Olivenhain Municipal Water District is devoted to the safe operation of the Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve and to providing all visitors with a unique recreational, educational, and environmental experience.
 

What's New at the Reserve?

• New Video: A Day at Elfin Forest by Docent Tom Munnecke
• The Reserve now has its own page on Facebook!
• Interpretive Nature Walks with Donna Walker
• Walk with a Tracker/Naturalist
• Explore the World of Insects with Bill the Bug Guy
• Read Debbie Walden's experience of volunteering as a docent at the Reserve

Welcome to the Reserve

One of San Diego County’s most precious natural resources, the Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve offers approximately 11 miles of hiking, mountain biking, equestrian trails, as well as picnic areas and scenic mountain viewing points. In addition, the natural beauty of the Reserve includes such native plant communities as oak riparian, oak woodland, coastal sage scrub and chaparral. All wildlife and natural resources at the Reserve are fully protected so that future generations may also enjoy these wonders.

The 784-acre Reserve was developed by OMWD in partnership with the San Diego County Water Authority and the U.S. Department of the Interior - Bureau of Land Management, as an element of the Olivenhain Water Storage Project and the Authority's Emergency Storage Project. The Reserve first opened in 1991. Owned by the Authority and managed by OMWD, the Reserve has been designed to unify the interests of domestic water supply development, natural resources management, and recreational opportunities.

The Reserve provides a wealth of opportunity for recreation, educational research, and environmental appreciation. The Reserve also sits within the Escondido Creek watershed, which flows year-round from Lake Wohlford to San Elijo Lagoon. The creek runs adjacent to the Reserve's staging area, giving all visitors an opportunity to pass over it as they begin their hike or ride from the trailhead. The Reserve also boasts six designated overlooks, each with a shade structure and/or picnic tables and providing views of the Pacific Ocean, Channel Islands, Coronado Islands, the Laguna and San Bernardino mountain ranges, and the Olivenhain Dam and Reservoir. Other amenities include portable restrooms and drinking fountains. Whether hiking, biking, riding, or just relaxing, experiencing one of the few remaining rural areas in North County is a great way to spend the day.

The Reserve's rangers conduct guided group tours and student exploration programs to help promote environmental awareness and preservation of local watersheds.The guided hikes are intended to heighten knowledge of the natural surroundings.
 

Know Before You Go

• The Reserve is scheduled to be open every day of the year except for December 25 and rainy days. Reserve hours are from 8:00 a.m. to approximately 30 minutes before sunset. Actual closing time is posted at the trailhead, or is available by clicking here.
• Visitors to the Reserve are responsible for reading and understanding the Reserve's rules and regulations.
• Safety is a priority at the Reserve. Take a moment to read about heat stroke, canine heat stroke, poison oak, and snakes before you visit.