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Raptor Ridge Viewpoint
4.8 ★★★★★ 42 Google reviews · Running trail in Escondido, California · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Boardwalk
- Distance
- 65 mi
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Raptor Ridge Viewpoint'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 Raptor Ridge Viewpoint
“mountain biking is hard at the end of the trail but you will see beautiful nature and farm field in the Escondido.”
A perfect trail to take with the kids if they are of hiking age. My boys are 8 & 10. We stayed locally at Bandy Ranch and were looking for a short local hike. Gorgeous views. We left from Bandy Ranch and crossed over the road to start on the trail. Would definitely recommend this trail. Not to steep. We enjoyed it
Great place to hike and mountain biking. mountain biking is hard at the end of the trail but you will see beautiful nature and farm field in the Escondido.
Raptor Ridge Viewpoint marks the high point—and a welcome place to take a break—along the San Dieguito River Park’s Coast to Crest Trail between the Old Coach Staging Area North and the Ysabel Creek Road Staging Area.
Always a great time on the trail, but bring your own liquids as there is nothing on the trail. Bring a flashlight or headlamp off you're going close to sunset as it can get dark very quickly!
Trail conditions & character
“mountain biking is hard at the end of the trail but you will see beautiful nature and farm field in the Escondido.”
“You get the most Amazing view after a steep ride.”
“Had to carry the board 3 times due to chunks but it's not too bad for an intermediate skill level rider.”
Plan your run at Raptor Ridge Viewpoint
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- SurfaceBoardwalk — flat and scenic, and slick when wet, so watch your footing
- Distance65 mi as reported — check whether that is one way or a round trip before you commit. Long enough for a real long run.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- Websitesdrp.org
- Phone+1 858-674-2270
- Social Instagram · Facebook
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.
San Dieguito River Park
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Lomas Verde Trail
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Felicita County Park
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Expansive area offers various sports fields, two playgrounds, walking paths & a disc golf course.
Piedras Pintadas Trailhead
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