Cerro de las Posas Ridge

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 6.1 miles, with about 900 feet of elevation change. 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.

We've done this hike before, most recently on May 12, 2022. (Has it been that long?) For details, including some photographs, see www.meetup.com/sandiegodayhikers/events/285789421.
It is fairly strenuous because of the length and elevation change, but hiking shoes are not required because most of it is on pavement or hard-packed dirt. The return from Double Peak Park is all downhill.

Leashed dogs are allowed.

We'll meet at 9:30 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 9:45 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. Take a camera if you wish. No lunch stop is planned, but you may want to take a snack. 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.

For hardy hikers: There is an optional shortcut up to Double Peak Park along a steep, unpaved "trail". If you want to scramble up this section, wear good hiking shoes. I will be leading the rest of the group up the park access road.

Post-hike activities (?): There is a Starbucks coffeehouse within walking distance of the starting point.