Secret Crestridge

Hike Crestridge Ecological Reserve in San Diego County

Hiker in Crestridge Ecological Preserve in San Diego County

It’s hard to call a 2,800-acre green space a hidden gem, but the Crestridge Ecological Reserve feels like a secret treasure, with a multitude of trails that traverse riparian, oak woodland, coastal sage scrub, and chaparral habitats nestled between quiet neighborhoods and the bustling I-8. Discover the highlights view on the Valley View Truck Trail, which stretches 4 miles across the preserve. Get an early start to avoid too much heat.

Sign for Crestridge Ecological Reserve in San Diego County

Park at the east entrance on Horsemill Road and find a beautiful sign welcoming you to the preserve. The unique mushroom-shaped adobe visitor center has interpretive signs describing the area’s history (such as the 2003 fire that burned 80% of the preserve) and the local birds of prey, including golden eagles, owls, white-tailed kites, and Cooper’s hawks. It’s also home to the endangered Hermes copper butterfly. Check out the short nature trail at the visitor center, and appreciate the beautifully intricate mosaic artwork, including a photogenic lizard bench. Admittedly, it’s hard to even leave the entrance, but head northwest past the greenhouse and native grassland restoration to find a trail junction.

Head west (left) here to hop onto the Valley View Truck Trail. Though this path actually stretches 4 miles to the park’s western terminus (at a parking lot behind a Dollar Tree), hikers can opt to turn back at their own comfort level. Throughout the reserve, which serves as an important connector to the Lakeside Ecological Reserve and San Diego National Wildlife Refuge, you’ll climb hills for views of the surrounding region, maneuver under enchanting oak forests, and skirt along some canyon walls—look for the pink and purple alien-like stalks of the chalk dudleya along the walls. 

For another local gem, head to the nearby Flinn Springs County Park, a beautiful 40-acre green space that has a flowing stream, oak groves, a really cool hidden baseball field and, of course, hiking trails. The hike-de-force goes 2.2 miles up to Flinn Peak for some incredible views.

Cafe Adesso coffee in Alpine San Diego County

BONUS TREAT: After your park-hopping adventure, head to Caffe Adesso for some refreshing local brews. The cute drive-thru coffee shack is run by the Musgrove family (Padres fans will know Joe, who threw the team’s first ever no-hitter and is a fan favorite). Caffe Adesso is also a local favorite—everything is good, but if you’re a Pads fan, snag a #44 (Joe’s favorite, named after his number), which is their delicious cold brew with sweet cream. Cin cin!

To get to Crestridge Ecological Preserve’s east entrance, take the I-8 to the Greenfield Dr. exit and head east. After 0.5 mile, turn left onto La Cresta Rd. and after 3.1 miles, turn left onto Mountain View Rd. After 1.2 miles, turn left onto Horsemill Rd., which leads you 0.6 mile to street parking and the visitor center. Dog-friendly!

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Afternoon on the Island

    What is it about tiny islands in the middle of lakes? There’s something that just draws you in. It’s even more fun when getting there is half the adventure because you have to reach it by canoe, kayak, paddleboat, or a ranger-guided boat tour!

    View
  2. Golden Gate's Blue Heron

    Golden Gate Park’s Blue Heron Lake is home to birds of many feathers, turtles lounging on rocks, visitors from afar, and locals who love this urban oasis in San Francisco. Try the "Boats and Breakfast" rowboat or pedal boat deal.

    View
  3. Rio Del Mar-velous

    Rio Del Mar State Beach in Aptos might be one of the best places for a treasure hunt. Its location between two other beaches makes for a good stroll featuring a spectacle of wildlife as you search the sand for sea glass and seashells.

    View
  4. Aloha from California

    Say Aloha without leaving California with a 7-mile out-and-back hiking adventure to Lake Aloha in El Dorado National Forest. You can also camp here, a premier place for stargazing.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

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. Walking the Los Angeles River Trail Through Frogtown

    Frogtown Strutter’s Stroll

    Don’t go dismissing the Los Angeles River as merely a 51-mile concrete channel. It’s a genuine urban artery that links real neighborhoods, and its riverside bike/ped paths endear i

    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. Sponsored

    Fall for It All in Reno Tahoe

    The best kind of getaway? Less time on logistics, more time on memory-making. Jackpot! You’ve got Reno Tahoe.

    View