Went on a morning hike with friends. There's a small parking lot, and the trail we took along the lake was flat and easy. The scenery was nice, and we came across both hikers and bikers along the way. read more

Lake Hodges Reservoir - Lakes Near Me - Escondido, California

Excellent place to go hiking. It's hard to go wrong with any trail that loops around the lake with magnificent views. Out of all the trails, I highly recommend Fletcher Point: https://hiddensandiego.com/things-to-do/places/fletcher-point Fletcher Point takes you across a peninsula with excellent views. 10/10 would recommend. read more

Lake Hodges Reservoir - Lakes Near Me - Escondido, California

Dirt trails along the water or with a water view. The upper trail is pretty well maintained. The lower trails having vegetation and narrow passage. Free parking lot. Gets crowded with locals. People fishing and although dogs are supposed to be leashed many are running ahead of owners with leashes. There was someone operating a noisy drone which ruined the peaceful atmosphere. Lots of people walking and a few fishing. read more

Wanted to take my two boys for a nice walk. We parked on Lake Dr (free) near the metal dragon art statue and walked toward the lake using trails. Our first time here and lots of unknowns, we were winging it. Wow, what a beautiful day. So cool to check out the lake houses, beautiful plants and wildlife. We encountered horse droppings, cyclists, and other people walking and enjoying the scenery, but not crowded by any means. It was such a cool experience taking a trail out to the lake through the dead brush that once lived beneath the water's surface. We are looking forward to going back! read more

Lake Hodges Reservoir - Lakes Near Me - Escondido, California

Lake Hodges was formed by the Lake Hodges Dam on the San Diequito River. The area around the Lake Hodges is one of my favorite places in North County. Sadly, the Lake is considerably smaller that we moved here 20+ years ago because of droughts and Dam repairs. Recently, the Lake Hodges Dam has been found to have very serious problems that will require significant reconstruction or replacement. The water level will kept at the 280 foot level,, which reduces the area for boating and other water sports. It may be 2034 before the Lake returns to "normal". Still, this is a nice place for picnicing, hiking, biking, and just enjoying nature. read more

This is a pretty location, I'm not quite sure if you can enter? It looks like it's open to people that fish or have boats? Anyway, we took a big loop around the reservoir in the car and it was pretty. The rural houses have cute signs and statues. read more

It's good trail to walk but not well with stroller as the trail is very thin and rocky. But there is allot of parking. read more

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This is long overdue and John, who helped us on the day we went, has probably helped TONS more people since our visit in March! It was actually John's first day (the day we took a visit here) and he took us out to the boat we rented for a few hours. He took us out on his boat to get to our boat (that we would be taking around) and he was just the nicest guy. Talked stories with us, very personable, super helpful. After he got us suited up in life vests and dropped us to our boat, he told us to call him when we got back to that drop off area so he could bring us back to shore. It was early in the am, around 8, and we rode around for about an hour, the lake was just beautiful. There were some other boats around fishing so we were careful not to be obnoxious and speed past them. It wasn't totally relaxing since I didn't have 100% faith in my husband. I was scared we were gonna somehow tip over and end up in the lake. I mean it was his first time driving a boat so I really didn't know what to expect. We all had a great time tho. It's always great to try new things, especially when you're on vacation! read more

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We took the simple straight route from the parking lot at the corner of Date and Lake (parking lot itself is currently closed - parking available across the street in dirt lot), out a few miles to a scenic spot by the lake - and back. This trail was used more by dirt bikes than humans the Sunday we were on it. Facial masks mandatory during coronavirus pandemic. We didn't go quite to Rattlesnake ViewPoint (about 3.8 miles out) that day, but where we stopped to enjoy the lake was desolate and picturesque. read more

If you go west - 2.5 miles, you end up at a dead end (the dam). Go east and you you are up for a real challenge. There's porta potty, picnic tables at the (free) parking-lot. Remember to pack lots of snacks & water... even though there's a little shack that sells baits etc it's on the other side of the road.... I saw lots lots of bikers....few hikers... dogs on leash. Terrain was mostly rock free and smooth. It was a very nice visit with plenty of super friendly people read more

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While the waters receded years ago, there are still plenty of cool things to see and explore around the perimeter of the lake. Your best best is to hike along the Coast to Crest Trail.. Enjoy! - Coast to Crest trail http://www.yelp.com/biz/coast-to-crest-trail-escondido - Bernardo Mountain http://www.yelp.com/biz/bernardo-mountain-escondido - Lake Hodges Pedestrian Suspension Bridge http://www.yelp.com/biz/lake-hodges-pedestrian-suspension-bridge-escondido If the lake parking lot is closed, there is parking available year round at the Sikes Adobe Historic Farmstead. (Pack and Park lots) read more

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Since our tax dollars paid for this David Kreitzer Lake Hodges Bicycle/Pedestrian Bridge, why not check it out? Came to Lake Hodges for a training run, and started at the parking area at the top of W. Bernardo Drive. The initial trail was nice and open. Friendly walkers, runners, bicyclists and cute dogs on the trail. The trail splits and decided to run alongside the south part of the lake to get to the bridge. There were boats, fishermen and ducks throughout the lake. Serene, peaceful and bugs plentiful! The trail became narrow and the terrain got a little tough. With the bridge in plain sight, I was really excited to have gone semi-circle around the lake. As I ran uphill on this narrow path, all of a sudden I saw the rattle from a rattle snake on the trail. I came to a complete stop and froze. I told my training partner that there was no way I was going any farther, and was willing to go back the 2 miles we had already ran. There was a group behind us, and they volunteered to go ahead of us and for us to follow. We followed reluctantly, but now I have visions of rattles in my head. Finished the trail and decided to cross the bridge and run alongside the 15 freeway, which is the east part of Lake Hodges. Concrete terrain but I felt more comfortable. Did almost 4 miles, and felt good thereafter. Should you decide to attempt Lake Hodges, be mindful of your surroundings, wear sunscreen and bug spray, and go in two-sies or a group! read more

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I must take a drive by the lake more often. It's so beautiful. Decided to go for a little walk over the weekend. I really shouldn't walk on hiking trails but I love the scenery. I think I tripped about three times during my walk. The parking lot was closed for some reason but I decided to follow this other car. There is a place to park across from Hernandez Hideaway and it has access to the trails at that area. Lots of people biking and hiking and everyone is so friendly. I think next time I want to take a walk near the dam. The walk by the pedestrian bridge is also a nice walk. I also love taking del dios highway just to drive by the lake. So beautiful to see. read more

Lake Hodges Reservoir - Lakes Near Me - Escondido, California

They advertise kayaks for rent but only have 2 singles available. They used to have many more but as the kayaks deteriorated with age and had to be taken out of service there have been NO REPLACEMENTS!! Very disappointing! read more

phone number on all websites is disconnected fun to kayak, walk, view birds. open wednesday, friday, saturday. except the third wednesday of the month is also closed. read more

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This lake is a hidden gem and its gorgeous! We only came across it because I was looking at the navigation system in our Jeep. My fiancé and I had wanted to go fishing in the area but didn't search any lakes, so when I came across this I told him to get off on the next exit. Getting down to the lake was a little bit of work but so worth it. So tranquil and relaxing, we fished for a couple of hours into sunset. Such a peaceful moment, there were only a few others fishing and a family was there on the canoes. We have already discussed returning to the lake with our family and possibly having a picnic. Must see stop! read more

A great hike in South Esco! Park up the hill & then head down to the bridge that crosses the lake. Sometimes, there may even be water in that lake. Once you cross the bridge, head left and then get ready to enjoy a good walk. You can tailor this hike to your preferences. There are multiple off-shoots from the main trail so you have a lot of options. Mountain bikers use these trails frequently, so keep your eyes and ears out for them! read more

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We have been kayaking, fishing on the cove and just last weekend rented a boat. Easy process to rent a boat Not crowded Wasn't crowded at all for a Saturday Didn't catch anything but I was just there to work on my tan! You can rent a boat for $75 entire day or $35 for the first two hours and $10 each additional hour! Don't forget to make sure your boat has an anchor! read more

This is a lovely, small lake with a great level hiking/biking path. It's the perfect trail for a child on their mountain bike or a novice mountain biker. I'm excited to kayak on the lake once it's season. read more

This unique area provides some absolutely wonderful hiking opportunities, and is a bit of a must see for North County inland hikers. Here's why: - Epic views to be had of the reservoir. - Access to Mt. Bernardo - Pictograph rock art by the Kumeyaay Indians. - Boulders galore - Glorious Oak Trees - A waterfall What more do you need? Want to really go deep? Okay, I don't reccomend it as the trail is technically closed for rehabitation purposes but if you follow the Piedra Pintadas Trail around the southeast portion of the reservoir you'll reach the mini-peak in the middle of the peninsula. Great views, especially to the west. Happy Hiking. -Justin read more

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I love hiking around Lake Hodges, so far I have been there 4 or 5 times since we moved here. The view always puts a big smile on my face. If you walk alone, I recommend that you carry a bell so it can keep rattlesnakes away from you. read more

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Peaceful and Quiet.... So beautiful! This makes me feel like I'm back in the midwest. The nature is great! I wish I had my fishing pole, I just stopped here randomly and I'm glad I did. Free to park if you are just exploring but if you are fishing u need a license and pay a fee for the lake. Not sure about if your going to the boat dock side, I didn't get to check that side out. I love the street to get there with all the cool trees. read more

Lake Hodges Reservoir - Fishing area - Lakes Near Me - Escondido, California

Lake Hodges is a beautiful Oasis right in the center of North County. Just south of Escondido and just beyond Rancho Sante Fe off of Del Dios Hwy, Lake Hodges has something for everyone looking to escape the madness of everyday life. A great fishing Mecca sporting an abundant largemouth bass population. The lake is open Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays, dawn to dusk during the months of February through October. You can rent boats here or bring your own a pay a small ramp fee. You can even bring a tube that fits their requirements. There is a tackle shop and possibly guided tours. You can't swim in the lake because it's a reservoir. There are also numerous hiking trails and beginner mountain biking routes. By the way, there is a monster called Hodgee that lives in this lake similar to Mr. Lochness. read more

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Lake Hodges is a beautiful lake. Went hiking here with my family over Christmas. I've been fishing here many times as a kid. If you want to get out of town and enjoy nature, this is a nice place to go. We parked off the road in a decent sized dirt lot that was free. read more

Lake Hodges Reservoir - Lakes Near Me - Escondido, California

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have been here with my family when visiting San Diego! It is a beautiful set of trails. I have never been here for boating or used the facilities at all so this review is for the hiking, mountain biking and running trails. The last trip I was here and my dad and I did the 10 or so mile hike to and from Mount Bernardo. This trip, we went on a 4-5 mile loop starting to by taking a left at the parking to entrance. This was a good one for families as it is flat and manageable. The trails are all clear and well-marked. Most of them are wide with plenty of room to hike next to someone and talk throughout the hike! When you head up the side of the mountain, the trail becomes more rocky and narrow. Here you really have to keep an ear out for mountain bikers but most have bells so that you can hear them coming. There are beautiful views of the reservoir throughout the hike. Bring sunscreen or sun protective clothing and plenty of the water because the trail is in full sun. Dogs are allowed on a leash. I believe horses are allowed also although we haven't seen them on the trails. As always, stay on the trails because there is a lot of habitat restoration going on. In addition, make sure to pack out any trash you take in. there are trash cans at the beginning of the hike at the parking lot. Happy hiking! read more

Love this place, and hike. There are so many options, the trails are well maintained and the lake is beautiful. I get caught up in the beauty of the nature around me and forget I am walking. I can go miles here without wanting to stop. One side is more flat terrain and the other side is more hilly, so you can choose a side. I prefer the flatter long, terrain which includes a parking lot. Free and across the street from Hernandez HIdeway which I have bookmarked for an after hike stop in next time. If you see the sign with the different trails and marker then you are starting where I did. Have fun, take water and look out for critters! read more

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Got in early in the morning hoping to get out and rent a boat w my girlfriend. 2020 season was a bust. unfortunately this place is too, if you wanna rent a boat. boat handler likes to take his break at 7am then not return to work. so after being told upon arrival he will be back in 45 mins. cashier then tells us it will be another 45 mins for him to be back. I will never come here to rent a boat again. ended up leaving missed out on prime fishing time... I will not return....))) read more

Lake Hodges Reservoir - Lakes Near Me - Escondido, California

Excellent open space with a handful of easy to moderate hikes. Shade is minimal. Parking is sort of crappy - if you arrive early the parking lot is closed. If you park on the side of the road, do it at your own risk. Even if you park legally they will leave a passive-aggressive note on your car. I recommend using the All Trails app to find your route in this park. read more

When people think of San Diego, they probably think of palm trees, beaches and sun! I'm pretty sure they don't think of Lake Hodges and all the natural beauty that surrounds. I've lived in north county for nearly a decade..and I even forget. My Team in Training friends went on another gnarly ride over the weekend and headed up to Lake Hodges from the coast. While the roads to get up here are uphill, narrow and windy, it's also one of my favorite cycling routes. Scenic, tough and worth the trip. To prepare for my upcoming triathlon, we have our shoes waiting for us at Lake Hodges and we headed out for a run along the trails. I haven't been in the area in the last year but immediately remembered how much I loved running along these trails. You really have to watch your footing and share the trail with mountain bikers but it's just a fun and beautiful area to come for a hike, walk or run. The dam was even overflowing which I had not seen before so it was pretty cool to see. If you're into mountain biking, running, walking--definitely hit this area up. Since it's a bit inland, it can get a little hot so bring hydration, but it's a fun and worth the trip. On the day we went, the weather just happened to be absolutely perfect! read more

I have always seen that mysterious bridge next to the 15 and today on my day off, my boyfriend and I decided to head on over to see what it was all about. Funny enough, we didn't even step foot on the bridge. We exited North Bernardo Dr and we parked as close as we could to the bridge. We headed towards the path and took the pathway that headed west and was immediately to our left. We later found out this is called the Piedras Pintadas trail. The trail was super easy to walk and it was beautiful!! When we got to the lake, it was like we were in another world. Words cannot describe how serene and peaceful it was. It was nice because there were barely any other people around, just a couple bikers and then that was it. My boyfriend and I hiked a bit down to the shore of the lake and laid in the sand for awhile. It was quiet and peaceful and really was an experience like no other. The whole trail was very easy to walk, and took us a couple hours but that is because we went off trail exploring. We ended up at the RB recreation center, and trekked on the main road back to the car. I would recommend bringing a buddy bc it sure is quiet and desolate out there. 5 stars for perfect phone reception the whole time! :D read more

Lake Hodges is really beautiful, and unexpected. I'm used to the other lakes around town (Miramar, Murray, etc) that are paved trailways around a lake. Hodges is different, at least on the north east side. It's actual dirt trails that go around (and across thanks to the bridge) a lake. Or, at least, it's sometimes a lake. Either way, it's a nice place to run and/or ride. I wouldn't go on my own because it seems rather desolate in some places, but I also won't go on many of the Balboa Park trails without company, so I tend to be more risk-adverse than most. read more

Lake Hodges Reservoir - View from the pedestrian bridge - Lakes Near Me - Escondido, California

Lake Hodges is the best. It has everything a mountain biker can ask for. I went there today and road a new path from Hernandez Hideaway past the dam and into the Rancho Santa Fe area. It was challenging, technical, lots of incline and lots of switchbacks. Here's the path: http://goo.gl/2pgE1 Here's another popular route: http://goo.gl/17UpJ And one more: http://goo.gl/CGCoL :) read more

Lake Hodges is located right off of the 15 freeway in Rancho Bernardo. Who knew such a serene and beautiful place lies right off the interstate. As tranquil as Lake Hodges is, it's bustling with people. There are always people there at all hours of the day. It's a great place to get a little exercise and do a little nature watch. My friend and I decided to take a walk along Lake Hodges one morning. It was a beautiful day and we walked over the bridge and took a left at the end. From there we took our time and walked past a creek and kept on trucking. About an hour into our walk, we decided it was about time to turn back around and go back the way we came. I think we almost made it to Del Dios Highway even with our slow pace. The people you pass on your way are all very friendly and most of them are local to the area. Since the area around the lake is pretty big, I suggest safety in numbers, even in broad daylight. It can get pretty sunny out there so be sure to put on some sunblock and be weary of your clothing. I got a gnarly tan line from my tank top on the day I went... that didn't make me a happy camper, so if you care about that kind of stuff then learn from my mistakes. read more

Absolutely one of our favorite hikes. Moderate around the picturesque lake, then a nice workout up to the top of the mountain. Bring trail snacks & a light lunch and enjoy the breezy view like hubby & I do on the benches & rocks at the top. Then, for the hardy, attack the narrow trails which spine the peaks for as far as your adventurous spirit (and lungs) will take you. One of the many nice & unique places it is easy to take for granted if you live in lovely San Diego. Just do it! (p.s., do go early in the a.m. between April through November, unless you can carry as much water as you will sweat - too hot around noon through late afternoon, and too wild to get caught there at dusk or later). read more

Love to hike around the Lake,lots of wild flowers in early Spring...Some Pelicans on the lake. I saw a Bobcat (harmless). The ocasional roadrunner will run by. I even saw a Bald Eagle!!! Bring water for you and your pet (a snack would be good too). Update: As of June 25, 2018 The American Bald Eagle is still flying high around the lake...look high in the sky and look for the Eagle with the white head, and a white tail!!! I park, at the park in Rancho Bernardo, by the tennis courts. Look for the entrance to the lake and veer left at the bulitin board. The best time is, when the winds pick up, about 11:00 to 1:00. As the trail gets closer to lake, look high in the sky!!! read more

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This lake is long! There are so many trails every where. There are even hill tops you can climb. I was only able to spend a little a mount of time going around a small portion of the lake, but i was amazed by the amount of different birds around the area. I didn't see many people hiking, but there are a lot of cyclist riding the trails. I haven't seen much of what this lake has to offers, but I will make sure to come back when i have more time to hike and site seeing. This is a nice place when you can walk by the lake side and enjoy your surrounding atmosphere . read more

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It is great place for a 5-hour hike at a very easy pace. I went on 01/18/2014. It was 80F but I felt it was much cooler. I would suggest hike close the water when it is possible. I only hiked on one side the reservoir. I will try the other side next hike. I may say it is better to hike with a friend or two. Please bring enough water or drinks and paste a health layer of sunscreen cream. Wear sun glasses and sun protection clothing and low heel hiking boots. read more

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Been taking my bike out here for just over two years. Can get hot in the summer time, but nice easy to moderate trails. Pretty views of the lake and feels like your far away from home :) if you ride up to the marina go left not right to stay on the bike trails. If you go left it takes you to some very narrow, what I think would be hiking trails. read more

Lake Hodges Reservoir - Gonna take the bike out.. - Lakes Near Me - Escondido, California

I came here for a photo op and wanted to get the beautiful scenery of this place. I got really lucky and came on a day when the dam was overflowing. It looked like a waterfall, gorgeous! The hike here is very worth it and breathtaking and peaceful. Watch out for bees and small bugs that sting. It's so sad to see that some of the areas have been affected by the fire years ago. The best time to come here is when the sun is setting. The sky is absolutely beautiful and reflects so well off the lake. read more

My friends and I parked at the Del Dios Community Park, planning to climb the Bernardo mountain, but for lack-of sense of direction (on my part, I'll admit), we went the opposite-way, and ended up walking along the reservoir, and arriving a the dam. Oh my goodness. Honestly, the reservoir isn't really worth making a trip to if you don't go all the way to the end. Sure, you have to travel on narrow roads, frequently have to yield to packs of bicyclists, and have barbed fences all-around, reminding you that you haven't really escaped into nature, but once you arrive at the dam, you'll know it was all well worth it. Even in 95 degree weather. Note that there are no physical boundaries from keeping you from making the dam your big-kid playground. ...I'm not saying whether or not we actually climbed anything, or if it's permissible, but just saying... there's nothing (immediately) stopping you. read more