Ramona Grasslands Preserve - SECOND TRY

We'll be hiking through Ramona Grasslands Preserve on a 3.5-mile loop, and then on a shorter loop (which will be optional). For more information on the Preserve, see the county parks web page at http://www.sandiegocounty.gov/parks/openspace/Ramona_Grasslands.html

We'll meet at 9:00 AM at the signed Ramona Grasslands Preserve staging area on the north side of Highland Valley Road just east of the junction with Archie Moore Rd. (N 33 2.034 W 116 57.013, postmile 3.2). We'll step off at 9:15 AM.

SUGGESTED ROUTE FROM SAN DIEGO: Go east on I-8 and then north on Highway 67. Turn left on Archie Moore Rd. and follow it several miles until it becomes Highland Valley Rd. Go roughly 0.3 miles farther to the signed staging area, which will be on the left.

The preserve has a good mix of ecosystems. Most of it is grassland, but there is some chaparral and even a small pond. Mount Woodson can be seen from most parts of the preserve, and vice-versa.

We last visited this preserve on April 25, 2019. For details, including photographs, see https://www.meetup.com/sandiegodayhikers/events/260837018/

Wear good hiking shoes, use sun protection, and take water. Take a camera if you wish. No lunch stop is planned, but you can take a snack, or you can picnic at the staging area after the hike.

Leashed dogs are allowed.

CONTACT: Philip Erdelsky, cell 619-866-8512 E-mail pje@efgh.com.

COVID instructions: Take a face mask and wear it as required. It appears than the governor's new order does not affect hiking.

RED FLAGS? I had to cancel this hike last week because of the RED FLAG warnings. Right now (Mon. Dec. 7) the weather forecast for Ramona looks good, but it can change. Check this page before heading to Ramona.