What are the opening hours?

Monday 8am - 6pm Tuesday 8am - 6pm Wednesday 8am - 6pm Thursday 8am - 6pm Friday 8am - 6pm Saturday 8am - 6pm Sunday 8am - 6pm

Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve

Home
United States
Escondido, CA
Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve

Call Directions Website

The 784-acre reserve offers 11 miles of hiking, biking, and equestrian trails. The Reserve opens at 8:00 a.m.
(614)

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. Weather permitting, the Reserve is open every day of the year except Christams Day. 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. This account is subject to the terms of the OMWD Social Media Policy, available at www.olivenhain.com/omwd-social-media-and-outreach-policy.

10/19/2026

EFRR operating hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Please plan your walk, run, or ride accordingly.

10/11/2026

Update: EFRR has reopened.
Heavy precipitation overnight has required the closure of Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve. EFRR will reopen once trails can be safely accessed by visitors. For status updates, call 760-632-4212.

10/09/2026

Last weekend: Extreme Heat Warning. This weekend: Tropical Storm Watch! Please call 760-632-4212 before your visit on Sunday to make sure the weather allows us to stay open.

Send a message to learn more

10/06/2026

This fall, visit EFRR and seek out the gold and orange leaves of the western sycamore trees along the Escondido Creek trail. If you spot them, take a selfie and share it with us so we can enjoy it together!

10/02/2026

Another Extreme Heat Warning has been issued by US National Weather Service San Diego California starting Friday through next Thursday. If visiting EFRR, carry plenty of water and end your hike immediately if you are feeling fatigued. We do not recommend bringing dogs to EFRR during Extreme Heat Warning conditions. www.weather.gov/sgx

10/01/2026

09/26/2026

The end of summer means the start of fall, and earlier sunsets. Starting this evening, EFRR will begin closing at 6:30 p.m.

09/23/2026

You don’t have to look far to find natural wonders within EFRR. Unique plants, fungi, and wildlife can be found just about everywhere, if you look closely. Visit https://elfinforest.olivenhain.com/ to learn more about what EFFR has to offer.

09/15/2026

Tarantula hawks are common in EFRR during the summer and fall months and do their best to avoid people. Here, a tarantula hawk drags its paralyzed host to its den where it will lay an egg on the tarantula’s abdomen. When the egg hatches, the tarantula hawk larva will feed on the still-paralyzed tarantula. For more information on how this fascinating process works, visit: https://malt.org/wildlife/tarantula-hawk/. If you see a tarantula hawk, keep your distance; they won’t mess with you if you don’t mess with them.

09/08/2026

An Extreme Heat Warning has been issued by US National Weather Service San Diego California through 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday. If visiting EFRR, be sure to carry plenty of water and sun protection and end your hike immediately if you are feeling fatigued. We do not recommend bringing dogs to EFRR during Extreme Heat Warning conditions. www.weather.gov/sgx

Address

8833 Harmony Grove Rd
Escondido, CA
92029

Opening Hours

Monday	8am - 6pm
Tuesday	8am - 6pm
Wednesday	8am - 6pm
Thursday	8am - 6pm
Friday	8am - 6pm
Saturday	8am - 6pm
Sunday	8am - 6pm

Telephone

(760) 632-4212

Website

https://elfinforest.olivenhain.com/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.