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Del Dios Highlands County Preserve
4.8 ★★★★★ 62 Google reviews · Running trail in Escondido, California · Dawn to dusk
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Dawn to dusk
Confirmed from Del Dios Highlands County Preserve's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
What runners say about Del Dios Highlands County Preserve
“Great hike, tough at the beginning but levels out and is beautiful”
“Not an easy hike on account of how steep the trail is; make sure you're wearing good shoes that fit well, otherwise on the way down your toes will be toast!”
Good access point from the south side of the mountain range to the Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve and the Olivenhain Reservoir. Why the area is called the Del Dios Preserve and the adjacent area the Elfin Forest Reserve is unclear ... but their division is about 1.
Trail is bit steep. Be sure to gear up, specially right shoes. There bathroom and water at halfway picnic area. No shades. It's little bit packed during weekend and sunny day but totally acceptable. Recommend for people with basic fitness level. But do not fret because there many break point on the way up!
An amazing experience hiking up the mountain! It is a wonderful place to take friends and family for a day! At the top, the view is beautiful! A great way to exercise and challenge yourself. I went here once and at first I didn't really want to go up, but I did and I did not regret it.
Del Dios Highlands County Preserve is the name despite one sign on the property calling it Del Dios Highlands Preserve and another calling it Del Dios County Preserve… One trail runs through the preserve, and it is, unsurprisingly, called Del Dios Highlands Trail.
Trail conditions & character
“Not an easy hike on account of how steep the trail is; make sure you're wearing good shoes that fit well, otherwise on the way down your toes will be toast!”
“It was about an 1:15 minutes from the parking lot up into Elfin Forest to the Ray Brooks Overlook which is on the north side of the dam.”
“5 miles up from the trailhead off of Del Dios hikers arrive at a sign indicating the crossing-over point into the Olivenhain Reserve, as other reviewers have mentioned.”
“Also, took our trail dog and the 6ish miles was hard on her paws.”
“The trail consists of dirt/gravel and is wide enough to accommodate vehicles but is meant for hikers, equestrians, and cyclists.”
“The rocky and dry conditions were tough for our dog.”
“The staging area has a kiosk but no other services like water or restrooms.”
Plan your run at Del Dios Highlands County Preserve
The practical stuff
- AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitesdparks.org
- Phone+1 760-745-4379
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 8 am–6 pm |
| Tuesday | 8 am–6 pm |
| Wednesday | 8 am–6 pm |
| Thursday | 8 am–6 pm |
| Friday | 8 am–6 pm |
| Saturday | 8 am–6 pm |
| Sunday | 8 am–6 pm |
Running trails near Escondido
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Del Dios Community Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 139 reviews
Picnic-friendly destination featuring hiking trails for bikers and runners.
Coast to Crest Trail
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Relaxing hiking, horse riding and mountain-biking area near a beautiful lake with parking and scenic views.
North Shore Lake Hodges Trailhead
4.6 ★★★★★ 95 reviews
Hiking and mountain biking are available at this area that's also good for kids.
Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve
4.7 ★★★★★ 1,529 reviews
Large park featuring native plants, picnic areas & hiking, biking & equestrian trails.