Oakoasis Preserve

This is a fairly easy hike, a 2.4-mile loop with a good view of San Vicente Reservoir, along part of the planned 110-mile Trans County Trail. We may add a few side trips to get better views.

Leashed dogs are allowed in Oakoasis Preserve.

We've done this hike before. For a description and photos, see
2016: https://www.meetup.com/sandiegodayhikers/events/229778912/
2020: https://www.meetup.com/sandiegodayhikers/events/268620427/

A cabin in the preserve burned down in the 2003 Cedar Fire, but we'll pass by the remains. Locating the remains may be a problem; there's very little left. An informative plaque used to mark the spot; I'm not sure it's still there.

Meet at 9:00 AM the Oakoasis Preserve parking lot on the west side of Wildcat Canyon Road at Blue Sky Ranch Road (N 32 54.76 W 116 53.24). We'll step off at 9:15 AM. There are restrooms next to the parking lot.

SUGGESTED ROUTE FROM SAN DIEGO: Take I-8 east and Highway 67 north to Willow Road. Turn right (east) on Willow Road and then left (north) on Wildcat Canyon Road. At mile 4.2 turn left at the sign for Oakoasis Preserve and Blue Sky Ranch Road and follow a narrow road to the parking area. (This is essentially the route to Barona Casino, but if you reach the casino, you've gone too far.)

Wear good hiking shoes and layered clothing and take a light snack, water and sun protection. Take a camera if you wish. The trails have a few steep, rocky places, so hiking poles may be helpful. As usual, take a mask and wear it as required. (It appears that most people hike in this area unmasked. It's the wild and wooly East County. But take a mask anyway.)

CONTACT: Philip Erdelsky cell 619-866-8512 / e-mail: pje@efgh.com

My cell phone has coverage at the parking area; coverage in the preserve may be spotty.

There is information about the Preserve on the County Parks website at http://www.sandiegocounty.gov/parks/openspace/oakoasis.html .