Sept 24 – Los Cielos Trails West Along The Escondido Creek

Hike Los Cielos Trails West Along The Escondido Creek, (SW Escondido)

9:00 AM, Saturday., Sept 24, 2022

Meet at GPS: 33.0774, -117.1597

At Harmony Grove Rd and Via Ambiente Rd.
(A mile SW of Elfin Forest Park)

Join me for a hike along the Los Cielos trails west going downstream along the Escondido Creek into a steep canyon. Going through Oak woods and fields on footpaths near the stream and crossing the creek on a log bridge, and up higher in the canyon trail roads. The returning trail goes past a forgotten road bridge and campground.

Round trip is about 4 miles with a 200 ft elevation change, time ~2.5-3 hours. Leashed dogs are ok. NO Port-o-potties available. Parking along Harmony Grove road.

Directions:

Vista/Carlsbad/SnMrcs: From Palomar Airport Rd, take 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 hills town”. (Hwy 78 to South Twin Oaks Valley Rd becomes westbound San Elijo Rd and arrives there too). Go 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 Escondido: Hwy 15 to Hwy78 exit at Nordahl Rd southbound. Go across W. Mission Rd. and 0.2 mile turn Right (west) onto Country Club Dr. Follow south to Harmony Grove Rd., turn right (west) ~2.2 mi to Via Ambiente Rd on the left (south side) and find a place to park. You will drive past the Elfin Forrest park entrance.

What to bring: Water, suitable hiking footwear –shoes are ok but trail is dusty & rocky in parts, appropriate hiking clothing for the weather, sun hat, sunscreen.

Info:  Vincent Rodrig, Text/Call  858-231-7722