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Hellhole Canyon Loop

Hellhole Canyon Preserve is a 1,907 acre preserve that offers 13.5 miles of moderate to advanced trail opportunities. An equestrian friendly staging area has ample trailer parking, vault restrooms, potable water, an ADA look out point and small amphitheater. The main trail descends from the staging area to the riparian zone astride Hell Creek. Here hikers will find a reprieve from the sun as mature Sycamore and oak trees line the creek bed. The trails beyond Hell Creek began to challenge hikers as they rise out of the creek bed and transition into the chaparral plant community. As the trail continue on into the preserve interior they wind up Rodriguez Mountain and become more advanced, but the serenity and views are worth the effort. On a clear day the Pacific Ocean can be seen from the top of Rodriguez Mountain. The preserve is home to a wide variety of plant life and animals, with dawn and dusk being the best time to spot wildlife.

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Elfin Forest – The Way Up Trail

Elfin Forest is a wonderful hidden spot in Escondido, as you approach the area you notice the city stops and a rural community begins. The Way Up Trail is the main trail of the area, starting at the parking lot and bringing you straight up the ridge line, about 3/4th of the way up is a small hut with a very nice view of the area.

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Mt Woodson East Approach – Fry Koegel Trail Loop

Mount Woodson’s East Approach is a difficult trail for beginners, this steep trail offers many beautiful views of the lake and other areas. Worth the challenge, but be sure to bring extra water, as summer temperatures can be extreme. Portable restrooms can be found at various locations around the lake, no facilities are available on the steep climb to the peak.

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Calavera Lake

From the I5, take the 78 East and exit College Blvd, make a right. Not too far down make a left onto Lake Blvd. After about two miles you will see Old Riparian Park and head into the parking lot and park. Look for the playground and head south towards a trail, you will need to cross a small wooden bridge.

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San Clemente Canyon

San Clemente Canyon – photo via Flickr – driven to capture2

Directions: also called Marian Bear Memorial Park, this trail runs across the 52 freeway off of either Genesee Ave. or Regents Rd . If you are heading south it is just past the 52 freeway and

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Iron Mountain

Iron Mountain

Distance: 6.4 miles round trip Hiking Time: 3.5 hours Elevation Gain/Loss 1200′/1200′ Difficulty: Moderate [maptype=G_PHYSICAL_MAP;gpxcheckpointtable=show;ngg_gallery=18;]

Directions From interstate 15 take either Scripps Poway Parkway or Poway Road east to highway 67. The Iron Mountain trailhead is 2 miles south on highway 67

Download GPX: Iron

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