Elfin Forest | Escondido | CA

Hiking the Elfin Forest: A Day of Adventure and Nature Wonders

If you’re craving an adventure that blends nature’s beauty with a solid workout, hiking at Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve is a must. On my most recent hike, I made my way up the Botanical Trail, transitioned to the Way Up Trail, looped toward the Lake Hodges Overlook, and then descended back down the Way Up Trail. Altogether, it’s a route that delivers steady elevation, wide-open views, and just enough challenge to feel earned.

Trust me—it’s a journey you’ll want to take.

Photo: Informational Sign at the Parking Lot

Photo: Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve Map

Starting Out: The Interpretive Center

Before you hit the trails, it’s worth making a quick stop at the Interpretive Center—assuming it’s open. The staff here is welcoming and happy to share insights about the trails, plant life, and the reserve itself. It’s an easy way to start the hike feeling a little more grounded in the place you’re about to explore.

Photos: A scenic upward view of the hiking trail | Sculpture near Interpretive Center

A Quick Parking & Timing Tip

Arrive early if you can. The main parking lot is small and fills up quickly, especially on weekends. If it’s full, the overflow lot is only a short walk from the trailhead. You’ll also find porto-johns at the base of the trails and another set near the reservoir.

Easing In: Botanical Trail to Way Up Trail

From the staging area or parking lot, you’ll see signage for the Botanical Trail. You can also cross the bridge over Escondido Creek and head straight up the Way Up Trail, but starting on the Botanical Trail is the better option.

This section climbs gradually and makes for a perfect warm-up. Along the way, the native flora really stands out, and if you’re lucky, you may even spot butterflies like the El Segundo Blue. There’s also a Botanical Trail Guide on the Elfin Forest website that’s worth checking out ahead of time.

Photos: Trail markers at the staging area

Photos: Crossing the Escondido Creek

Photos: Some of the beauty you’ll see on the way up: Lemonade Berry | Milkmaids | Bigpod Ceanothus

The Climb Begins: Up the Way Up Trail

Once you transition onto the Way Up Trail, the hike changes character quickly. The first mile is almost entirely uphill, and the name is well earned. Along the way, there are a few natural pause points, including the Harmony Grove Overlook.

Early on, you’ll notice a house perched high on the hill across from the parking lot. At first, it looks impossibly elevated. Before long, though, you’ll be staring straight across at it—a quiet reminder of how much ground you’ve gained.

Because this area is known for rattlesnakes, hiking boots and poles are strongly recommended.

Photos: Transitioning to the Way Up Trail | The view as you climb |
The Way Up Trail

Photos: Harmony Grove Overlook | Looking straight across to the house

Olivenhain Dam & Reservoir

After reaching the ridgeline, it’s a short and rewarding hike to the Olivenhain Reservoir. The one unavoidable downside is the set of massive power lines that cross part of the park, but once you move past them, the views quickly take over.

As you approach the reservoir, you’ll pass several side trails before reaching the Ridgeline Maintenance Road, where another trail map is posted. Heading straight leads to the Ridgetop Picnic Area, which has picnic tables and porto-johns.

On one visit, I also took the Tykes Hike Trail, a short 0.25-mile loop that reconnects with the maintenance road and offers great views of both the reservoir and the dam.

For the Jeopardy! fans: the reservoir holds roughly 8 billion gallons of water, and its dam rises 318 feet—one of the tallest in the county.

Photos: The infamous Power Lines | Trail Map at the Ridgeline Maintenance Road

Photos: View of the Olivenhain Reservoir from Tykes Hike Trail

The Payoff: Lake Hodges Overlook

To reach the Lake Hodges Overlook, turn left on the Ridgeline Maintenance Road when facing the reservoir. After climbing to the top, take a right toward the Escondido Overlook, then continue downhill until you spot the Lake Hodges Overlook Trail on your right.

This stretch includes a descent followed by another climb. At a slightly confusing intersection, take the trail to the left—it leads directly to the overlook.

The views of Lake Hodges are expansive and well worth the effort. It was here that I realized I had unknowingly hiked around part of the lake itself. On one hike, I also spotted a tarantula hawk and several snowy egrets.

Photos: Heading up the Ridgeline Maintenance Road | Trail Marker on the Ridgeline Maintenance Road

Photos: Lake Hodges Overlook

Photos: Lake Hodges

Closing the Loop

From the overlook, continue straight onto the Lake Hodges Overlook Loop. You’ll see a trail branching off to the right if you want to shorten the hike, but staying left adds a bit more distance.

The loop eventually connects to the Witch Trail, which follows the reservoir before merging back with the Lake Hodges Overlook Trail. From there, continue uphill to the maintenance road and retrace your steps to the parking lot.

The descent is noticeably easier, giving you time to relax and take in the experience.

Photos: Olivenhain Dam and Reservoir from the Lake Hodges Loop Trail

Photos: Witch Trail Marker | Way Up Trail Marker

Extra Tips Before You Go

• Footwear & Gear: Boots and poles are recommended, especially during rattlesnake season.
• Timing: Early arrival improves parking options.
• Facilities: Porto-johns are available at the base and near the reservoir.
• Wildlife: Watch for snakes, butterflies, tarantula hawks, and snowy egrets.
• Trails: I’d personally avoid the “Elfin Forest Loop” on AllTrails—the backside is steep, overgrown, requires water crossings, and has a lot of poison oak.

Elfin Forest is more than just a hike—it’s an experience layered with effort, views, and small discoveries along the way. Whether you’re training or simply exploring, it delivers every time.

Catch you on the trail!

Dates of Hikes: 15 Jan 2024 | 25 Feb 2024 | 19 May 2024