Elfin Forest Trails| Escondido, CA

Down a winding road in the outskirts of Escondido lies a supposedly haunted forest that encapsulates miles of trails, known as Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve. Elfin Forest isn’t your standard forest, in fact when you hike along the multiple trails offered at this destination you won’t feel as though you’re in much of a forest at all. Instead, you may even find yourself wondering if you are in California with the desert-like landscape and surrounding vegetation. Elfin Forest, however, is a hike to check out at least once, even if it is just for the haunted history.

Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve is a family-friendly hiking destination through an ecological preserve. At the trailhead there are two trail options: the main trail, known as the Way Up Trail or the mile-long Botanical Trail, a well-marked path describing the various plant life in the area. My group opted to take the Way Up trail in order to cover as much ground as possible to share with all you avid hikers!

Way Up trailhead sign

The Way Up Trail is a 1.4 mile path with a steady incline that ultimately reaches 1200 ft. To start this trail you will cross a creek area where you may encounter children playing in the shallow water. A box of hiking sticks will come into view once you cross the bridge, however there were none available when we arrived at about 11 a.m. on a Sunday. The hike ascends right away, with mile markers placed every quarter mile for reference. The elevation you’ve climbed is also indicated at the mile markers which I thought was a nice touch.

Ascending up the Way Up Trail

Continuing upwards, you’ll notice the trail is rocky in many places with few switchbacks that makes this journey uphill more moderate as opposed to difficult. There is a shade structure and stone bench about ¾ the way up the trail, which offers a nice opportunity for some solace and relaxation, especially on a hot summer day. A little after the 1 mile marker you will see a sign that permits dogs to be unleashed at this point on weekdays. After this point, the trail flattens out and you’ve pretty much completed your ascent uphill. Shortly after, you will encounter a major split.

If you go left, you will follow a service road that connects with the Del Dios Highland County Preserve which will connect into the Del Dios Highway, or the 5 mile loop to the Lake Hodges Overlook. If you follow the trail to the right, it will take you along the western side of the Olivenhain Dam to the Ray Brooks Overlook. If you head straight you will see a picnic area with a view of Lake Hodges, offering some shade, a water fountain and restrooms.

Near the picnic area

We opted to take both the Equine Incline Trail and the Lake Hodges Overlook Trail. The Equine Trail takes you on a 2.6 mile loop into some of the more isolated parts of the Reserve. In fact, we only came across one person throughout the entirety of the loop. It’s one of the few true single tracks in the park, and seems to be more popular for mountain bikers. The views from this trail are breathtaking, with several large boulders for climbing along the way.

Bouldering on the Equine Incline Trail

Once we completed the Equine Incline Trail we headed towards the Lake Hodges Overlook Trail. In my opinion, this trail offers the best views in Elfin Forest. You’ll see the rural parts of Escondido and Lake Hodges from a rarely seen vantage point in San Diego. The view of the Lake is spectacular and will prompt you to take advantage of the multiple photo opportunities.

Lake Hodges

No matter which trail you choose to take, you will need to proceed back down the Way Up Trail to return back to your vehicle. You may also come across signs that direct you towards the “Staging Area” which will lead you to the start of the Way Up Trailhead/parking lot.

Haunted History of Elfin Forest

Rumor has it that Elfin Forest is haunted. The most popular ghost story is about the white witch, who was originally a typical wife until her son and husband were murdered. Rumor has it she is still looking for her family, or possibly the person who murdered them. There are also stories of the Northern Diegueno Indians haunting the woods.

Some hikers have claimed being touched on their shoulders by the White Lady and report seeing her float above the ground and pass through objects. Some claim to have seen a smiling woman from a distance only to realize it is a ghostly apparition. People driving along the dark, wooded trail at night have reported seeing the White Lady floating through the woods as well.

Others claim to have seen apparitions of Native American bodies hanging from trees. Some suggest that this area could have been a Native American burial ground thousands of years ago.

Locals say there are stone circles in the forest and that if you pass through them you will experience time lapses.

Fortunately, my hike in Elfin Forest wasn’t spooky at all and I did not encounter any of the above. Perhaps a night hike could change that.

The Paranomalistics website offers a slew of other interesting tidbits and facts on Elfin Forest and other haunted locations in San Diego.

Elfin Forest Tips

Tip 1: If you have children or want to learn more about Elfin Forest, check out the interpretive center (open 9am to 3pm Thursday through Sunday). Fly larva, microscopes, animals that call this area home as well as local vegetation will kick start your brain.

Tip 2: Dogs are permitted on this trail and on weekdays they are even allowed to be unleashed as long as a close eye is kept on them at the top of the Way Up Trail. Please ensure your dogs are properly hydrated throughout the entirety of your hike as this trail can get hot in the spring and summer months.

Tip 3: There are a few parking spots located near the trailhead. Arrive early to snag one of these prime spots. Otherwise, there is overflow parking to the right of the main parking lot or you can park along the street in designated parking areas.

Tip 4: Take a look at all the trails offered prior to planning your adventure to Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve by clicking here .

Tip 5: Restrooms are located at the top of the Way Up Trail and also in the parking lot when you first arrive.

Tip 6: Do not follow directions to Elfin Forest via iPhone GPS or you will end up at the Del Dios Highland County Preserve trailhead instead. Use the address listed below.