Hike Los Cielos Trails near Elfin Forest Reserve,
2:00 pm, Sunday, December 19, 2021
Meet at GPS: 33.07745, -117.15950
Take a Christmas shopping break and join us for a nice afternoon hike along the Los Cielos trails through the woods, then on a dirt road and onto a trail again. Cross the creek into Elfin Forest Reserve to do the Botanical loop trail — not the Way Up trail, and then back the same way. This less-used trail is mostly level and parallels the Escondido Creek into Elfin Forest. We need to cross the stream on rocks 3 times to do the Botanical loop and back, which at low water time is doable with helping hands if needed. Round trip is about 4.5 miles with a ~150 ft elevation change, time ~2.5 hours. Leashed dogs are ok. Port-o-potties and tap water are available in Elfin Forest park.
Meet: 2:00 pm at Harmony Grove Rd and Via Ambiente Rd.
NOT AT ELFIN FOREST PARK.
Parking along Harmony Grove road, Southside only. No parking in Via Ambiente which is the gated Olivenhain Water service road.
Directions: From Hwy-78 in Vista / San Marcos; Exit onto Melrose southbound, or Rancho Santa Fe Rd southbound, and follow each to San Elijo Rd. Then left (east) at San Elijo Rd., go into “San Elijo town”. (South Twin Oaks Valley Rd becomes westbound San Elijo Rd and arrives there too). Right (south) onto Elfin Forest Rd, miles down at a sharp left bend it becomes Harmony Grove Rd. Follow ~0.4 mi. Look for the via Ambiente road and parking on right (south side).
From I-15 in Escondido: exit at Nordahl southbound. Go across W. Mission Rd. and ~.2 mi turn Right (west) onto Country Club Dr. Follow south to Harmony Grove Rd., turn right (west) ~2.2 mi to Via Ambiente entrance on the left (south side) and find a place to park.
From coastal areas: Hwy 5 to La Costa Ave or Leucadia Blvd headed eastwards to Rancho Santa Fe Rd, then turn onto San Elijo Rd into “town”, then onto Elfin Forest Rd to Harmony Grove Rd & Via Ambiente.
What to bring:
Suitable hiking footwear -shoes are ok, appropriate hiking clothing for the weather.
Info: text/call Vinnie Rodrig @ 858-231-7722
In case of significant rain or nearby fires the hike will be canceled.
Single Adult Ministries is the singles ministry of North Coast Church, Vista, CA. We value Pleasing Christ and providing a safe place for growing Christian single adults.