Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve

Category: Nature preserve in Escondido, California

Address: 8833 Harmony Grove Rd, Escondido, CA 92029, USA

Phone: +17606324212

Opening hours

Sunday: 8AM–7:30PM

Monday: 8AM–7:30PM

Tuesday: 8AM–7:30PM

Wednesday: 8AM–7:30PM

Thursday: 8AM–7:30PM

Friday: 8AM–7:30PM

Saturday: 8AM–7:30PM

Reviews

Joanna Endermann

Jul 20, 2022

Such a lovely place. Full of pretty hikes and views. Many levels of hikes from a simple stroll to a few mile trek up to the lake. Lots of people riding bikes and walking dogs, typically a friendly atmosphere.

Katherine Umaña

Jun 5, 2022

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.

anuj salke

Mar 13, 2022

Nice and pleasant hike. Do start early in the day. Parking gets full. There is an overflow parking that gets full as well. You can find a few spots on the street between the parking signs. Carry atleast 1 liter of water.

paterjo

Dec 18, 2021

Nice hiking 🥾, mountain biking 🚵‍♀️, and horse 🐎 riding trails in south west Escondido with a great view of Lake Hodges and Olivenhain reservoir and the ocean from the top. Next to the parking lot there is a small interpretive center which may be interesting to kids. Trails are steep, rocky, and get extremely hot 🥵 in the summer. Recommend the trails for athletic people and families, not a cakewalk. Bring lots of water, come early, and skip hot days.

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Questions & Answers

Can you bring dogs

Nohemy Russu | Jul 26, 2018
Marco Carapia | Jul 27, 2018

Dogs are allowed (leashed) at all San Diego County parks, and preserves, except Agua Caliente trails. So by all means, let your dog enjoy nature with you, and don't let any of the "extra knowledgeable" tour guides on here scare you away!

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Do you have to pay ?

Tefa Tefa | Jul 26, 2018
Adan Gonzalez | Jul 27, 2018

No you don't have to pay. There is a donation box.

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can you fly a drone there?

Craig Saunders | Jul 26, 2019
Jason C | Jul 27, 2019

No you need a permit directly from Elfin Forest for that and of course a license to fly them in general. Not exactly sure if they allow drone flying though at all. I just know it states for any type of professional video or photography engagement you will need a permit.

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My dog enjoys playing in water. Is there an area we can let him splash around? On a leash of course.

Mario Murillo | Jul 25, 2020
Angela Stanley | Jul 26, 2020

Theres a few spots, but when i go i see alot of people with their dogs in the water (off leash which they shouldnt be) id go in the spring or a few days after a rain fall to check it out😁 theres a little beach area near the entrance

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Where near Escondido are there gravel roads or trails for gravel bike riding?

john ingham | Jul 26, 2018
Richard O'Brien | Jul 27, 2018

Dixon Lake, Elfin Forest/Oliveheim Reserve, Lake Hodges, Cielo Trails, Stanley Peak, Rancho Bernardo trails.

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Are there rattlesnakes or other dangerous animals here? If so, are they fairly common for hikers?

The Orangutan Omni-King | Jul 22, 2021
Eric Robinson | Jul 23, 2021

Yes, there are rattlesnakes but very rarely seen. No other dangerous animals. I hike Elfin Forest regularly and this summer have only seen one snake but they are out there like most SoCal trails.

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Is there parking for early hikers, since the website states the parking lot opens at 8 am. We like to hike early mornings (5:00 am).

GIL SIMON | Jul 4, 2021
Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve (Owner) | Jul 5, 2021

Hi Gil, thank you for the inquiry. At EFRR, hours of operation are in place to maintain a balance between environmental conservation and recreation. (Parking lot hours and reserve hours are the same.) Outside of posted operating hours, EFRR’s native residents require time to themselves without the presence of people. When people enter EFRR early or stay late, the balance between conservation and recreation is disrupted. Perhaps one of the neighboring facilities can provide for an early morning hike. https://www.getoutsidesandiego.org/findermap?searchtype=address&address=8833+Harmony+Grove+Rd%2C+Escondido%2C+CA+92029%2C+USA&parkname=&latlng=33.08717%2C-117.14549&activity=&listid

Is Elfin forest haunted?

Pedro Rosario | Apr 26, 2021
Summer Sandberg | Apr 27, 2021

No, but we used to think so in high school! Lol

Can you swim there?

Julia B | Aug 29, 2020
Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve (Owner) | Aug 30, 2020

Hi Julia, thank you for your interest in EFRR. EFRR does not have any designated swimming spots. The San Diego County Water Authority owns the Olivenhain Reservoir and any contact with reservoir water is prohibited at all times. No regulations prohibit entering the Escondido Creek. However, it is not recommended due to water quality issues, as all the water within Escondido Creek originates as urban/agricultural runoff from rainfall and over irrigation in the City of Escondido.

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Is there cabins available to rent?

Normalicia Solares Designer | Jul 25, 2020
Deepu John | Jul 26, 2020

No

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