ELFIN FOREST RECREATIONAL RESERVE
https://elfinforest.olivenhain.com/
ABOUT THE MINDFULNESS HIKE:
We will gather at the meeting spot (details below), have brief introductions, and offer you instructions to practice mindfulness as you hike. Then we will enter into "noble silence" (more explanation in next section).
We begin with a short flat walk to our first meditation sitting area near a beautiful creek. We will lead you through a 10 minute guided mindfulness meditation, inviting you to take in all the sights and sounds of the creek. We will continue on a moderate hike where we will have to balance on large stones to cross a creek, hike up a long stretch of incline and rocky decline, then finish up with another 10 minute guided meditation at a different beautiful creek-side spot. To end we will invite you to share reflections, ask questions, and together we will transition back to regular daily life of speaking and interacting.
NOBLE SILENCE:
We will be hiking most of the trail in "noble silence", without talking to each other. We've noticed that when conversing on a hike, our focus can be mainly on the other person, listening and responding, and it's easy to be less present and miss the beauty of the natural world around us. So by intentionally creating a space where we can be together without speaking, we create the conditions to connect more deeply and intimately with our own experience and our surroundings, while still being in community. While it may initially feel awkward, we hope you will find it nourishing and restorative. We will also ask you to put your phones on silent.
ABOUT MINDFULNESS:
We will provide beginner instructions on mindfulness. This includes various invitations to drop out of the thinking mind and be present with nature and our other five senses. All meditation experience levels are welcome, from beginner to experienced practitioner.
WHERE TO MEET:
Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve Main Parking Lot
8833 Harmony Grove Road, Escondido, CA 92029
Let's meet near the bathrooms, which are located right next to the main parking lot. There is an overflow parking lot if the main one is full, see main picture. And then street parking in certain areas if the overflow parking is full.
TIMELINE:
8:45-9:00 am – Arrive at the meeting spot: parking lot bathrooms
9:00 am – Begin our mindfulness hike
11:00 am – Our hike will end at this time, possibly earlier.
We will keep track of time so you can relax and enjoy yourself in nature.
HIKE STATS & CHALLENGES:
This is a moderate hike.
1.5 mile loop. Short, but you are walking slow because of the incline and decline. I am guessing it is around a 500/600 foot elevation gain. When we walked the trail incline we took many breaks to catch our breath.
ABOUT THE TRAIL
Elfin Forest is a beautiful hike with large trees, and many other varieties of plants and flowers along the trail, and a creek running at the bottom of the mountainside. We will hug the creek for a little, then hike up and down the mountain side, ending again at a different section of the creek.
WHAT TO BRING:
- Lots of water. I drank my all my water on this hike (which is unusual for me)
- Hat for shade
- Recommend Hiking boots or thick tread trekking shoes
- A small camping chair, towel, or something to sit on the ground. Keep in mind you will have to carry it the whole hike.
- Hiking Poles: Might be helpful crossing the creek and during the long rocky decline. We will bring one pair of poles for someone to borrow, first come gets it.
- Long pants in case you brush against some poison oak.
BATHROOM:
There are bathrooms at the trail head.
HIKE ENTRANCE FEE:
None
PLEASE NOTE:
We noticed our reception got very weak once you get into that area. Plan accordingly regarding your driving directions. If you are late or can't find the location and try to message me through the app, I won't get the message.
We start promptly at 9:05 am. If you are late, try to find us on the trail. We will be starting on the botanical trail, which starts off going left (clockwise) on the trail (do not go straight and cross the creek bridge).
NATURE TRAIL PRECAUTIONS:
- Large boulder creek crossing - need to be able to balance on one foot as you step across each stone
- Recommend hiking poles if you need assistance
- 1/4 mile section of 40 degree incline, sparse shade on incline
- Lots of bees buzzing around the flowers
- Poison Oak around the trail
- Saw some red ants on sections of the trail, but not where we will be sitting and meditating
- Decline section of the hike can have some fine sand, making it a little slippery in some areas
- Rocky steps on parts of the decline. See main photo.
- No cell phone reception
COST:
$5
DISCLAIMER:
Group organizers assume no liability; hike at your own risk. By participating in this hike with us, you hereby agree to assume all risks and liability related to or resulting from any group functions. You agree that neither you nor any third party will hold the group leader or co-leader liable for any injury, loss, or damage to your own person or any members of your family, friends, acquaintances, children, pets, or property, arising directly or as a consequence from a group activity. You also agree that your participation with this group is based on an "at-will basis". Please use your judgment and stay within your ability level to keep safe during the hike.
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ABOUT US
Welcome to the SoCal Nature Sangha!
We are certified Mindfulness Meditation Teachers through Jack Kornfield and Tara Brach. We want to create a community of individuals interested in practicing mindfulness and presence in beautiful natural spaces around southern California. We hope you will take a break from our fast-paced and high-tech world to join us in embodied movement and to reconnect with nature.
