Highland Valley Trail

It’s the best time of year in the North County off Highland Valley you can see the fields of pumpkins, sunflowers, and so much more. I am not sure of the name but the folks that are running the farm have been there for 2 years. There is an educational area for kids,
goats, picnic area just a great day out! Don’t miss it but if you do Christmas is next.

I’m an absolute fan of this trail. My only mistake was going around noon time in summer. It was extremely hot and even though there was some shade here and there, 90% of the trail was under the sun. However, it’s an easy hike with hills here and there so it’s not just a boring hike with flat ground. Would probably go back whenever in San Diego but probably early in the morning! There’s also a lot with plenty of parking though you might miss it if you’re driving too fast.

What a fun family trail.
I stopped by here with my 6y/​o daughter after hiking up battle mountain. It’s over two miles one way (4 total because of the hike back) that goes along a small farm, an Oak tree covered bridge, and over several small rolling hills. Some shaded areas, but mostly no shade.
At the trail head (parking lot) there is also a small botanical garden.
Before you start out on the actual hike, check out the notice board and grab a free trail map and Children’s walk guild.
If you complete this trail, the next level up would be the Coast to Crest trail that can be reached from the next parking lot down Highland road.
Tip — There’s a Ruth Merrill Children’s Interpretive Walk guild at the Information board. You take the guild and look for the numbered trail makers along the trail. Each marker is labeled in the guild with some information about that particular ecosystem.

Nice ‘beginner’ hike in Escondido. Ample parking in the lot right off Highland Valley Road. About 4.5 miles round trip with some small hills. Nice up and down in both directions. Definitely doable for even the novice hiker. I’d like to take Carmen V’s advice and do this just before sunset. Only took me 20 minutes to get here from Serra Mesa.

One of the best trails to do during the summer days just before sunset so you can capture the beauty of the orange and the pinks and yellows. Is really beautiful from there. This is one of the closest trails for the Rancho Bernardo residents, however is not that well known. Maybe because it is located at the entrance of the Highland Valley Road and unless you want to to go Ramona or you are into motorcycling doing those curves out there, is not a place that many will think about. It is a very easy hike, low-​intensity and in less than an hour you are done. Indications are very clear and parking is available even though from outside the Pomerado Rd you can’t tell. If you are into easy, soul lifting hikes with nice views and no exhaustion, this is one!

This is a low-​intensity trail hugging the hillside and goes around the hill to little fields — during October — which are full of Pumpkins. If you continue walking, the trail will enter the wooded area. Or, just turn back, if you are with kids, and it’s a decent 30 min walk with the kids.