Guajome County Park features a lake, a large pond, a campground, and several miles of hiking trails all within minutes of downtown Oceanside. In relatively nature-starved North County, Guajome stands out as an accessible and serene option for a quick and easy nature fix.Distance: 3.3 MilesElevation Gained: 250'Difficulty: EasyTime:1:30Critters: Egrets, ducks, geeseGuajome County Parkhttp://www.everytrail.com/swf/widget.swfEveryTrail - …
Wooded Hill – Laguna Mountains
Wooded Hill is one of the high points of the Laguna Mountain range at 6,233'. It is a short, easy 1.6 mile loop that allows the hiker to enjoy pine and oak forest, as well as a few good views to the south and west. Short and sweet, this interpretive hike is good for beginners …
Lake Cuyamaca
Lake Cuyamaca is a man-made lake that collects all of the water run-off on the north side of Cuyamaca State Park. This serene, picturesque lake is stocked with trout for the fishermen, boat docks for the recreators, and hiking trails for those who like to amble. Views of the surrounding mountains are abundant, as are …
Santa Margarita River
The Santa Margarita River is a rare and relatively undisturbed watercourse that drains the Santa Ana Mountains. Large sections of this river are protected habitats, and it flows roughly the same way that it has for the last few thousands of years before Southern California was developed. It features a rich riparian environment, as well …
Love Valley
Love Valley sits in a tiny recess on the southern flank of Palomar Mountain. Less Palomar-ish and more like some of the broad valley/grasslands you would find at Santa Rosa or Daley Ranch, this tiny open space features three varieties of oak, views of Lake Henshaw, the Volcan Mountains, and Hot Springs Mountains. Oh, and …
San Onofre State Beach
The name "San Onofre" is usually synonymous with a pair of suggestively-shaped nuclear reactors. However, this area also features miles of pristine coastline that, due to Camp Pendleton and the reactors, has been left undeveloped. This beach represents one of the last undeveloped stretches of coastline in the Los Angeles/Orange/San Diego County region.Distance: 6.1 MilesElevation Gained: …
Batiquitos Lagoon
Batiquitos Lagoon is an easily accessible, well-maintained, and extremely popular trail that runs along the northern side of the tidal lagoon and adjacent salt marsh ecosystem. While you will never get a true sense of solitude here, it has great value as a convenient, relaxing respite from urban noise and stress.Distance: 3.5 MilesElevation Gained: 250'Difficult: …
Daley Ranch – Jack Creek Meadow Loop
This mostly flat section of Daley Ranch takes you past the ranch compound, which features a number of old, picturesque buildings, and into the long, narrow Jack Creek Meadow. Come for an early morning hike, and you will encounter a great variety of wildlife.Distance: 5 milesElevation Gained: 500'Difficulty: EasyCritters: deer, rabbits, hawks, egrets, coots, ducks, …
Daley Ranch – Boulder Loop
The popular Daley Ranch Park preserves one of the last major parcels of open space in the Escondido. Featuring a great variety of ecosystems, the park showcases a number of different hiking options, such as a loop through Engelmann oak woodland, a loop around a large meadow, ponds, chaparral, sage-scrub community, and, as on this …
Palomar State Park, Autumn Edition
Panorama looking south from the crest of Palomar MountainDistance: 2-3 MilesElevation Gained: Minimal - there are only a few brief moments of climbingDifficulty: EasyCritters: 1 DeerDirections to the Doane Pond Parking LotDetailsCedar and White Fir forest along the Doane Valley Nature TrailI came to Palomar Mountain for the first time with Kelly on January 1st …
scott turner hikes 