The Del Dios Highlands Preserve is 774 acres of coastal sage scrub and chaparral habitat that was acquired as part of the County of San Diego Multiple Species Conservation Program.
The Del Dios Highlands Trail rises 800 feet in the first mile from the trail head and straddles the San Dieguito and Escondido Creek Watersheds. On a clear day you can see the Pacific Ocean as well as Lake Hodges. At the trail summit you enter the Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve and continue on the Lake Hodges Overlook Trail where you have views of the Olivenhain Dam & Reservoir.
Rating: M5B [ view hike grading system ]
Trail Head: 9860 Del Dios Hwy, Escondido, CA [ Map ]