A Taste of Daley Ranch

My latest hiking discovery is Daley Ranch, a 3,000+ acre natural preserve north of Escondido, CA. Daley Ranch is located just north of Escondido off El Norte Parkway, a short 20-25 minute drive from our home in Scripps Ranch.

The City of Escondido wisely acquired the preserve in 1996 and now manages more than 20 miles of trails that traverse the hills and canyons of this rich habitat.  Here is the gate that greets you at the parking area at the Le Honda Dr. entry to Daley Ranch.

We arrived for our first visit on a sunny, November Sunday morning about 9 am when it was already a warm 75 degrees.  The parking area was nearly full but it did not feel crowded once out on the trails (unlike a Sunday at Cowles Mtn.).  Be sure to take a trail map at the entry to help you select a route and learn a bit about the history of the area.

We decided to just do a small taste of Daley Ranch.  We selected a short easy walk up to the ranch house, a restored home for the ranger and aging outbuildings.  We enjoyed arriving at the ranch house where trees and picnic tables greet you.  There was one good uphill on the way but overall an easy walk into the preserve area.

There are so many trails to chose from at Daley Ranch, ours was just a small taste hike to gave us an orientation and a desire to come back for more.  Back from the ranch we took a loop on the East Ridge Trail and then back to the parking area above Lake Dixon on the Creek Crossing Trail.  Here is the trail map showing all the other options.  On our next visit we will spend more time and conquer Stanley Peak!

Overall, Daley Ranch is worth the drive up to Escondido for a few hours of hiking and enjoying nature and the outdoors.  There were lots of mountain bikers on the trails which looked great for riding.  The views were also wonderful and it's not too crowded, even on a Sunday.

I love this photo.  Bobbi and I have always loved hiking in nature!

So get out and enjoy Daley Ranch!