Poway hiking trails are generally known for their boulder-strewn landscape. The trails found at the 2,272-acre Goodnan Ranch Sycamore Canyon Preserve are a nice break from the norm. With miles of grassland, riparian, coastal sage, chaparral, and oak woodland, visitors will feel a world away from the busy city life. More than 10 miles of trails wind through the preserve, past small lakes, seasonal waterfalls, and shallow creeks. Martha’s Grove Trail is a short 1.7-mile path that can be extended to 2.8 or 6.5 miles in length and serves as the perfect introduction to Sycamore Canyon Preserve.
Martha’s Grove Trail is best accessed by parking at the Goodan Ranch Staging Area at the end of Sycamore Canyon Road. There is another trailhead at the Highway 67 Staging Area, however this post will cover only the Goodan entrance. From the small dirt parking lot, veer to the left towards the wooden kiosk. You’ll find a large sign that reads “Sycamore Canyon Open Space Preserve County of San Diego Parks and Recreation Department”. Just below this large sign, you’ll see a much smaller green sign for the Martha’s Grove Trail to Cardiac Hill.
The next 1.7 miles is a slow descent with breathtaking views of the canyon below along the way. Depending on time of year, you’ll pass by several seasonal streams and a seasonal waterfall as you make your way down to Martha’s Grove, a tribute to a local ranger who died from cancer. Once you approach Martha’s Grove, you’ll be greeted by the shade of trees looming above. We had to cross over a few small creeks on this section of the trail, though during summer months this will not be a problem.
After you emerge from Martha’s Grove, you’ll continue along a wider trail, past a small lake. You may feel compelled to get a better view of the lake, however I would not recommend stepping off trail the trail here. Not only are they trying to restore this habitat, but we also came across a rattlesnake here. Stick to the main trail to stay safe.
Soon you’ll reach a split. Turn left to continue on the Cardiac Hill Trail to double the length of your hike. As the name suggests, this portion of the trail is a bit more difficult, though it shouldn’t get you out of breath. The Cardiac Hill Trail will join the Ridge Trail. From the Ridge Trail you will take the fire road to return back to the Goodan Staging Area.
If you’d rather end your hike, follow the fire road, marked as “Main Crossing” for 1.1-miles to get back to the Goodan Staging Area. The shorter loop all together will bring the hike to 2.8-miles total.
Martha’s Grove Trail Tips
Tip #1: Watch for rattlesnakes. The trails are wide, the sun exposure is heavy, and there are plenty of places for them to hide. Stay on the trail and watch your surroundings.
Tip #2: Take care of business beforehand. There are no restroom facilities at Goodan Ranch Sycamore Canyon Preserve.
Tip #3: Share the trail. You will likely come across a few mountain bikers, especially if hiking on the weekend.
Tip #4: Bring plenty of sun protection. The majority of the trail offers minimal shade.
Tip #5: Stop by the viewpoint at the end of the fire road. You can see some pretty spectacular views of the entire preserve from here.
End of trail
Driving Directions
From downtown San Diego, take 163-N for 11.2 miles. Merge onto I-15N. In 5.8 miles, take exit 18 for Poway Road towards Rancho Penasquitos Blvd. Keep right at the fork, follow signs for Poway Road and merge onto Poway Road. Merge onto Poway Road. In 4.9 miles, turn right onto Garden Rd. Take a slight right to stay on Garden Road. Turn right onto Sycamore Canyon Road. Continue on Sycamore Canyon Road until the road comes to an end. Park in the dirt lot or along the side of the road.
Difficulty: Easy
Total Distance: 2.8 or 6.5 miles
Trailhead Address: 16281 Sycamore Canyon Road, Poway, CA 92064
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