Parks and Hiking in Rancho Santa Fe

San Dieguito County Park

Located in Del Mar, this 125-acre park offers a variety of features including:

• 5 miles of scenic hiking trails 
• Playgrounds
• A basketball court and accessible baseball field
• Picnic areas and pavilions
• Fitness stations, lookout platforms, and track trails for kids

Parking is $3 (as of this writing), and the park is open daily from 9:30 am. to sunset. Certain amenities are available by reservation only.

Black Mountain Open Space Park

Currently spanning 2,352 acres, this park located in the Rancho Peñasquitos area features:

• Chaparral and sage-covered hills
• A challenging 2.5-mile hike or bike ride to the 1,554-foot Black Mountain summit
• Panoramic views of the ocean, downtown San Diego, and surrounding mountains 

Torrey Highlands Park

This small community 10-acre park in Carmel Valley includes:

• A playground and fenced-in dog park
• Large grassy area
• Walking and hiking trail

While compact, it’s a tranquil spot for a morning walk or an afternoon with the kids.

San Elijo Lagoon

One of San Diego’s largest wetlands, San Elijo Lagoon features:

• 900+ acres of diverse habitats
• Seven miles of easy-to-moderate trails
• The challenging quarter-mile Annie’s Canyon Trail
• Nature center

Ideal for observing wetland wildlife, enjoying family-friendly activities, and hiking, this lagoon is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm.

Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve

This 2,000-acre coastal natural reserve in San Diego is known for:

• The rare Torrey pine, wildlife, and habitats
• Cliffside trails leading to pristine beaches
• Lagoons and sandstone canyons

Reservation hours are from 7:15 am to sunset. Pets and drones are not allowed within the reserve or on the beach. For detailed information on regulations, guidelines, parking, or to view updates on closures, please visit California State Parks Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve.

Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve

Covering 784 acres, this reserve located in Escondido features:

• 11 miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking, and equestrian use
• Scenic viewpoints and picnic areas
• Fully protected ecosystems including oak woodland and coastal sage scrub
• Guided hikes, free interpretive nature walks, concerts, and other events

The reserve is open daily, weather permitting, except on December 25th. It opens at 8 am, with closing times approximately 30 minutes before sunset.

Del Dios Highlands Preserve

Adjacent to Elfin Forest, this 774-acre preserve offers:

• A 1.5-mile single trail open for hiking, biking, and horseback
• Main views of Lake Hodges with parts of the Olivenhain Reservoir in the distance
• Habitat of various plants and wildlife

Del Dios Highlands County Preserve is open daily from 8 am to sunset.