One of San Diego County’s most precious natural resources, the Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve offers approximately 11 miles of hiking, mountain biking, equestrian trails, as well as picnic areas and scenic mountain viewing points. In addition, the natural beauty of the Reserve includes such native plant communities as oak riparian, oak woodland, coastal sage scrub and chaparral. All wildlife and natural resources at the Reserve are fully protected so that future generations may also enjoy these wonders.Plan to visit Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve and other customer-reviewed, writer-recommended Escondido attractions using our Escondido itinerary maker website.
Weather permitting, the Reserve is open every day of the year except Christams Day. The Reserve opens at 8:00 a.m. and closes approximately 30-45 minutes before sunset.
The 784-acre Reserve was developed by Olivenhain Municipal Water District in partnership with the San Diego County Water Authority and the Bureau of Land Management, as an element of the Olivenhain Water Storage Project and the Authority's Emergency Storage Project. Owned by the Authority and managed by OMWD, the Reserve has been designed to unify the interests of domestic water supply development, natural resources management, and recreational opportunities.
The Reserve sits within the Escondido Creek watershed, which flows year-round from Lake Wohlford to San Elijo Lagoon. The creek runs adjacent to the Reserve's staging area, giving all visitors an opportunity to pass over it as they begin their hike or ride from the trailhead.
The Reserve is home to the Elfin Forest Interpretive Center Honoring Susan J. Varty, which is operated in partnership with the Escondido Creek Conservancy. The Reserve also boasts six designated overlooks, each with a shade structure and/or picnic tables and providing views of the Pacific Ocean, Channel Islands, Coronado Islands, the Laguna and San Bernardino mountain ranges, and the Olivenhain Dam and Reservoir. Other amenities include portable restrooms and drinking fountains.
The Reserve provides a wealth of opportunity for recreation, educational research, and environmental appreciation. Whether hiking, biking, riding, or just relaxing, experiencing one of the few remaining rural areas in North County is a great way to spend the day.
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Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve reviews
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Don’t be fooled by its name. This is a dusty, hot, rocky and fairly steep trail area with almost no shade. One part of the easier trail involved balancing on rocks to cross the creek. Not for those...
Don’t be fooled by its name. This is a dusty, hot, rocky and fairly steep trail area with almost no shade. One part of the easier trail involved balancing on rocks to cross the creek. Not for those... more »
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Lovely hike, it is not an easy stroll, you do go up in elevation, but the views from the top is worth it. Summertime I would recommend early morning or very late afternoon, not much shade. The stream.... more
Lovely hike, it is not an easy stroll, you do go up in elevation, but the views from the top is worth it. Summertime I would recommend early morning or very late afternoon, not much shade. The stream.... more »
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I was there during the weekend. Parking lot does get full very quickly. Drive to the park was pleasant. Very relaxing learning center. There was live relaxing music being played and little activities for kids to enjoy. Unlike other hiking trails/parks, you don't have to go on a 4 hour hike to see the pretty and relaxing water because the creek is right before you even start the hike. The trail to the "picnic area" wasn't too bad either. We saw people take their dogs. There were signs reminding people to be aware of the weather and temperature before taking your dog on the journey, they have to be on leash, and to pick up after their pet.
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Lovely hike, the best part of this hike is it’s reasonably green, first half of the hike. Also you can see beautiful river in the starting point. When you reached top of the hill, there is about 11 miles of hiking trail. Also, it’s possible to do biking but that will be hard. You can also see the reservoir that is used for emergency purpose and the amount of water it can store will be enough for six months. If you walk through overlook park, you will see the lake hodge in the eastern part of vantage point. The parking is quite challenge, there are two parking lots but fills quickly so look for the parking on the side of road.
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