Beautiful day for an easy walk/hike at San Dieguito River Park! There are a few different trails to choose from. I opted for an easy out-and-back route that was just under 4 miles total with a little over 200 feet of elevation gain. The trail is well maintained and offers some really nice views along the way. Perfect spot if you're looking for something scenic and not too strenuous. Would definitely come back! read more

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Super cool and exciting trails! 10min from Ramona, kinda of a hidden gem (locals know). Room for horses, bikes, dogs on leach and humans. We heard plenty of woodpeckers, saw a few rabbits and enjoyed the peaceful valley! Make sure you bring plenty of water Cell signal really spotty - download the map prior to heading out read more

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Nice little park to hike around Lake Hodges. Generally very quiet and a easy-to-moderate hike. Excellent views. read more

San Dieguito River Park - Hiking Near Me - Escondido, California

I did not like this trail not good, very bad. I was scared, too many sticks. Maybe... if we could have fewer people walking their dogs looking down at their phones and I miss the old ways things used to be where a "howdy" or "good morning" wouldnt hurt. read more

Very cool hidden trail in RB. It is wide open, fairly fat and large walking trails. The interesting part of the trail is all of the rocks with plaques. They give some history on the area and who lived here hundreds/thousands of years ago. Nice walk/hike area and some nice history lessons. read more

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I've been a long-time visitor to San Dieguito River Park in Del Mar, but I've passed signs for this end near Escondido for years. Finally, I decided to stop here for a picnic lunch on our way up I-15. My first impression was disappointment ... large unpaved parking lot and nowhere to picnic other than in our car. I had heard about the hiking trails, so I decided to check them out -- a much nicer experience, starting with the informative Trail Head kiosk. From what I could see, there are no public restrooms read more

Excellent hike for kids and pets, easy trail with beautiful views of Lake Hodges. Enter Rancho Community Park, small parking lot right across from trailhead. Maps available and information about the area, birds, and wildlife on the trail head board. There are several trails to choose. To the far left is a trail closer the water, very level, easy, and loops around to the far right. The middle trail is more steep and leads to a beautiful vista of the lake and surrounding area. Once you reach the top, short hike, there is a bench to sit and enjoy the view. You will see a keep out sign and that is the end, it doesn't loop. Bring water and sunscreen, there is no shade. Be careful of climbing on rocks they may be unstable. No smoking, it is very dry. read more

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I've never reviewed or written about the Crest to Coast Trail that runs along Lake Hodges. I thought perhaps it had enough publicity, but I just had a change of heart because I think families and locals can use some tips on safe places to take themselves or loved ones during these unsettled times. Masks are required and it's not a tasking, heavy breathing, steep hike so the mask isn't too much a nuisance (as it is keeping everyone safe). You can have long stretches and more than six feet from one another on the trail too so mask breaks are safe as well. It is beautiful here. Wild life everywhere. Takes a few minutes to get past the sound of the highway. When you do though the scenery is pretty stunning around the Lake. Today we saw quail, condors, egrets and a rattle snake. Most snakes aren't coiled or hunting during the day and mind their own business, just stay out of their way and they'll stay out of yours. Get an early start in on Sundays and stop at the Farmers Market for local coffee, veg, eggs or various other local homemade products. It's a peaceful, rejuvenating way to start your day! read more

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We parked at the Rancho Bernardo Community Park and took the narrow dirt trail (part of the Piedras Pintadas trail) parallel to W Bernado Dr., until it hit W Bernardo Dr. itself, then across the Lake Hodges Bridge and left along Mission Road / San Dieguito River Trail to the Lake Hodges Boat Launching Area. On the way back we took the higher elevation short trail that cuts across the side of the hill, to merge back with the San Dieguito River Trail. A relatively easy hike, not much grade during most of it. About 7 miles round trip. Lot of dirt bike traffic. Masks are currently mandatory. Great lake, stream and hill views. Enjoyable hike. read more

I've been coming to different trails in the San Dieguito River park as often as I can. The river park has more than 65 miles of trails. I've only been to the ones within a short distance from my house so all close to Escondido. The coast to crest trail at Mule hill is pretty cool. I wanted to go on that trail because I went to the San Pasqual battle field and they talked about mule hill when I made my visit. I was on this learning history phase that day which is always fun. When you are on the trail to see mule hill they have signs explaining the battle. It's a very easy trail to start off on when you aren't much of a hiker like me. The bernardo bay trails are really cool. The view is great with lake hodges. I saw a tarantula recently at the trailhead! It was so cool. Piedras Pintadas trail is nice. There are signs exploring the life of the Kumeyaay Indians. There is a little waterfall which is beautiful when there is some flowing water. There was more water when I went in January and barely any flowing when I went last week. Lol. I do love this trail in the spring time because of the flowers blooming. So beautiful! The hike across the Lake Hodges pedestrian bridge is pretty easy. I like to keep going up until I get to the Felicita Creek. It's very easy. I used to look for little frogs under the bridge when I would go with my friends. I want to explore more trails within the River Park. Always great to get outdoors and explore. read more

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The San Dieguito River Park is a natural open space in the San Dieguito River Valley. What you're probably most interested in are the park's numerous hiking trails. The granddaddy of all of the trails is the Coast to Crest Trail. Starting near the coast in Del Mar and ending up in Julian ( not a complete trail at this point). This trail is wonderful for exercise and exploration through the various ecosystems and their diverse wildlife. The location marker for this yelp page is the second trail parking lot off Highland in Escondido. From this trail parking lot is a divergence of two trail systems. One heads into Poway via the Old Coach trail system, while the other keeps on the Coast to Crest Trail. I've documented some of the stops you can take on the Coast to Crest Trail below. Coast to Crest Trail ( And all trails in-between) http://www.yelp.com/biz/coast-to-crest-trail-escondido (San Pasqual Trails) Starting Form the Sikes Adobe Farmstead ( Next to Westfield North County Mall) you can walk the relatively easy hiking trail to historic Mule Hill. If you continue down the trail you'll walk past Be Wise Farms, and eventually make it to the Raptor Viewpoint where you can see the Safari Park in the background. - Snakes - Coyotes yip and can be seen around dusk. - Deer (Lake Hodges Trails) Highlights include Bernardo Mountain, Felicita Creek Bridge, and Adobe Sykes Farmstead. - Snakes - Crawfish under the Felicita creek bridge (Del Dios Gorge trail) - The trail goes mostly along the Del Dios Highway. So be prepared for loud car noises. - Many rattlesnake signs, and even a lookout called rattlesnake viewpoint.. - From the parking lot across from Cielo Rancho Fe, it's about 2 miles to the lookout. A few hills, but any family should be able to make it. Watch out for bikers tho... - Bats - Rattlesnakes In general, the San Dieguito River Park is kid friendly. I've had one as little as 4 hike with us on the various trails. While there are snake, occasional mountain bikers, and a few hillside trails ( to raptor peak), it wasn't really a big deal. Tips I prefer the northern trails because there are fewer people. Parking lots have electric gates. Don't worry if you come back late, it will open and let you out. If you do hike the Old Coach trail, it takes you past very large homes in a wealthy Poway neighborhood. read more

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I stopped by the trails right off Villa de La Valle at the end of San Andres Drive in Del Mar right behind the Del Mar Family Dentistry for a morning walk before heading over to the Burger Lounge across the street for and early lunch. The two trails I hit up where the Coast to Crest and the San Dieguito River Park Trail. Both trails were well maintained and pretty level with loose gravel. (http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/san-dieguito-river-park-escondido?select=pCuDSr8pHzOB5XwNKzCoZQ#WE9Emco9b6IVxn3nHBxHog) The both trails offered use for information for hikers and visitors alike. (http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/san-dieguito-river-park-escondido?select=pCuDSr8pHzOB5XwNKzCoZQ#4ljt-RO4FtZ_bLXrL6aizA) While I was their I crossed paths with several friendly people and their dogs. Pets are allowed, but be sure to pick up after them, if you know what I mean. There are 5 trails spread out amongst the river park, the largest up to 1.75 miles, so definitely long enough for a moderate work out. I happen to go on a beautiful morning, so the air was cool and crisp, and some of the local wild life were busily looking for their meals. (http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/san-dieguito-river-park-escondido?select=pCuDSr8pHzOB5XwNKzCoZQ#exnEbgUoaAswSitzCZ3dOA) Going for a nice walk, always makes the coming meal taste that much better. read more

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My old friend chose this trail for us to hike yesterday. We parked in Rancho Bernardo, and did two miles each way right close to one end of Lake Hodges. The vistas were truly breathtaking, the trails were easy, but there was enough climbing to make for a good cardio workout. We passed by a memorial to Chelsea King, located on the trail where her body was found. Such a sad and horrible thing, but it was hard to focus on the negative with so much natural beauty around us....still, we paused for a brief moment of reflection and remembrance. There were ticks....so watch your kids and watch your dogs....one got on my friend, but we dispatched it with a pair of vise grips before it could burrow it's little head in and feast. More signage than we are used to seeing, which made it really pleasant from an educational perspective. Will do more exploring in this park in the future. read more

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This is a fun trail to hike! Pet friendly and plenty of shade for the pup and lots of cool wildlife. There are plenty of trails to choose from depending on the length of the hike you want and it's also bike friendly. read more

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Came here for some mountain bike trails. Trails were in good condition, with the usual California rut-n-gut flair on the straights and the rock party on the ups and downs. Runs fast though, even though the grades don't seem steep. However, the trails are not really marked that well and there's a veritable criss-cross of a lot of them, so you might zig when you should have zagged, and you'll end up on a Cactus Alley Climb (oops!). My advice, go straight in through the trailhead and head west to do the lake loops. The east side trails aren't worth it, it's the hike-a-bike express and hidden fence action, so if you rip it too fast, you'll end up like some sliced deli meat while your bike goes flying. Trust me, almost happened twice. Taking the lake trail to the west was a good ride. Nice and flowing, with some rocky obstacles on the back and some switchbacks to get the heart pounding. After crossing the water, there's another slow climb before you take a bounding descent back down. Be careful on the downs, if you're not experienced and running less than 29" tires, you might catch a pedal or a bracket on some of those boulders. Making it out unscathed, you get to do it all in reverse as that portion is a lollipop out and back. Came on a holiday Wednesday around 1pm, it was hot as blazes and no clouds. About 8 cars in the lot. Only saw 3 hikers and 1 biker on the trail. No one broke in my car. 8/10 would sweat like the dickens again read more

This is my wife's and I's favorite park to mountain bike in! We love riding from the self storage trailhead all the way over to the Hernandez Hideaway parking lot! The single track and double track trails are great, not too crowded, and not dusty at all. Views of the lake are had all along the north loop of the Lake Hodges trail, with plenty of additional trail heads to break things up from the mundane. Access points galore here mean that you can start fresh from at least five trail heads, and ride east to west or vice versa to keep it interesting. We also night ride here, and although it isn't "legal," we ride within our limits and park in the well lit parking lot near HH. If you are looking to hike or bike, this park has it all!! read more

San Dieguito River Park - Hiking Near Me - Escondido, California

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Super gorgeous trail near the bay! What a pleasant surprise to find such a beautiful trail by a community park! I did have mixed feelings at first since as I drove into the parking lot of a community park....it was hard to imagine looking at beautiful scenery in peace near a park where kids go on slides and ride the swings. I was so wrong though! I went on a weekend so it is possible that there are a lot more people during the weekends. But the scenery is still beautiful! We did the Piedras Pintadas trail & the Bernardo Bay trail. Both are mostly flat with very little incline and the trails are maintained quite well. Some sections of the trail were closed but there were several side trails to go around the closed areas. The trail around the Bernardo Bay was absolutely gorgeous! I took a break with my dog on top of one the rocks and just enjoyed the beauty of the bay and surrounding mountains. Lots of bunnies and lots of lizards. The Piedras Pintadas trail was not as scenic but was nice how it had panels explaining the different types of plants. Overall really nice easy hike/stroll. Would be a great trail running course for beginners. If you are looking for a lot of uphill/climb this hike is not for you. Dogs are allowed on leash. Restrooms are inside the community building. Parking is free. Total miles - 6.4, Total elevation gain - 305 ft. read more

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It was so clear and beautiful out today. Easy to find right off the main road to Ramona. The trail was a bit loose from all the rain lately. You can choose two different trails, but none of them loop back so when your tired, head back! Beautiful mountain views but watch out for critters cause the path is narrow. read more

San Dieguito River Park - Im here - Hiking Near Me - Escondido, California

Such a great park for walking, hiking, biking. Lots of trails and offshoots so it can be as long or short as you like. Must see is the pedestrian bridge. Lots of birds. Some water (1/2017) in the lake still. Will definitely be back to try other trails. read more

Enjoyable hiking areas being spoilt by mountain bikers going too fast, not showing any consideration for hikers and, in some areas, digging up trails or spots next to trails to make jumps/ramps. I've passed several riders actually digging out slopes and even filling sandbags with the dirt to make the ramps..... speaking to them just results in a foul mouthed response. They have no appreciation of the natural beauty of the park. They just want to use it to go fast practise their manouvers. read more

This is a great trail for running, biking, hiking, or just taking a leisurely stroll. It is part of the planned 70 mile Coast to Crest trail and puts visitors up close to the estuary, wildlife, and native plants. If you are looking for a way to get the kids away from their video games and outside an afternoon hike along the trail is just thing to go do. I love to hike along the trail bird watching, looking for critters, and enjoying just being out in an open space away from the craziness of corporate life. -Enjoy read more

San Dieguito River Park - Hiking Near Me - Escondido, California

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Hiked the Coast to Crest Trail. So beautiful with all the flowers. I love the blooming cactus. It is nice to see water in the lake bed again from the recent rains. read more

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Nice little open space tucked into Rancho Santa Fe. It's downstream and below the Lake Hodges dam, part of the Santa Fe Valley/Del Dios Gorge Trails (http://www.sdrp.org/archive/Trail%20Maps/Map_SFV-Del%20Dios%20Gorge%20Revised%20FINAL.pdf). Nice little trail that follows along the San Dieguito River. Lots of native plants and birds. Easiest way in is to turn in right at the fruit stand Lemon Twist (http://www.yelp.com/biz/lemon-twist-rancho-santa-fe) off Del Dios Highway and drive down to the trail head parking lot. read more

San Dieguito River Park - View from trail head parking - Hiking Near Me - Escondido, California

Hidden hiking gem! Sikes Adobe homestead and they have a tour once a week. Farmers market too! Great hiking trails. Via hike,bike,horse. Really great. I hear it's available for weddings and events too.. Check it out! Better yet. They always need volunteers. Website: http://www.sdrp.org/wordpress/trails/ read more

Great little hike. Looking forward to going back and finishing the hike around lake Hodges's. not sure what the location is about, it's on some private property so we went to the park by the senior home and the pedestrian bridge. read more

Love love love love love this place! It's a great place for a date or day out with some pals. It's absolutely beautiful and there is so so much to do. Just make sure you bring lots of water on your adventure because it can get really hot read more

I'm a birder from Seattle, so I parked near the Senior Center and walked to Lake Hodges, which is what was recommended in the Birder's Guide to So Cal. The landscape is so different from what I'm used to, and this was a great place to go birding, at least on a weekday morning. The Clark's and Western Grebes were out in force, singing and doing their "I'm a powerboat" courtship. We also found both Blue-Gray and California Gnatcatchers. read more