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 primitive 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.
 

What's New at the Reserve?

Please view our newsletter, Friends of the Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve, for the latest from the Reserve's rangers, or select one of the headlines below.

• Explore the World of Insects with Bill the Bug Guy
• See the Fire and Rebirth Exhibit Currently on Display at the Elfin Forest Interpretive Center
• Read Debbie Walden's experience of volunteering as a docent at the Reserve
• OMWD Helps to Preserve Open Space in Elfin Forest (NCTimes.com)

Eflin Forest Interpretive Center Honoring Susan J. Varty

The Reserve is home to the Elfin Forest Interpretive Center Honoring Susan J. Varty, pictured below, which was designed by renowned local artist James Hubbell and opened in 2009. More information is available from the Escondido Creek Conservancy.

More Reserve Information

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's rangers conduct guided group tours and student exploration programs to help promote environmental awareness and preservation of local watersheds. To arrange a ranger-led tour of the Reserve, call 760-632-4212. All wildlife and natural resources at the Reserve are fully protected so that future generations may also enjoy these wonders.

Located at 8833 Harmony Grove Road in the rural community of Elfin Forest, the Reserve provides a wealth of opportunities for recreation, educational research, and environmental appreciation.

The Reserve also contains a section of Escondido Creek, 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. Once over the creek, the Reserve offers 11 miles of backcountry trails the wind up the steep hills surrounding the Reserve. The Reserve also boasts six designated overlooks, each with a shade structure and/or picnic tables. The overlooks provide 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 five picnic areas as well as portable restrooms and water at the trailhead, the Ridgetop Picnic Area, and the Ray Brooks Overlook. 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.

Visitors to the Reserve are responsible for reading and understanding the Reserve's rules and regulations.