HIKE IT UP! on “Lake Hodges Overlook” trail: 7a - 9:30a. Escondido, CA

Lake Hodges Overlook Trail

The Lake Hodges Overlook Trail is a popular hiking trail that crosses into the Del Dios Recreational County Preserve and the Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve near Escondido, California. The trail offers panoramic views of Lake Hodges and the Olivenhain Reservoir, as well as the surrounding mountains. It's generally considered a moderately challenging hike. The trail features a mix of rocky terrain, switchbacks, and challenging ascents. The initial ascent of 1.2 miles has a 834’ elevation gain so it is advisable to stretch before starting the hike. Once we finish this initial climb we make our way to the East rim of the Oliverhain Reservoir in route to the Lake Hodges Overlook Loop trail. The loop trail takes us to the Lake Hodges Overlook picnic rest area. Once we rest we will continue onto the loop trail which will return us back to the Lake Hodges Overlook main trail. The last 1.2 miles decent off the mountain can be challenging because of loose gravel so trekking poles are recommended for the decent.

Rating: higher end of Moderate
Distance: 6.4 miles
Terrain: Rocky, Up/Downhill, very steep grades at times
Elevation: 1,440’ elevation gain
First 1.2 mile has a 834’ elevation gain!
Trekking poles for the steep rocky downhills are highly recommended
What to bring: Light pack, water, sunscreen, hat, good shoes/boots, lunch or snacks.

Where to Meet us:
The Del Dios Highlands trail parking lot opens at 8am. Since we are meeting at 7am, we will be parking at “Del Dios Lot”, which is across the street from the preserve.(See pics). We will then walk across Del Dios Highway and walk into the preserve. We will be meeting at the trailhead iron gate at 6:50a.

How to find us:
We will meet at 6:50am at the iron gate right at the trailhead. Hike starts promptly at 7:00am 

If you wish to bring a guest, please have them join our group and sign up for the event.

Please note the following: KNOW YOUR LIMITS and be prepared. Going out with us is the same as going out with a few friends. Expect the same risks, take the same precautions.

As organizers, we will do our best to give accurate descriptions of the hikes we post. Please note, this is NOT a race or fast pace hike. Plan on up to 3 hours on the trail. If you're a beginning hiker, a hike's elevation and distance may not mean much to you. Likewise, difficulty ratings are subjective, and a hike that is "easy" to one person may be "moderate" to another. Err on the side of caution if you are unsure.

You're much better off going on a hike that's too easy for you than a hike that's too hard or too dangerous for you. As you go on more hikes with us, you'll become more familiar with our ratings and our descriptions, and you'll learn more about your own limits. Ultimately, it's up to you to keep yourself safe out there. One note, please bring more water than you think you will need. Better to carry the extra weight, than be thirsty.

Waiver and Release of Liability
I am voluntarily participating in the aforementioned activity and I am participating in the activity entirely at my own risk. I am aware of the risk associated with traveling to and from as well as participating in this activity, which may include, but are not limited to, physical or psychological injury, pain and suffering, illness, disability, economic or emotional loss and death. I understand that these injuries or outcomes may arise from my own or others' negligence, conditions related to travel, or the condition of the activity location. Nonetheless, I assume all related risks, both known or unknown to me, of my participation in this activity, including travel to, from and during this activity.