Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve San Diego County

You'll find the well-marked entrance and trailhead parking area near mile six on Harmony Grove Road, three miles west of the outskirts of Escondido. Or you can access from San Marcos south of highway 78 on Rancho Santa Fe Rd east on San Elijo Rd right on Harmony Grove Road.

There are 750 acres of open space, with 17 miles of recreational trails. Most of trail system, is reached by a single, steeply ascending pathway The Way Up Trail. Is 1.5 miles and about 700 feet of climbing. This is a multi use area with mountain bikes, dogs (mon-fri) and hikers. If your horse does not like bikes don�t come here�����.. My recommendation: At the Top from the east side of the picnic area (your first view of the lake take the road east along the lake to the lake Hodges overlook, and beyond.

� Revised Dog Leash Rules 2004/2005
Monday – Friday: Dogs are permitted off leash but only at the top of the �Way Up� Trail (point marked with sign).
Saturday, Sunday and Holidays: Dogs are required to remain on leash at all times throughout the EFRR.
�Way Up� Trail and Lower Trails: Dogs must remain on leash at all times, 7 days a week on these trails.

There is a parking area that is available for equestrian rigs, however it is usually full with cars. If you call the ranger and let him know that you will be showing up with a horse trailer he will block it off for horse use. They normally let 2 cars where 1 rig parks. Contact the Ranger at 760-632-4212.

See Elfin.pdf for map