4 min
Overview
East of the semi-rural community of Ramona, a spacious patchwork of ranches unfurls across a landscape of rolling hills dotted with live oaks and Engelmann oaks. The trickling ribbon of Santa Ysabel Creek tumbles down from the Volcan Mountains before threading its way through this landscape to spill its contents into Lake Sutherland. Bovines wander contentedly through the pastoral landscape. For years, outdoor-inclined motorists on Highway 78 heading toward Julian could only salivate at the prospect of wandering through these landscapes. Over the past few decades, San Diego County’s Parks and Recreation department has purchased two significant parcels of former ranchland in the Santa Ysabel watershed west and north of the town of Santa Ysabel. Both of these parcels will one day contain one of the most scenic segments of the to-be completed Coast-to-Crest Trail, which spans the landscape between Del Mar and Volcan Mountain by way of the San Dieguito River watershed. Despite the seemingly gentle nature of the landscape, hikers visiting the western preserve should be prepared for a roller coaster of a hike. At four separate points on the route, the trail drops and promptly re-gains a significant amount of elevation, which some hikers may find dispiriting. Despite this potentially onerous topographic quirk, fans of classic Southern California woodlands will find much to love. The wide, former ranch road departs the staging area heading west for a gentle descent through spacious oak woodlands. Grasses carpet the areas not shaded by oaks, although resident cattle keep the grass from growing too high. Generally docile and dully curious, cows will leave you alone unless they’re feeling protective about their young. To stay on the safe side, keep a wide berth from any cows you might encounter. After passing through a shallow ravine, the trail climbs up to its highest point on the edge of a wooded knoll. A picnic bench provides a welcome opportunity for resting. Folks simply looking for a gentle stroll or hikers with kid
Trail Stats
7.4 km
335 m
977 m
849 m
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Photos
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