Up and Away : San Pasqual Hiking Trails Offer Some Stunning Views

Hiking opportunities for North Countians took a quantum leap last summer with the completion of new trails on Iron Mountain near Poway (Nov. 21 column) and at the upper, east end of San Pasqual Valley near Escondido.

Today’s column focuses on the latter--one of the first efforts at fleshing out the 60-mile-long, open-space corridor known as the San Dieguito River Park.

Like any low-elevation route, these new trails are best explored during the cool months. Try to pick a clear day as well; the coast-to-mountain views on these trails can be stunning. There are no facilities whatsoever, so be sure to pack warm clothing, food, and water.

The trails are divided into two networks. To explore the easier, south trail system, start from the parking lot on the south side of California 78, 5.3 miles east of the San Diego Wild Animal Park. You start by zigzagging 0.6 mile to the first marked trail junction. Choose the right branch for a relatively easy climb to a 1,550-foot knoll. From this vantage point, you can spot the ocean on most winter days.

The left branch of the trail--the more rugged alternative--begins with a short passage through a spooky ravine, replete with live oaks, mosses and fungi. On the other side, you tackle switchbacks leading toward a prominent, monolithic boulder on a high ridge to the east. After passing within a few yards of the boulder, there’s a side trail on the right leading to a 1,755-foot viewpoint--good for another view to the west. Keep straight to continue toward a 1,635-foot bump on a ridge 1/2 mile northeast (you join a dirt road briefly, and resume travel on a foot trail branching left toward the high point). That’s where you get a really stupendous view of upper San Pasqual Valley, a slice of ocean horizon in the west, and the distant, blue-tinted mountains in the east.

Almost straight down a thousand feet, you’ll see toy-like cars making their way along the sinuous gray ribbon on California 78.

If you choose to explore the entire south trail network, you’ll cover 7 miles, gaining a total of 1,900 feet of elevation and losing the same.

The maze-like, north trail system involves some strenuous uphill and downhill walking--more than you might expect for any trail so close to the urban area. You start from the parking lot on the north side of California 78, 5.6 miles east of the Wild Animal Park. If you’re coming from Escondido, this turnoff comes unexpectedly; note that it is 0.3 mile beyond the parking lot for the south trails.

Exhausting the possibilities of the north trail network in a single day is just that--exhausting. You’d have to walk 18 miles with a total elevation gain of 4,500 feet and a loss of 4,500 feet. You can easily see something worthwhile, though, by descending only one-third of a mile from the parking lot to Santa Ysabel Creek. There you can sit for a spell amid the beautiful oaks and sycamores. Water may or may not be careening off the boulders, depending on recent rains.

On the trail continuing ahead, dozens of switchbacks take you to a junction 1,300 feet higher and 2 1/2 miles farther. At the trail fork there, decide where you want to go--right toward any of three marked viewpoints, or left toward any of six marked viewpoints.

Based on my reconnaissance of the entire north trail maze, I’d suggest heading for the 1,847-foot viewpoint west of Tims Canyon. It features a virtually aerial view straight down the length of San Pasqual Valley. Unpack your lunch there and enjoy a view probably superior to that from any hilltop mansion in North County.