All hikes begin at the Daley Ranch entrance on La Honda Drive unless otherwise noted.
A Shuttle runs on Sundays with handicap accessibility. Bring water, sun hat, sunscreen, and proper hiking boots or treaded footwear. All trails include steep and/or slippery sections. Please do not leave valuables in your car. Steady rain cancels a hike. The hike schedule is also available at www.escondido.org Please note that drinking water is no longer available on Daley Ranch.
Friday, Nov. 6, 7:00 a.m., “Mystery Walk”
Join Naturalist Kathleen Flanagan’s early morning hike at the La Honda Drive parking lot. Based on the make-up of the group, she will select a trail for a fast-paced, strenuous walk of about 7 miles. There will be a lot of map reading on the hikes so be sure to have your glasses if you wear them. We recommend you bring a minimum of two liters of water and wear layered clothing as it will be cool in the mornings and warmer as the hike continues.
Saturday, Nov. 7, 8:30 a.m. “More Walk, Less Talk”
Naturalist Simone Green will lead a moderately strenuous hike on Boulder Loop to Crest Trail and back down to the Ranch House Road. The hike will cover about 4 miles.
Saturday, Nov. 7, 9:00 a.m. “Walk and Draw”
Join Naturalist Liz Goetz on slower paced hike over the East Ridge to the Ranch House. We will stop at the picnic tables and make a few sketches of some of the scenery—what better way to remember what you saw. The hike will take about 2 hours.
Sunday, Nov. 8, 8:00 a.m., “Trail Maintenance”
Volunteers are invited to join a Ranger for the Daley Ranch trail maintenance. Meet at the Daley Ranch parking lot on La Honda Drive. Be sure to wear a long-sleeved shirt and closed-toe shoes.
Wednesday, November 11, 10:00 a.m., “Just for Kids!”
Got kids at home? Are you a home-schooling parent? Are you a parent of an infant, toddler, or preschooler? Or kids home from school break? If yes, then this is the hike for you. Naturalist DJ Summers will lead an easy hike for parents and their children. A craft session at a picnic area will follow the hike (bring a snack if you want). Treats will be rewarded to good listeners! Meet at the La Honda Drive entrance at 10:00 a.m. The hike and craft should end by noon. See you there.
Thursday, Nov. 12, 2:30 p.m. “Walk and Draw”
Naturalist Liz Goetz will lead a slower paced hike over the East Ridge to the Ranch House. We will stop at the picnic tables and make a few sketches of some of the scenery—what better way to remember what you saw. The hike will take about 2 hours and we will be back at the cars by dusk.
Friday, Nov. 13, 7:00 a.m., “Mystery Walk”
Join Naturalist Kathleen Flanagan’s early morning hike at the La Honda Drive parking lot. Based on the make-up of the group, she will select a trail for a fast-paced, strenuous walk of about 7 miles. There will be a lot of map reading on the hikes so be sure to have your glasses if you wear them. This could be your lucky day. We recommend you bring a minimum of two liters of water and wear layered clothing as it will be cool in the mornings and warmer as the hike continues.
Saturday, Nov. 14, 8:00 a.m., “14-Mile Rewarding Workout”
Naturalist Don Parnell will lead a sometimes strenuous, but always interesting workout. This hike will include some of the best hills and viewpoints on the ranch. You can expect to be on the trails for about 6 hours including time for a mid-way snack and other short breaks. A hike of this duration will require a minimum of two liters of water which is only available at the trailhead.
Saturday, Nov. 14, 8:30 a.m., “Our Guests—Migrating Mallard Ducks”
Naturalist Dorothy Klitzing will lead a hike of approximately 3 miles over the Ranch House Road, Boulder Loop, and Rock Ridge trails. She will talk about the annual bird migration.
Sunday, Nov. 15, 7:45 a.m. “North Side of Daley Ranch”
Join Naturalist Rita Ospelt on this brisk 11 mile hike starting at the Cougar Pass Parking lot. From there we explore most of the trails, including single tracks, on the northern end of the Daley Ranch. Then, we’ll head south via the Jack Creek Meadow Loop trail and return via the crest and Cougar Ridge Trails. There will be some steep up and downhill sections and this hike is not suited for children. Cougar Pass Trailhead—From Interstate 15, take the El Norte Parkway exit in Escondido east about a half mile to Broadway. Take Broadway north four miles to Cougar Pass (dirt road), turn right, and drive one mile. Park in the asphalt lot on left.
Sunday, Nov. 15, 9:00 a.m. “Walk in the Park”
Naturalist Dan Cannon will lead a moderately paced hike on a new walk through the southwest section of Daley Ranch and learn about Daley’s flora and fauna residents, the reserve’ recent and ancient history, and a short (5 minute) geology talk.
Sunday, Nov. 15, 9:00 a.m., “Daley Ranch Scenery”
A diverse plant population and expansive views are waiting to be enjoyed on Naturalist Rick Paul’s occasionally strenuous 4-mile hike, leaving from Cougar Pass. Be sure to ask Rick about the Daley Ranch keepsake! MEET AT COUGAR PASS PARKING LOT. Cougar Pass Trailhead—From Interstate 15, take the El Norte Parkway exit in Escondido east about a half mile to Broadway. Take Broadway north four miles to Cougar Pass (dirt road), turn right, and drive one mile. Park in the asphalt lot on the left.
Saturday, Nov. 21, 7:00 a.m., “Early Birds, Bugs, N’ Botany”
Join Naturalist Lee Dezan on a moderate hike of about 3 miles, lasting 2 ½ -3 hours on Daley Ranch. Treaded footwear is recommended. Must have a hat and 2 liters of water. Rain NEVER cancels so dress accordingly.
Saturday, Nov. 21, 9:00 a.m. “Introduction to Daley Ranch”
Join Naturalist Katya McLane for a moderate hike over the Boulder Loop with a side trip to the Ranch House. This 4-mile hike will be a great introduction to the Daley Ranch.
Thursday, Nov. 26, 7:30 a.m. “Thanksgiving Day Grand Tour of Daley Ranch”
Naturalist Rita Ospelt will lead this 12.3 mile hike and follow the perimeter of Daley Ranch. You get to see it all and work off some calories you’ll be consuming later in the day. We’ll be hiking at a brisk pace. There will be some steep up and downhill sections and this hike is not suited for children.
Saturday, Nov. 28, 8:00 a.m., “Rattlers and Common Plants”
Naturalist Jack Pomeroy will lead an approximately 3-mile hike, with the option of going further if the weather cooperates. Discussions will focus mostly on how to identify rattle snakes and learn some of the latest information on the Southern Pacific Rattlesnake. The hike is moderately strenuous and will last about 3 hours.
Directions to Hike Locations
La Honda Trailhead—From Interstate 15 take El Norte Parkway exit in Escondido. Go east four miles to La Honda Drive, turn left, drive one mile to Daley Ranch entrance and park in dirt lot on left.
Cougar Pass Trailhead—From Interstate 15, take the El Norte Parkway exit in Escondido east about a half mile to Broadway. Take Broadway north four miles to Cougar Pass (dirt road), turn right, and drive one mile. Park in the asphalt lot on left.
Caballo Trailhead—From Interstate 15, take the Valley Parkway exit in Escondido and go northeast about 5 miles. Turn left at Bevin into the Eureka Springs development. Follow the road toward the filtration plant entrance and turn right at the Escondido Humane Society sign (Volunteer Lane). Park in the dirt parking lot.
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