Guided Hike

Saturday, November 18th at 8:00 am join San Diego County Parks staff on an 8-mile hike through some of the back trails of the Santa Ysabel East Preserve. After hiking through old-growth oaks and sycamores and up to Kanaka Flat (600' elevation gain), you'll see more fall colors (400' elevation loss) among the white alder woods in a normally closed section of this beautiful preserve that you don't usually get to see.  The hike should be finished by 1pm. 
 

Saturday, October 28, 2017 9:00 am.

Sunday, November 5th at 9:00 am join County Parks staff for a Free autumn hike through the Santa Ysabel Preserve-East to Kanaka Flat.

Saturday, October 14th San Diego Canyoneers will be leading a free guided hike to the Lower Creek Trail of the Santa Ysabel Preserve West.

Trekking through the Santa Ysabel Preserve West, you'll get a glimpse into the backcountry world of San Diego almost 200 years ago. The preserve has many oak trees, including Engelmann and coast live oaks, surrounded by grasslands dotted with fields of flowers. Numerous bird species call this preserve home, and there are expansive views of the mountains in the distance, including nearby Volcan Mountain.

Saturday, October 14th, join Ranger Doug on a hike to the summit of the Volcan Mountain Wilderness Preserve and then into a closed area of the preserve for a chance to see a part of the park normally closed to the public. Also, it's fall, so Mother Nature should have some fall color decorating the mountain by mid-October!

The hike is strenuous with a 1,500' elevation gain (all up hill) in three miles. If clear, there are terrific views from the Salton Sea to the Pacific Ocean.

Sunday, September 24th at 9:00 am join County Parks staff for a Free autumn hike through the Santa Ysabel Preserve-East to Kanaka Flat.

Saturday, September 23rd join County Parks and Volcan Mountain Foundation staff and volunteers on an evening sunset hike to the summit of the Volcan Mountain Wilderness Preserve. 

Saturday, August 19th at 8 am, join San Diego Country Park rangers on the 2nd hike and wild black berry pick.  Due to the popularity of the first “Hike and Wild Blackberry Pick”, we will offer it again. Where we go this time depends on how many people show up on the August 12th hike and how many blackberries are picked.

Saturday, July 22, at 4pm 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 out onto the trails together, demonstrations of smart and safe hiking techniques, and a short hike for all ages in the Santa Ysabel East Preserve.

Saturday, July 8th kick off the Coast To Crest Trail Challenge with a guided hike to the summit of the Volcan Mountain Wilderness Preserve--the 'crest' of the San Dieguito River Park's Coast to Crest Trail. There are stunning views from 'sea to sea'--the Salton Sea and the Pacific Ocean--once you get to the summit. This is a strenuous 5.5 mile hike, with a 1,000' elevation gain.  Wear sturdy hiking shoes and bring plenty of water.   

Meet at 9:00 am at the Volcan Mountain Wilderness Preserve trailhead on Farmer Road; 1209 Farmer Road, Julian CA 92036.