Elfin Forest Hike to Lake Hodges Overlook Guide

The first trail you’ll take, the Way Up Trail, has these cool mileage and elevation markers along the way. Many folks hike this trail to Harmony or Escondido Overlook only, and the beginning of the hike can get busy.

Check the park website before you go (link at top) to confirm opening times and conditions. The park sometimes closes during rain and extreme temperatures.

You can find toilets at the trailhead area next to the parking lot.

There are water fills at the interpretive center.

There’s an interpretive center at the end of the parking lot. The sculpture in front represents the Native Kumeyaay creation story.

The parking lot is not big and fills up quickly. This is a popular hike. There’s an overflow parking lot you can use if the main lot is full. I’ve marked it on the interactive map that follows.

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Check the park website before you go (link at top) to confirm opening times and conditions. The park sometimes closes during rain and extreme temperatures.

You can find toilets at the trailhead area next to the parking lot.

There are water fills at the interpretive center.

There’s an interpretive center at the end of the parking lot. The sculpture in front represents the Native Kumeyaay creation story.

The parking lot is not big and fills up quickly. This is a popular hike. There’s an overflow parking lot you can use if the main lot is full. I’ve marked it on the interactive map that follows.

No caption provided.

No caption provided.

No caption provided.