San Elijo Hills - EXPLORATORY

San Elijo Hills is a newer part of San Marcos, and it is full of trails. We'll be hiking the highest and most scenic trail along the Cerro de Las Posas Ridge to Double Peak Park, with a return along regular roads. Most of the trails are paved, but some are very steep. The total distance will be about six miles. There are some very significant hills, but the views are worth the climb. As far as I know, this route contains the only publicly accessible place with a view of the Lake San Marcos Dam.

Notice that this hike is on TUESDAY, not Thursday. It is an EXPLORATORY hike, limited to 7 people. I've done this hike several times, most recently on May 25, 2015. It was OK then, but I have forgotten some of the details, and there may have been some changes since then. If the hike is still suitable, I will schedule a Thursday hike with an unlimited number of participants, perhaps under a different name, such as Cerro de las Posas.

Leashed dogs are allowed.

We'll meet at 9:00 AM at the northernmost corner of San Elijo Rd. and Elfin Forest Rd., next to the grand entrance to San Elijo Hills Park. (N 33 5.94 W 117 12.01). Park along the road or in a small parking lot on San Elijo Rd. We'll step off at 9:15 AM.

SUGGESTED ROUTE FROM SAN DIEGO: Take Interstate 15 north to Escondido and take the Oceanside-Ramona-78 exit to westbound California Highway 78 (toward Oceanside). Take exit 13 (Twin Oaks Valley Rd), and turn left (south) at the end of the ramp. The name of the road changes to San Elijo Rd. as the road passes over a hill into San Elijo Hills. The meeting point is at the first intersection with Elfin Forest Rd.

CAUTION: Look at the map. Both San Elijo Rd. and Elfin Forest Rd. are divided roads in and near the business district, so they have FOUR intersections! We will meet at the NORTHERNMOST intersection.

Wear good walking shoes and suitable clothing, take water and use sun protection. (Since most of the trails are paved, hiking shoes are not required.) Take a camera if you wish. No lunch stop is planned, but you may want to take a snack. As I recall, there are park rest rooms near the starting point and also at Double Peak Park.

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