Escondido Creek flows all the way from the hills near Lake Wohlford west to San Elijo Lagoon, there are plenty of great places along the way to see it. Lucky for us, right here in Encinitas we have a great out-and-back hike, just shy of 2.75 miles, that will take you right alongside it. Lace up your boots, bring some water and a camera, and enjoy a rugged walk along a double- and single-track trail that climbs slightly before turning and dropping along the creek heading to the outskirts of town, where Encinitas (Olivenhain) meets Rancho Santa Fe.
Directions to the Trailhead
- Drive Lone Jack Road, east from Rancho Santa Fe Road.
- You will pass the City’s Little Oaks Equestrian Park on your right.
- Just a mile past, Little Oaks, turn right onto Rancho Encinitas Drive and park curbside.
- Walk south along Brookside Lane to where it runs into Olivenhain Farms Road, where you’ll find the marked trail head.
Notes about the trail
- As the trail gets going, you’ll cross a creek alongside a bridge. Take a minute to notice that the bridge is made from a repurposed train car chassis. From there, the trail heads uphill and toward the canyon to the south, then along the creek bed.
- Where the creek opens up to a fairly wide pool, shaded by mature trees, take a break before heading back. It’s a great spot to sit and take in the view or have a picnic. From there, you can return to the start on the same route.
- For a longer adventure, you can make this trail a loop by following Spooks Canyon Trail to Vineyard Trail to Valley Trail to Lone Jack Trail, which will lead you back to Rancho Encinitas Dr. Use the Olivenhain Area Trail map.
