The Engelmann Oak Loop lies on the northern portion of Daley Ranch in Escondido. The loop travels through numerous stretches of oak woodland comprised of coast live oaks and Engelmann oaks. This serene, peaceful mesa hike offers some of the finest coastal hiking in all of San Diego.
Distance: 5.1
Elevation Gained: 800′
Difficulty: Moderate
Time: 2:30
Critters: rabbits, hawks, quail
Since I’ve already written about the Engelmann Oak Loop, I will not elaborate further on what it is or how to navigate it. I visited today during spring rain showers, and the landscape was damp, cool, fresh, and invigorated. The grass remains green, and the spring blooms, most notably the blue flower clusters of ceanothus, are just starting to emerge in full force. With a little more rain this Spring, the bloom may not be half bad.
scott turner hikes 