Stanley Peak is one of the newer additions to the trails of Dixon Lake and Daley Ranch, added in 2006 when the Escondido City Council authorized its purchase. Following its purchase a trail was opened between the Sage Trail to the summit. The 1,958’ Stanley Peak is lesser known than other San Diego peaks, however this doesn’t make the views at the summit of this peak any less stunning. In fact, they are equally if not more stunning than your heavy foot traffic peaks such as Iron Mountain and Cowles Mountain .
There are a number of different ways to hike Stanley Peak, including a route along the Caballo Trail near the Escondido Humane Society . This trail is more difficult due to the elevation gain, starting at 729 ft in the parking lot to 1,958’ at the top of the peak. The parking lot at the Caballo Trailhead connects with the Sage Trail which eventually connects to the Stanley Peak Trailhead.
However, the shorter, more popular, and less arduous route is accessed by parking at the La Honda Drive entrance, starting at an altitude of 1,185 instead. The hardest portion of this route is the ascent up to Stanley Peak after connecting with the Sage Trail, climbing from 1,618’ to 1,958’ (340 feet) in the 0.73-mile distance between the trailhead and the peak.
From the parking lot and after passing beneath the large Daley Ranch sign hanging overhead, you will make your first right to start walking along the Creek Crossing Trail. The Creek Crossing Trail is relatively short, at 0.66 miles long and is wide enough to accompany the ranger trucks that patrol the ranch. Near the quarter mile mark from the trailhead you will catch a glimpse of another popular mountain, Mount Woodson, in the distance. The trail soon dips downhill to the creek crossing, which the trail is named after, however no water was present even in the fall.
The trail ends with its intersection of the East Ridge Trail. Turn right here to hike a short 0.17 miles before connecting with the Sage Trail.
The Sage Trail is a relatively easy hike for experienced hikers, with a little under 400 foot elevation gain between the trailhead and its highest point.
At 1.06 miles from the Sage Trailhead you will see the trailhead for the Coyote Run Trail. The trail goes south and connects with the East Ridge Trail at its other end, an alternate route you can take on your hike back to the entrance of Daley Ranch to get a different change of scenery.
The next six tenths of a mile climbs upward, offering views of a flat prairie to the west of the trail, a large rock beside the trail, and views ahead of the steady climb to the Old Tank Trail. You will continue hiking towards the rusted-red old tank until you reach the intersection of the Stanley Peak Trail, marked by a large Engelmann oak. This is where the trail gets arduous—a steep ascent all the way to the summit.
The trail winds up the backside of the peak until you reach a number of boulders and stunted oaks on the summit. A large sign will greet you at the top, letting you know you are at the Stanley Peak Summit. Looking north you’ll see the Santa Ana Mountains, with Cucamonga, Ontario, and Bighorn Peaks off in the distance on a clear day. To the east you’ll see Agua Tibia Mountain, the Palomar Range, the top of Rodriguez Mountain, Romanas Black Mountain and the Cuyamaca Mountains.
To return back to your car, follow the same route, or if you want some alternate routes follow the Sage Trail until it connects with the Coyote Run Trail. Follow the Coyote Run Trail until you reach the intersection for the East Ridge Trail. Turn left here and follow the East Ridge Trail for 0.16-miles until you reach Creek Crossing Trail once more. Creek Crossing will bring you back to the large Daley Ranch sign at the entrance of La Honda Drive.
Stanley Peak Tips
Tip #1: There is virtually no shade along any of these trails. Bring enough water, sunscreen, and layers of clothing to beat the heat.
Tip #2: Stanley Peak and Daley Ranch in general is very pet friendly. With waste bag stations, there’s no reason not to pick up after your pet.
Tip #3: Another popular trail to check out at Daley Ranch is the Boulder Loop Trail, a steeper ascent but an equally rewarding trail.
Tip #4: For a more challenging hike to Stanley Peak, take the Caballo Trailhead.
Trail Difficulty: Moderate
Total Distance: 6.2 miles
Trailhead Address: 3024 La Honda Dr, Escondido, CA 92027
Driving Directions: Take the I-15 and exit at El Norte Boulevard. Turn right. Follow El Norte to La Honda Drive which will dead-end at the Daley Ranch Parking lot.
