Lake Hodges Overlook
Escondido, California
Details
Distance
6.73 miles
Elevation Gain
1407 ft
Route Type
Loop
Description
Added by Dane
Amazing view of Lake Hodges in the Elfin Forest with creek viewing areas. There are botanical garden trails and beautiful lush trees.
Elfin Forest is one of the most beautiful and unique trails in all of San Diego, CA. The parking is free as well as the overflow parking area. There is an Interpretive Center located in the staging area where you can speak to park rangers, learn about the wildlife and trail locations. The parking area and Interpretive Center is open from 8:00am-7:30pm.
The trail head begins at the Escondido Creek at 492ft elevation. The creek runs year round from Lake Wohlford to the Pacific Ocean. There are beautiful streams and small waterfalls that are easily accessible for viewing.
Beginning the hike to the top you can either take the Botanical Garden trail or the Way Up trail. If you decide to take the Botanical Garden trail be sure to grab a map at the Interpretive Center so you can locate the many listed species on the trail.
The Way Up trail (1.41 miles) is moderately steep and has a few picnic resting stops along the way with shade. It is still rideable up hill either mountain biking or horseback riding. Once the switchbacks end you continue on a flat wide trail until you hike your last hill (50 yds) to the Lake Hodges Overlook 1.200ft). The view of Lake Hodges is unbeatable.
On your way back be sure to stop at the picnic area just below the overlook where you can find restrooms and a much needed water fountain. The staff and rangers are super friendly and go above and beyond to assure you have a great experience. Be sure to bring plenty of drinking water with you. As this trail is in Escondido it can get hot and dry in the afternoons.
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Lake Hodges Overlook Reviews
Do not sleep in the botanical trail, that’s where you see a lot of the greenery and water and just a relaxing atmosphere. Overall very nice I would recommend
5.0
Great hike, easy to find, and plenty of parking. Make sure to bring plenty of water and your hiking shoes. Beautiful mini Rapids, and view of lake Hodges. Lots of rattlesnakes
4.0
Beautiful setting! Parking available! Great place to get a work out. The trails are great for legs glutes and abs. The scenery is gorgeous. Watch out for mountain bikers make sure you bring lots of water.
5.0
This hike is a must do! I'm currently training for doing some 14ers in Colorado and this is a great hike for anyone, there is a great network of trails to combine for any level of outdoor enthusiast. There is a large variety of wildlife around from rattlesnakes, birds, bees and squirrels so you get a bit of everything. The actually forest part at the beginning of the trail is beautiful, there are bathrooms at the top and many areas to stop and rest on the way up. Be sure to take plenty of water although it's not a long hike you are exposed for a majority of it and it gets warm in that area. Have fun and just enjoy the outdoors!!
5.0
We (me 6 months pregnant, 7 yr old son and 1 yr old puppy) hiked the way up trail from the first parking lot around 2 pm and enjoyed the great hike and exploration. It was a sunny day and got pretty hot on the way up but if you bring lots of water you'll be good :) Got to the first lookout and decided to keep going to see the reservoir, which we totally recommend since it's only a few more switchbacks up to the top :) Porta potties were cleaning and they have hoses with fresh water. Son and puppy had the most fun down at the trail jumping across the rocks and playing in the water stream. Totally recommend for a great day of bonding :)
4.0
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