Saturday, May 12th join Bill Augustus of the San Diego County Parks and Recreation on this hike to the summit. This is a strenuous 7-mile hike, with a 1,000' elevation gain. Along the way, we'll enjoy the many different flowers that call this preserve home. There are also stunning views from 'sea to sea' (the Salton Sea and the Pacific Ocean) when you get to the summit.
Time: 9:00 am - 12:30 pm
Saturday, April 21st meet ranger dogs LeeLoo and Luke and their people, Rangers Eric and Doug, for this easy, family friendly hike at Santa Ysabel East County Preserve. Bring your dog and we'll walk together on this gentle trail to the Santa Ysabel Creek. Dogs must stay on a leash and be socialized and friendly to others.
Time: 9:00 am - Noon
Bring: water and snacks for you and your pet(s)
Wear: comfortable shoes and dress in layers
Saturday, February 24th join County Parks interpretive rangers for a rain or shine hike to the summit of the Volcan Mountain Wilderness Preserve.
February weather can be difficult to forecast on Volcan Mountain, but let's embrace the uncertainty. Don your best cold, windy, wet-weather gear for an all-weather, six-mile round-trip hike to the summit! Rain and wind, clear and calm - buck-up, the hike is on!
This hike is considered strenuous. Be prepared for a 1,000 foot elevation gain to the summit of the Wilderness Preserve.
Saturday, April 28th - Join County Ranger Bill Augustus on a sunset hike in the Santa Ysabel East Preserve. We will be hiking a section of the Coast to Crest Trail that leads up to Kanaka Flats. Enjoy discussions about the history, plants and wildlife of the area and experience the Preserve after dark.
Saturday, February 10th grab your loved ones and join the San Dieguito River Valley Conservancy and the Volcan Mountain Foundation for a moderate/strenuous 8-mile round-trip Volcan Mountain Valentine's Weekend Hike from 9:00 am - 1: 30 pm.
Monday, January 1st, join County Parks staff and start the New Year off on the right foot! Hike Volcan Mountain to swap old and stale for new and fresh. This free hike from 10am to 1:30pm will go up the Five Oaks Trail of the Volcan Mountain Wilderness Preserve and then come back down the via the main Volcan Trail for a total of 5 miles round trip.
This hike is considered strenuous. Be prepared for a 1,000 foot elevation gain up to the summit of the Wilderness Preserve. Inclement weather will cancel the event.
Sunday, December 17th at 9:00 am join County Parks staff for an autumn hike through the Santa Ysabel Preserve-East to Kanaka Flat.
Saturday, December 2nd join us for a late fall, almost-super-full-moon hike on scenic Volcan Mountain. Take in the panoramic views while hiking the Five Oaks trail. Enjoy a bird’s-eye view of Julian. From the trail, on a clear day you can see the buildings in downtown San Diego and Islands off the coast of Mexico and Southern California.
Friday, November 24th get out in nature and come for a hike led by County Park staff through the Santa Ysabel East Preserve. Help us turn Black Friday into Green Friday while working off your Thanksgiving Dinner!
The moderate 5-mile (approx. 3 hour) hike around the West Vista Loop takes you through some exceptional mountain terrain with terrific views of the Santa Ysabel Valley.
Time: 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Saturday, November 25th at 10:00 am, join the preserve's newest staff member and VMF Board Member, Eric Jones, for a family-friendly trail talk at the amphitheater. Topics are safety and having fun outdoors! There will be practical tips for families heading onto the trails together, demonstrations of smart and safe hiking techniques, and a short hike for all ages in the Santa Ysabel East Preserve.
