Del Dios Highlands County Preserve sprawls across 774 acres of open space in Escondido, managed as part of the County of San Diego’s Multiple Species Conservation Program. The main draw here is the Del Dios Highlands Trail, which runs between the San Dieguito and Escondido Creek Watersheds and connects the communities of Del Dios and Elfin Forest. It’s a solid option if you want to get your dog some real exercise without the crowds you’ll find at more popular trailheads.

The trail welcomes hikers, mountain bikers, and people on horseback, so expect to share the path. Starting from the Del Dios Highway staging area, you’ll work your way uphill through the preserve. Halfway up, there’s a viewpoint worth pausing at—you get clear sightlines southeast toward Lake Hodges, and on days with good visibility the Pacific Ocean shows up on the horizon too. It’s one of those moments that reminds you why San Diego’s backcountry is worth exploring.

The trail eventually connects with the Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve trail system, which is managed by the Olivenhain Municipal Water District, so you can extend your adventure if your dog’s still got energy. The preserve is open daily from 8 a.m. until half an hour before sunset. Just note that after heavy rain the preserve closes for public safety and to protect the trails and habitat, so check conditions before you head out.

Keep water with you since there aren’t fountains along the route, and your dog needs to stay leashed the entire time. Pack bags for cleanup as well. The combination of elevation gain, open vistas, and the option to connect into a larger trail network makes this a worthwhile trip if you’re in the Escondido area and looking for something more rugged than a neighborhood walk.