from the end of this trail, the over all hiking and exploration of this area with the Lake Hodges view might earn the combined trails in this area a five if there were more greenery or overhanging dense trees. The Del Dios Highlands trail itself is more of a hard packed dirt walking path than a hiking trail, but is challenging because of its steepness (towards the end the equivalent incline of an intermediate-advanced ski chute) and more or less continual upwards grade. There is no warm up and the incline starts right from the dirt parking area (behind the gate - closes at 4:30pm don't get locked in), and other than some short level portions is 1.3 miles of continuous uphill to the summit. Once we got to the summit we kept going on the trail, around and down to the Lake Hodge Overlook trail which we took not to its conclusion, but close, and then back to the summit and back down the Del Dios trail, making the total hike 6 miles. We didn't stop much and made the walk in about 2 1/2 hours. If we had had more time or the inclination, we could have explored other trails, including one that goes to the Harmony Grove parking lot. But as far as getting back to the exact Del Dios Preserve parking lot, the only way back is the same way in. Dogs must be kept on maximum 6 foot leashes and please bag and Remove from the trail your dog's poop - hate seeing any of that on the trail! Great experience, worth exploring, especially on a moderate sunny 70s day. read more

This is the Del Dios Highlands Trail. This is a 2.6 mile Up and Down hike that ends at the entrance to the Elfin Forest Trail system. This was a bit tougher than I was expecting as this trail goes straight up the side of a small mountain. Not fun on a hot August afternoon. The trail is very gravely, and it's slippery on the way down if you're not wearing the right shoes. Trail is wide with a few viewpoints along the way. Near the end of his trail there is viewpoint #2 with a placard stating "Peaks of Interest" . This stupid sign shows Harmony Grove as a green meadow, but as your look past the placard you see that Harmony Grove has been destroyed and replaced with a mega housing development. They need to update the placard to show homes, not a field and cows... Tip - If you're planning on venturing into the Elfin Forest trails be sure to leave breadcrumbs to lead you back to the Del Dios Highlands trail. It's easy to miss because it's hidden and not marked..Its also not marked on any of the Elfin Forrest maps. - Because of the steep 1.3 mile hike up, I'm not sure this is good for small kids or pets. read more

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This review is strictly about the steep hill climb. I love it for a quick intense workout. The gates open at 8am which isn't helpful since usually the heat has started around then. If you park across the street just beware that people frequent that lot and break into cars. I would just wait until 8 and leave all valuables at home. The hill is STEEP so unless your pet is used to hikes do not bring them. If you do bring water for both of you. I just go up the hill past the gate to the view of the dam then turn around and run back down. With that don't sprint down. You will probably fall. Its slippery and has loose gravel all over the trail. Anywho if you like hills or just looking for a good workout without the gym this is a great one! read more

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Been here three times and I find this trail challenging but very doable. Like the other reviewers have noted, the trail takes you on an immediate incline from the entrance and gradually becomes steeper as you progress along. The steepest part comes right before the summit and really takes some effort. The views are great when you do get to the top, the view of Del Dios reservoir is spectacular. Coming back down the trail is probably my least favorite part of the hike because the gravel is slippery and the decline is sharp. I recommend crisscrossing the trail to prevent falling. All in all, you'll get a nice workout and great views from this trail. read more

Del Dios Highlands County Preserve - Olivenhain Dam - Hiking Near Me - Escondido, California

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This is a great workout trail that connects to the Elfin Forrest Preserve. It is super near my parents house and we line to hike, trail run and explore the area. Depending on the clarity of the view, you can see all the major peaks and the Pacific Ocean! The preserve opens each day around 8 am. If you come before it opens, you can park across the highway. Cars go fast though so be safe! The first mile of the main trail is uphill. However, there is another trail you can take from the parking area! This one is more steep. When you get up the first big incline, there are more trails to explore! It's easy to do a couple of miles but you can also just do a quick up and down. This is a dog friendly trail but they need to be on leashes. Please pick up your dogs waste! Enjoy the views, fresh air and exercise! read more

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The Del Dios Preserve connects to other preserves and trails so you can make this a short hike or a long trek. This review is primarily on the Del Dios Highland section which is a 3.0 round trip trail from the parking area to the top of the mountain where you can connect to other trails or return. This is not a hike for the faint of heart it is 1.5 miles of up hill battle some areas are very steep, all are on a good wide dirt trail. If you only want a short trip take the trail for about 1/4 mile and then take a left to the end of the point. Great boulders to sit and have a picnic and over looks the lake. If you are more adventurous continue to the top. Thank the eagle scout who put the bench in about 1/2 way. There is no water on the trail so take plenty in the summer this is a very, very hot area with little or no shade. When you get to the top, on a good day you can see the ocean and all the way up to the mountains past L.A. and you can see Lake Hodges to your east. The hike down is exactly that downhill, watch your footing on the steepest slopes as the dg is loose. I would recommend this hike in the early morning, would make a great sunrise or late afternoon, you can get awesome sunsets. read more

Del Dios Highlands County Preserve - Be careful you can miss the road to parking fairly easily. - Hiking Near Me - Escondido, California

I have a love/hate relationship with these trails! I'm kidding, but some of these hikes kick my rear! Seriously though, this area is gorgeous! There is a trail for everyone and all abilities. The lake views are stunning! It's also a great area to bring your dogs for a hike! Enjoy...but watch out for snakes. read more

Del Dios Highlands County Preserve - Gorgeous views!! - Hiking Near Me - Escondido, California

A nice place to get a good uphill workout for your legs! A pretty short trail to the top but if you want a long hike you can loop around to elfin forest and come back.but overall a chill hike.beginners might struggle going uphills since their pretty steep.but do your best n forget the rest! read more

The second half mile may break your heart, but awesome views when you get to the top. Hat, sunblock, and water are required, as there is minimal shade. read more

Del Dios Highlands County Preserve - Hiking Near Me - Escondido, California

great steep hike. be ware that thieves break into cars. we parked across the highway as we arrived before 8. when we came back we saw 4 cars with broken windows. what a shame. won't come back. read more