Daley Inspiration

Hike Boulder Loop at Daley Ranch in North San Diego County

Hiker on a trail at Daley Ranch at North San Diego County

Phenomenal views? Check. Impressive geology? Check again. Secret ponds? Yep! Sprinkle in a historic home and you’ve got a highlight hike! At over 3,200 acres, Daley Ranch in Escondido is one of the largest parks in San Diego County, and its 25-mile trail system will take you more than one trip to complete. Start with the Boulder Loop Trail with a side visit to the Daley Ranch House for a 5.25-mile lollipop loop that offers a challenging workout (800 feet of gain) and more-than-worthy rewards.

Hiker on a trail going past boulders at Daley Ranch in Escondido North San Diego County

Hiker at bench site overlooking mountains at Escondido Ranch in North San Diego County

Park at the green space’s southern entrance and dirt lot, just north of Dixon Lake, and download a map to peek at all the potential trekking. Head on the paved path under the ranch gate sign (ignore the dirt trail to the right; that goes to Stanley Peak) and start your ascent, with immediate vistas of Escondido to the south. At just past the half-mile mark, you reach an overlook with views of Middle Pond (an old stock pond from the ranching days), most likely dotted with coots, ducks, and egrets and cormorants if you’re lucky. You can take a spur trail to get a closer look; otherwise, continue north along the path.

Ignore the first two junctions for the Boulder Loop for now and continue on the paved path to the historic Daley Ranch house (open second Sunday of the month, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.). Built in 1925 by the pioneering Daley family, who once owned large tracts of land in the area, the beautiful redwood home is accompanied by some barns and old ranch equipment. You’ll notice the Jack Creek Meadow Trail just past the structures, which leads to a north park entrance, but turn around and head back to the Boulder Loop.

The house is charming, but the 2.5-mile Boulder Loop is the real star. You’ll pass under giant Engelmann and coast live oaks before being deposited into open meadows. The climb is a good workout, but the views are some of the best in the county—the rolling hills of the park are especially gorgeous after a rain and you can see deep into San Diego on clear days. You’ll also pass by huge rock outcroppings and giant granite specimens that inevitably gave the loop its name, perfect for a mid-hike rock scramble or a rugged picnic. Otherwise, there are benches and a shade structure at the apex of the loop to rest at before you descend and reconnect with the paved trail that takes you to the park entrance and your car.

To get to the Daley Ranch southern entrance, take the I-15 to the El Norte Pkwy. exit and head east. After 3.3 miles, turn left onto La Honda Dr. (you’ll see a sign for Daley Ranch and Dixon Lake). After 1.3 miles, find the dirt lot on your left and the park entrance directly in front of you. Dog-friendly!

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Gentle Giants

    Some people visit national parks to marvel at the iconic sights, while others come seeking solitude in nature. With visitation on the rise, it can be hard to find both. But in Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, this pair of trails offers both....

    View
  2. Screaming Good Garden

    Combine a classic scary movie backdrop and life-size elephant garden sculptures in beautiful downtown Sonoma.

    View
  3. A Hike to the Past

    This 5.2-mile redwoods hike through El Corte de Madera Creek Open Space combines a relaxing stroll with unique geologic formations and historical artifacts.

    View
  4. Golden Mile

    Dubbed the Golden Mile, this car-free stretch of road in Golden Gate Park features rotating art installations of murals, sculptures, and abundant bright yellow Adirondack chairs for kicking back to relax. See Naga, the recent new addition here, an impressive sea serpent art installation at Golden Gate Park's Rainbow

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Sponsored

    Chase Fall Colors & Family Fun in Reno Tahoe

    Ready to Reno? We’re so with you! Reno Tahoe is the ultimate urban basecamp for gathering family and friends for all kinds of fall fun and festivities.

    View
  2. Welcome to the Ice Age

    Only in LA can you stumble upon a lake of bubbling black goo right in the middle of the city—complete with a life-size family of mammoths frozen in time. Take a whiff and you’ll catch the unmistakable scent of asphalt: Yep, you’ve made it to the La Brea Tar Pits & Museum.

    View
  3. Griffith's Golden

    With over 4,200 acres and hundreds of trails, Griffith Park is the gold standard. Opt for the lesser-hiked northwestern end of the park and visit the 2.25-mile Skyline and Oak Canyon loop from Travel Town.

    View
  4. Mulholland's Most Majestic

    Take a leisurely drive along Mulholland Drive to discover beautiful urban scenery and unexpected wild beauty, right in the middle of the city. 

    View