Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve

Days are getting longer, and EFRR is now open from 8:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. through September 2. We hope to see you soon.

Spring has arrived! Make sure to stop and smell the flowers on your next visit to EFRR.

Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve is closed due to rain. Rangers will monitor the Escondido Creek to determine when the reserve is safe to reopen. Call 760-632-4212 for status updates.

"Enchanted Forest" by Brian Jolliffe - Best in Show

Leapin’ lizards! Beginning tomorrow, longer days mean we get an extra 30 minutes to enjoy EFRR trails. Operating hours through March 14, 2021 are 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

EFRR is currently open to the public and must adhere to County requirements in order to do so. In accordance with regulations from SDCountyHHSA, EFRR’s reopening requires that visitors have face coverings on their person at all times, and they must be worn when six feet of social distancing is not possible. Most trails within EFRR do not allow for six feet of distancing when passing another visitor please cover your mouth and nose when passing other trail users. Per the Cou...nty Health Order, any park or recreation area/facility at which the protocol requirements cannot be effectively implemented may be required to close. We understand that hiking with a mask can be uncomfortable, but please do your part to help keep EFRR open by following all emergency regulations including staying home if you are showing symptoms of COVID-19, or think you may have been exposed to COVID-19. Visit https://elfinforest.olivenhain.com for updates regarding COVID-19 restrictions at EFRR. Thank you for your cooperation. See more

Every park is unique, including EFRR, but there are essential items you should consider packing whenever you hit the trails. These items include sun protection such as sunglasses and sunscreen, a jacket if it’s cold, navigation material such as a map or compass, and adequate hydration. In addition to these items, the times of COVID-19 require additional precautions when hiking trails, so don’t forget to pack a facial covering, keep a safe distance, and follow guidelines!

While thousands of people visit EFRR each year, just as many plants and animals call EFRR home, including this bobcat. As the sun sets, bobcats, mountain lions, and other nocturnal inhabitants begin to roam freely and hunt. This is just one reason why it is important for visitors to leave EFRR night life to our furry friends.

Thanks to CBS 8 - San Diego News and Triple B Adventures for sharing the beauty and benefit of hiking EFRR trails, as well as providing safe hiking tips. Take this quick virtual stroll and find out what to pack for your next hike. https://www.cbs8.com//509-d889d318-f752-413e-aea8-440a5f54

Warm temperatures and/or low humidity can dry vegetation, resulting in an increased chance of a wildfire. Nearly 95% of all wildfires in California are caused by human activity. Be aware of the actions that could cause a fire to start and evaluate your preparedness.

During this public health crisis, spending time in outdoor spaces has become even more important for many Americans. Yet these unusual circumstances mean that all of us, from seasoned outdoor enthusiasts to families heading out to their local park for the first time, could use a little guidance about how to stay safe. Please consider these tips when visiting EFRR or your other favorite recreation areas.

Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve will be closed again on Tuesday, 9/29, as US National Weather Service San Diego California has extended the Red Flag Warning to 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday. Call 760-632-4212 for status updates.

A Red Flag Warning has been issued by US National Weather Service San Diego California starting Monday at 5:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The Red Flag Warning has been issued due to max gusts reaching 40 MPH with low relative humidity. Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve will be closed on Monday, 9/28. For more information, visit https://www.weather.gov/sgx/.

We all live in a watershed, and the Escondido Creek, which runs through EFRR, can carry litter and debris all the way to the beach. OMWD encourages visitors to join I Love A Clean San Diego on September 26 for a virtual Coastal Cleanup Day with your family and collect litter close to home! By getting out in your local community to pick up trash, you are supporting your neighborhood while protecting our San Diego watersheds, all while safely socially distancing. For more information and to register, visit www.ilacsd.org/event/coastal-cleanup-day-2.

It’s Pollution Prevention Week. Did you know the beautiful creek that flows through EFRR is called the Escondido Creek? It originates near Lake Wohlford and runs through the heart of Escondido in a concrete channel before transitioning to a natural creek bed at Harmony Grove Road. Runoff from irrigation and rain water can carry harmful pesticides, fertilizers, and other pollutants down the storm drain and into the creek, harming the ecosystem at EFRR and downstream to San Elijo Lagoon. Do your part to protect our watershed by reducing or eliminating the over use of pesticides and fertilizers, preventing irrigation runoff, and capturing rainwater for use in your landscape.

Reminder! Please maintain at least six feet of social distance from other visitors while hiking EFRR.

Did you know that late summer/early fall is tarantula mating season? Next time you are at EFRR, keep an eye out for the males who leave their underground burrows looking for love.

The US National Weather Service San Diego California has issued a Red Flag Warning due to the fire danger resulting from strong gusty winds and low humidity. Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve will be closing at noon today through Wednesday, or when the Red Flag Warning is lifted.

The US National Weather Service San Diego California has issued a Red Flag Warning starting Saturday at 10:00 a.m. and ending on Sunday at 8:00 p.m. The Red Flag Warning has been issued due to gusty winds, low relative humidity, and extreme heat. As a result, Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve will be closed on both days, or until the Red Flag Warning is lifted. For more information, visit https://www.weather.gov/sgx/.