All hikes begin at the Daley Ranch entrance on La Honda Drive unless otherwise noted. Hike location directions given below. Bring water, sun hat, sunscreen, and proper hiking boots or treaded footwear. All trails include steep and/or slippery sections. Please do not leave valuables in your car. Steady rain cancels the hike.
PLEASE NOTE: Drinking water is no longer available at Daley Ranch, so be sure to carry a sufficient supply.
Don Parnell's 50-Mile Progressive Hike
Day 1
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
Hike Schedule – May
Friday, May 3, 7:00 a.m., “Discover Daley Ranch”
Meet Naturalist Bill Sherrard for a moderately paced hike on the trails of Daley Ranch. The planned hike is 7 miles in length and will last for approximately 3 hours. We recommend you bring a minimum of two liters of water and wear layered clothing as it will be cool in the mornings and warmer as the hike continues.
Sunday, May 5, 7:30 a.m., “Grand Tour of Daley Ranch”
Join Naturalist Rita Ospelt for a 12.4-mile Grand Tour of Daley Ranch. We will follow the perimeter and will be hiking on Boulder Loop, Cougar Ridge, Englemann Oak, Hidden Springs, Jack Creek Meadow, and Sage Trails. We will be hiking at a brisk pace. Be prepared for steep uphill and downhill sections. This hike is not suited for children.
Sunday, May 5, 8:00 a.m., “Trail Maintenance”
Join the Daley Ranch Ranger for trail maintenance. This is a great way to get your daily exercise and help out the Ranch. Meet at the Daley Ranch parking lot on La Honda Drive. Be sure to wear a long-sleeved shirt and closed-toe shoes.
Monday, May 6, 5:00 p.m., “Stanley Peak Hike”
Naturalist Dave Holmes will lead a hike to the top of Stanley Peak and back in this early evening trek. Bring plenty of water, a flashlight, and jacket.
Wednesday, May 8, 4:00 p.m., “Afternoon Fitness Hike”
Join Naturalist Rita Ospelt for an afternoon workout on the western edge and center of Daley Ranch. The 8.8 mile hike will follow the Boulder Loop, Rock Ridge, Cougar Ridge, Englemann Oak, Hidden Spring, and Jack Creek Meadow trails. We will be hiking at a brisk pace. Be prepared for steep uphill and downhill sections. This hike is not suited for children. Bring a flashlight just in case we get back a bit after dark.
Friday, May 10, 7:00 a.m., “Discover Daley Ranch”
Meet Naturalist Bill Sherrard for a moderately paced hike on the trails of Daley Ranch. The planned hike is 7 miles in length and will last for approximately 3 hours. The hike will be extended if requested by hike participants. We recommend you bring a minimum of two liters of water and wear layered clothing as it will be cool in the mornings and warmer as the hike continues.
Saturday, May 11, 7:00 a.m., “Dixon Lake, Mallard Pond, and Ranch House Hike”
Naturalist William Sherrard will lead an easy paced hike around Dixon Lake. Bring your cameras for many photo ops of the lake and water fowl. The length of the hike is 5 miles but can be extended to 8 miles if one continues to Mallard Pond and the Ranch House. The hike will last 3-4 hours. Bring plenty of water and snacks.
Saturday, May 11, 8:00 a.m., “Introduction to Hiking at Daley Ranch”
Meet Naturalist Cindy Keiser for an introduction to hiking at Daley Ranch. This hike is designed for anyone wanting to start hiking but doesn’t know what to wear, what to bring, or how to get started. You will learn about the flora and fauna of the Ranch as well as some history. This is a kid-friendly hike of about 2.5 miles on both paved and dirt trails along the inside loop. Bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and a light snack. Cameras are always welcome, as you never know what you will see while on the trail. Meet at the La Honda trailhead.
Monday, May 13, 5:00 p.m., “Stanley Peak Hike”
Naturalist Dave Holmes will lead a hike to the top of Stanley Peak and back in this early evening trek. Bring plenty of water, a flashlight, and jacket.
Sunday, May 19, 7:30 a.m., “Early Morning Fitness Hike”
Join Naturalist Rita Ospelt for a 13.8-mile Grand Tour of Daley Ranch including Stanley Peak. We will follow the perimeter and will be hiking on Boulder Loop, Cougar Ridge, Engelmann Oak, Hidden Springs, Jack Creek Meadow, and Sage Trails. We will be hiking at a brisk pace. Be prepared for steep uphill and downhill sections. This hike is not suited for children.
Sunday, May 19, 9:00 a.m., “Daley Ranch Scenery”
A diverse plant population and expansive views are waiting to be enjoyed on Naturalist Rick Paul’s occasionally strenuous 4-mile hike, leaving from Cougar Pass. Be sure to ask Rick about the Daley Ranch keepsake! MEET AT THE COUGAR PASS PARKING LOT. Cougar Pass Trailhead—From Interstate 15, take the El Norte Parkway exit in Escondido east about a half mile to Broadway. Take Broadway north four miles to Cougar Pass (dirt road), turn right, and drive about one mile. Park in the asphalt lot on left.
Wednesday, May 22, 4:00 p.m., “Afternoon Fitness Hike”
Join Naturalist Rita Ospelt for an afternoon workout on the center and eastern edge of Daley Ranch. The 8.9 mile hike will follow the Creek Crossing and Sage Trails and all of the Jack Creek Meadow Loop. Our hike will also include two of the single track trails—Coyote Run and Diamondback trails. We will be hiking at a brisk pace. Be prepared for steep uphill and downhill sections. This hike is not suited for children. Bring a flashlight just in case we get back a bit after dark.
Friday, May 24, 7:00 a.m., “Discover Daley Ranch”
Meet Naturalist Bill Sherrard for a moderately paced hike on the trails of Daley Ranch. The planned hike is 7 miles in length and will last for approximately 3 hours. The hike will be extended if requested by hike participants. We recommend you bring a minimum of two liters of water and wear layered clothing as it will be cool in the mornings and warmer as the hike continues.
Saturday, May 25, 8:30 a.m. “Slow and Steady”
Naturalist Jan Seeley will lead a slow and steady hike of about 4 miles from the La Honda Parking Lot. Wear sturdy shoes, a hat and sunscreen, and bring plenty of water. The hike will be very slow paced for those wanting to get started on a hiking regimen.
Monday, May 27, 10:00 a.m., “Just For Kids”
Got kids? Then this hike is perfect for parents, grandparents, guardians, and their kids. Please join Naturalist DJ Summers on this kid-friendly hike as we explore the trails. We will hike along an easy trail with several stops/rests along the way. After the hike, we will make a nature craft in a beautiful picnic area. Treats will be rewarded to good listeners.
Friday, May 31, 7:00 a.m., “Discover Daley Ranch”
Meet Naturalist Bill Sherrard for a moderately paced hike on the trails of Daley Ranch. The planned hike is 7 miles in length and will last for approximately 3 hours. The hike will be extended if requested by hike participants. We recommend you bring a minimum of two liters of water and wear layered clothing as it will be cool in the mornings and warmer as the hike continues.
Directions to Hike Locations:
La Honda Trailhead—From Interstate 15, take the El Norte Parkway exit in Escondido. Go east four miles to La Honda Drive, turn left, drive one mile to Daley Ranch entrance and park in dirt lot on left.
Cougar Pass Trailhead—From Interstate 15, take the El Norte Parkway exit in Escondido east about a half mile to Broadway. Take Broadway north four miles to Cougar Pass (dirt road), turn right, and drive one mile. Park in the asphalt lot on left.
Caballo Trailhead—From Interstate 15, take the Valley Parkway exit in Escondido and go northeast about 5 miles.Turn left at Bevin into the Eureka Springs development. Follow the road toward the filtration plant entrance and turn right at the Escondido Humane Society sign (Volunteer Lane). Park in the dirt parking lot.
Lake Wohlford Trailhead—From Interstate 15, take the Valley Parkway exit in Escondido and go northeast about 5.5 miles. Turn right on Lake Wohlford Road and go .7 miles to Oakvale Road. Turn slightly right onto Oakvale and go about one mile to the Oakvale Parking lot on the left side of the road.