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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 will add a short side trip to get better views, like the one shown above. According to Alltrails, the elevation change is 314 feet. Near the end of the hike, there will be an optional side trip to the wildlife undercrossing under Wildcat Canyon Road.

Leashed dogs are allowed in Oakoasis Preserve.

We tried to do this hike last month, but it was RAINED OUT. The weather forecast this time does not include rain. Keep your fingers crossed!

We've done this hike many times. It is one of my favorites. For descriptions and photos of the three most recent hikes see

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 still have a photograph of the cabin, taken before the fire. Check the 2023 photos for a copy.

Meet at 9:30 AM in 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 9:45 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.)

Allow about 15 minutes additional driving time for the inevitable traffic jam on Highway 67 at Mapleview Street in Lakeside.

Wear good hiking shoes and layered clothing, use sun protection, and take water. Take a camera if you wish. The trails have a few steep, rocky places, so hiking poles may be helpful.

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

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

There is information about the Preserve on the County Parks website at https://www.sdparks.org/content/sdparks/en/park-pages/Oakoasis.html

ADVANCE NOTICE for the following week: The hike next Tuesday will have to be moved to Monday, January 26. The HOA is inspecting our fire alarms on that Tuesday, and they will need access to my unit (and every other unit in the same building).

Related topics

Events in Lakeside, CA
Hiking
Outdoors

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