Elfin Forest - #ElfinForest

Socal - San Diego County - Escondido NickNames: #ElfinForest

Elfin Forest is off Harmony Grove road between Carlsbad and San Marcos. Exit the I 15 at Valley Pkwy in Escondido, go south 1 block to Auto Pkwy and turn right. Turn left on Howard Ave. (about 1/2 mile). Turn right on Harmony Grove Rd. Stay on Harmony Grove Rd. for about 3 miles to Elfin Forest on your left. There is a large parking lot with water and restrooms at the trailhead. Elfin Forest is one of the many gems in San Diego County. The Area has enough trails to ride for a couple of fun-packed hours. Thomas Guide page 1149 A1

44 Review(s)1 Photo(s)Login

• Trail UpdateDel Dios Highlands Trail-If you didn't know, you can also access Elfin Forest from the other side, starting near Lake Hodges and going up the Del Dios Highlands trail. Here's some more info:

  http://sdmba.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=83

  I did this yesterday and it is STEEP! This is a very wide, gravelly (but not too bad) dirt road that will get you to the top, and then you can ride around up there for a while before returning. It is not technical, and not as fun as Way Up Trail on the other side of the mountain. The main reason for doing this trail is to challenge yourself aerobically - this one is about 45 minutes as an uphill, about 6 minutes as a downhill! Worth a try...
  Seaclasper a 38 year old Cross-Country Rider riding a Iridescent Balloon-Knot from Uranus

  Posted:02/02/2009

• Trail UpdateElfin Forest-Trail is in good condition, but the Lake Hodges Overlopk Trail is closed due to the recent fires.
  seaclasper a 37 year old Cross-Country Rider riding a Ellipsoid Marital Aid from Croikey, Ohio

  Posted:11/26/2007

• Trail UpdateWay Up To Lake Hodges Overlook-This was the first time I've gone since the Lake Hodges Overlook trail opened, and I must say it is a great addition to the system. Nice singletrack that leads to the overlook, and then a short (1-mile) loop from there that takes you almost down to the water's edge at the reservoir. Trail conditions are good, but already getting a tiny bit slippery on the steep parts. LOTS of people there today, which I guess I should have expected for a beautiful Sunday afternoon. Watch them hikers - I came around a corner and there was a mom pushing a stroller up the Way Up trail! Luckily I was way in control, but she got a little scared anyway...
  Seaclasper a 36 year old Cross-Country Rider riding a Partly Congealed Porkrind from San Dee Eggo

  Posted:04/23/2006

• Trail UpdateLake Hodges Overlook Is Longer-Just thought I would post this update although a week late. Rode the Way Up to the Lake Hodges Overlook trail to the lookout and around. It used to just stop there at the benches but now they opened a little loop past it. Still waiting for more access to the trails beyond. I heard rumors that plans are in the works for a Elfin-Lake Hodges connection behind the dam in the next year or so! Those trying to make this happen can give me a call if you need a helping hand. The highlight of my ride was clearing "the steps" at the bench/lookout on the Way Up Trail without putting a foot down. Man that felt good! After getting to the bottom we carried the bikes back over the creek and rode the "creek trail". Sandy but a fun warm up/cool down. Good time.
  ICPAYDIRT a 32 year old Cross-Country Rider riding a Santa Cruz Superlight from Pacific Beach .com

  Posted:10/05/2005

• Trail UpdateNorth County Favorite-I rode this trail a couple of weekends ago. I have to say this is one of my favorite trails. This trail is lots of fun despite climbing some difficult switchbacks in the front. The top of the hill offers some beautiful sites. To the west near equine (forgot how to spell that trail)incline you can see the some beautiful green hills. Not to mention that the trail offers a fantastic downhill.
  All the way to the east you have a real nice view of lake hodges. And coming down the switchbacks to the parking lot is really fun even though your hands get tired from the braking. All in all thumbs up for me.
  grimace10 a 28 year old Weekend Warrior riding a CDALE F700 from MISSION VALLEY

  Posted:08/03/2005

• Trail UpdateElfin Forest, CA -- The acoustic duo 'Berkley Hart' will perform at The Escondido Creek Conservancy's 4th Annual Summer Celebration, Silent Auction and Moonlit Dinner Concert. The event will be held on Saturday, August 20th, 2005 at the Lazy J Ranch in Elfin Forest, beginning at 6 pm. The $50 per person donation includes concert, dinner, drinks and dessert. A silent auction will be held. Tickets may be purchased at Lou's Records in Encinitas, at www.escondidocreek.org, or by mailing check to: The Escondido Creek Conservancy, PO Box 460791, Escondido, CA 92046. Call (760) 471-9354 or write teccsters@yahoo.com for more information.

  
  xbike a 44 year old Die-hard Enthusiast riding a Sugar from Elfin Forest URL: www.escondidocreek.org

  Posted:07/26/2005

• Trail UpdateElfin Forest Is Open!!-Today we rode Elfin Forest and not only is it open but it's better than ever! I've got to tip my hat to the rangers who brought in a geologist who helped them strategize on how they will rebuild the trails. You will find The Way Up is every bit as challenging as before in some places and easier in others. New land features, drainage structures, and stone steps look and feel like they are built to last. The Way Up seemed easier at first but your in for some suprises as you make your way up! The Lake Hodges Lookout trail that reopened last December is also open and offer a great view of Hodges from the top. Some of the old trails are now buried by the reservoir but plans are in the works to build a trail behind the Elfin dam that will connect Elfin and Hodges over the next couple of years. Can you say epic ride? We rode the Equine Incline up to the Elfin Lookout and then back again. The Equine Incline trail was as exciting as always however it could use a little weed work or perhaps a little more traffic (only two hikers while we were out there). The hills were all very green, flowers were blooming, and it smelled great! What can I say about the way back down, it was a little different this time but same CLASSIC ELFIN! No longer do you have to make the drive east for a physically and technically challenging trail that's way fun! Be aware that there was lots of hikers enjoying the trail today and know that we mountain bikers have a good rep out there right now so let's all keep it that way! Happy trails!
  Ride rating: Advanced
  Ride distance: 13 miles Elevation change: 2000
  Singletrack=50% Dirt Road=40% Truck Trail=10%
  ICPAYDIRT a 32 year old Cross-Country Rider riding a Santa Cruz Superlight from Pacific Beach

  Posted:03/27/2005

• Trail UpdateClosed For Flooding / Landslide-The Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve is closed due to unsafe trail conditions. The Reserve has suffered several slope failures including a large mud/rock slide blocking the "Way Up Trail". Geologists are on
  site assessing damage and making recommendations for repairs. The Reserve is will be closed until repairs can be made.

  Currenttly there is no timeline for re-opening the Reserve. Please check www.sdmba.com or call (760) 753-6466 for closure updates.
  EBasil riding a Manitou HT or a Fisher Cake from San Diego

  Posted:01/21/2005

• Trail Update9-19-2004-First time at Elfin Forest today. I used the San Diego Mountain biking guide to get there--realized it was published in 1998...roads have changed, as well as trails. Finally got there, and it was a nice 800 foot climb up the way-up trail. The trail is rocky and I had to walk in a couple spots, but it was a great ride. At the top, I saw no other bikers, and just a couple hikers. The lake is nice, but there are still several trails blocked off around it because of "blasting" or whatever. Nice ride overall.
  Ride rating: Intermediate
  Ride distance: 1000 miles Elevation change: ~1000 ft
  Singletrack=70% Dirt Road=30%
  Adam Burch a 24 year old Cross-Country Rider riding a Fuji Hardtail from San Diego

  Posted:09/19/2004

• Trail UpdateElfin Forest-Got to the trailhead at 4:15 and had a nice ride up, despite it being mid-August, and didn't see a dang soul at the top (it's Saturday no less)! When are they gonna open up the trails on the other side of the "emergency" reservoir?

  
  Ride rating: Novice
  Ride distance: 8 miles Elevation change: some
  Singletrack=80% Dirt Road=20%
  The Seaclasper a 34 year old Cross-Country Rider riding a gentrified horse and buggy from the depths of Hades

  Posted:08/21/2004

• Trail UpdateEfin Rocks!-Just went to Elfin recently for the first time, and really enjoyed it. That first 1.6 miles or so is somewhat of a beeeeatch, steep and rocky, but when you get to the top you realize how much fun it was! It also seems to serve to keep out lame-o crowds who are too lazy to peddle/hike up an actual hill. The Equine trail is a must-do - this is where I saw my first ever horny-toad sighting, the little bugger was sitting in the middle of the trail scarfing up literally hundreds of flies that were apparently mating. Besides, the single-track is real nice there.

  I can see how the area on the other side of the reservoir could have high riding/trail potential. Although the Resrve staff seem to have done a nice job making the place user-friendly, I just hope they don't make it TOO user-friendly by removing the technical aspects of this area, that really is the best part of Elfin, as far as I can tell.

  Also, I came across some horse-riders on this trail. Please, since we all share the trail, ride slowly or stop when horses are passing. A little friendly cooperation goes a long way...
  Ride rating: Novice
  Ride distance: 11miles Elevation change: 1500
  Singletrack=50% Dirt Road=50%
  The SeaClasper a 34 year old Cross-Country Rider riding a A souped-up pogo stick from the hard streets of Compton

  Posted:04/11/2004

• Trail UpdateTHanks for the update. I'd be happy to help build some new stuff out there.
  Old Heckler

  Posted:03/01/2004

• Trail UpdateHelp SDMBA Help You-Here is updated information about Elfin Forest:

  The San Diego Mountain Biking Association is beginning to get involved with the Rangers at Elfin Forest. We have a trail work event on Saturday April 10th, 2004. It is our goal to educate and work with the land managers on maintaining sustainable trails without removing any of the technical challenge, and specifically ensuring we keep them as challenging as possible. I have seen the complaints and the damage of the trailwork done there recently, and we look to remedy this situation.

  The reservoir is scheduled to be filled by August or September of this year. At that point, and once the land managers have passed their appropriate environmental impact studies, we will begin working with them to design up to 12 miles of new, challenging trails. Stay posted to sdmba.com and the mailing list (posted on the web site), to get your chance in building new singletrack!

  For now, please keep to the main trails, and as always, ride with courtesty and respect of the other trail users.

  Chris Hamilton
  Elfin Forest Liaison
  Board Member, San Diego Mountain Biking Association

  Posted:03/01/2004

• Trail UpdateHelp Us Out-Hey, if you've seen the sign, how about figuring out where/to whom local riders can give some input to the "rangers" there? Post it here and maybe over on SDMBA's site.

  Post it somewhere I can find it, and I'll make sure it gets spread around.
  EBasil riding a Manitou HT from San Diego

  Posted:02/27/2004

• Trail UpdateThey can have it. The place bites.

  
  Old Heckler

  Posted:02/27/2004

• Trail UpdateReview Period For Mtn Bikers-Signs are posted at trailhead stating that mountain biking at elfin forest is currently under review. The review period ends 5-1-04. One of the rangers said that they are getting too many complaints about speeding mountain bikers and mountain bikers failing to yield to hikers and horses. They may close elfin forest to mountain bikers!!! Please, do your part to follow the rules at elfin forest and pass the word on. I do not want to lose this place! The sign says "the actions of few are affecting many." Please be responsible riders...you know who you are.

  Posted:02/27/2004

• Trail UpdateThe trail is pretty much just like everybody else below describes it. I got a flat near the top at dusk and we tried to patch it in the last remaining light but the patch didn't last. We had to walk all the way down with a led headlamp sort of lighting our way.
  When we got across the stream and into the empty parking lot and started up the hill to get out to the road, there were a lot of creepy noises.

  Mainly sounded like someone down in the far end of the lot hitting a pipe against a rock or a piece of metal on the asphalt. It would stop every time I shined my puny led lamp in the direction it was coming from and start back up when I looked away.
  Whoever it was accomplished their goal of scaring the shit out of us and we couldn't get the bikes into the truck and drive away fast enough.

  so remember next time you're at Elfin Forest with the sun shining and all of those hikers and other riders around you, that they will all be gone when the sun goes down, and It'll be just you and the insane people that live in the canyon!@!!! MOOHOOHAAAHAHAHAHAAAAAA!
  Druranium a 22 year old Die-hard Enthusiast riding a Nunu from Fallbrook

  Posted:03/11/2003

• Trail UpdateElfin Forest-Yea well the all the construction from the damn dam has most of the southern trails, the fun ones marked off. Only thing left right now is the Way Up trail, Equine Incline, the Tykes trail, and one fire road that comes to a sign that says do not enter due to construction. This stuff has been going on for at least three years now, and maybe even more, and i was talking to a ranger the other day when i was there, and he said it might not be finished until 2004 or 2005. If anyone knows anything about this, or if it is okay to use some of the trails that have been closed for so long, please e-mail me.
  Oh, and another thing, the only fun part of the Way Up trail, has been modified from the Hikers and Horses Combined union or whatever they call themselves, so just know that.
  Well like i said, please e-mail me if you know about the damn project - any info is helpful. Thanks!!!
  One more thing, watch out for elves, i almost hit one on the Tykes trail. It was kinda dressed up like my baby cusin. Whatever - just be careful!
  Ride rating: Intermediate
  Ride distance: depends Elevation change: approx 2000
  Brenden a 16 year old Cross-Country Rider riding a Jekyll 3000 from Carlsbad

  Posted:12/24/2002

• Trail UpdateElfin Forest-I went 11-30-02, the "Way up trail" is quite technical on the way up, the sand, loose rocks, switchbacks on deep sand, and small steps are enough to make it quite a challenge to make it up in one shot without stopping (voluntarily or involuntarily) a few times. It's pretty straight forward on the way down - watch out for the hikers.

  The "Way up trail" climbs from 492ft at the parking lot to Escondido Overlook at 1200ft. The other peak in the park, the Elfin Forest Overlook is at 1346ft. There are a few very short (less than 0.5 mile) loops in the park. Mainly the park comprises of three parts. The "Way up trail" which is probably about 1.5 miles each way, "Tykes Hike loop" which is a mix of fire road and single track for 1.25 miles. And the "Equine Incline loop" which is 2.5 miles. Tykes hike probably has a gain/loss of around 200-300ft, and the Equine Incline probably 300-400ft, but I'm guessing on the elevation of each.

  I was looking for a 20 mile ride, so after two loops of Tykes, three of the Equine incline, and a few smaller loops I was pretty bored and left with only 15 miles. The park has no "forest" to speak of, it's just sand, rocks, and scrub bush. Perhaps the scrub bush is an Elf style Forest, and hence the name?

  It's not the prettiest of parks. A couple of days prior I had ridden the Nate Harrison Grade up the Palomar mountains which was far more interesting.

  I've rated "Advanced" as the "Way up trail" was tough enough to stop me once or twice, there's nothing scary or really technical though.

  Ride rating: Advanced
  Ride distance: 15 Elevation change: 2500
  Singletrack=80% Dirt Road=20%
  Roland a 29 year old Cross-Country Rider riding a Klein Adept from Folsom, CA

  Posted:12/01/2002

• Trail UpdateTrails No, Fire Road Yes-This is a fun after work sprint ride.
  they sure have gone out of the way to keep you from the old trails.
  I rode a fast down hill after a short loop inside the park that dropped off twards the coast and ended up coming in from the other side of the parking area. Not sure if it's legal, doesn't matter. If they can build a damn that size, then a nice fun trail that we can all enjoy should have little to no enviromental impact.
  If your into climbing silty/rocky uphills this is the place.
  it sure has changed in the past couple years.
  Ride distance: 8 Elevation change:
  T-dog a 34 year old Die-hard Enthusiast riding a Marin wildcat-(meow) from san marcos

  Posted:08/01/2002

• Trail UpdateElfin Forest-Haven't been to Elfin forest since the dam construction began. I pulled into the empty parking lot wondering where everyone was. Last time I was here I had to park along the highway and it was packed with bikers. Got to the top (love that technical climb) and thought what a geat day with nobody around. I began to explore the trails only to find out that half of them were closed due to the dam. I was really disappointed at how much was off limits to the hikers and bikers and will not be going back until more trails are open. I believe I rode all of the available trails and I was seeing only 7 miles or so on my GPS.
  Ride rating: Intermediate
  Ride distance: 7-9miles Elevation change:
  Singletrack=50% Dirt Road=50%
  Brian a 33 year old Cross-Country Rider from Encinitas,CA

  Posted:05/13/2002

• Trail UpdateElfin Forest - Escondido-The dam is coming along great. Since I am an engineer on the project I routinely jump on my bike after shift and take off on the trails. The little bit of rain that is seen in this part of the country has not damaged the trails other than add a little more character. I am always looking for the power climbs in the area I am working and would like to hear from other riders who know of trails with the same intensity.
  Ride rating: Advanced
  PT a 36 year old Cross-Country Rider riding a Trek 8000 from Any where and every where

  Posted:04/19/2002

• Trail UpdateLooking For An Update-I have nothing to offer but questions for anyone that's ridden here recently. How did the trails hold up to the rains? How's the dam project coming along? How's trail traffic?
  Rico Sanchez a Cross-Country Rider riding a Manitou HT from Chatsworth, Calif.

  Posted:01/22/2002

• Trail UpdateElfin Forest-Forest???? Rode this trail for the first time in late January. It looks like there has been a fire within the last couple of months..bummer. The Way up trail was rideable (not by me) 100% of the way. I did make it through about 75% of the swicth backs. Did the big loop on top. The trail was in pretty ok shape.

  The way down was..mmmm.well swithbacks are funner on the way up.

  I look forward to seeing the area regrow. It was a good day.
  Ride rating: Intermediate
  Ride distance: good question Elevation change: I don't care to know
  Singletrack=yep% Dirt Road=yep% Paved Path=nope% Truck Trail=not really%
  The Mighty Lipitor a 24 year old Cross-Country Rider riding a 95 GT Zaskar from Lake Forest

  Posted:02/18/2001

• Trail UpdateUgh!-The 'Way Up' trail is just that. Short switchbacks, lots of rocks, deep sand makes it tough. I had to walk parts of the first 1/8th mile, but I was able to stay on the bike for most of the remainder of the trail. Lots of rest stops along the way! Once on top, I took Tyke's Hike, a nice trail which has been damaged by horses recently. Once past the switchbacks there, it smoothes out nicely. At the end is the Equine Incline trail...even better. Nice single track on this one with some good climbs and still more switchbacks. Going down the Way Up trail was much more fun, and it does teach a lot of bike handling skills. I ran into a female ranger at the bottom who was very helpful. I asked about when they expected to open the rest of the Oak Valley area of the park. She said about two years, but that the trail maintenance crew was heading out to Elfin as soon as the heat goes down a bit (couple weeks?)
  Ride rating: Advanced
  Ride distance: 9 miles Elevation change: +/- 750
  Singletrack=45% Dirt Road=55%
  ATPMatt a 26 year old Weekend Warrior riding a Schwinn S[9five].2 from San Marcos, CA

  Posted:07/21/2000

• Trail UpdateUp Slow, Down Not As Slow-is the name of the game here. If you like to let it go and rip it up going down, pick another spot because this trail at points is plain dicey at speed going down. That said, it is nevertheless a good trail to ride because it forces you to learn good bike handling skills in both directions. If you like to handle switchbacks, and if you enjoy a good climb this is the place! Sweat is good. Mikekim.

  Posted:04/18/2000

• Trail UpdateRename This Place!-I didn't see any elves OR trees, so what's with the name of this place? Anyway, checked it out on Sunday and the water bars are completely buried. Took the "way up" trail, turned right on the equine trail, took that up to the picnic "hub", down the tyke hike trail, over to the quail trail, and down the "way up". This park is small and basic, a lot of trails closed to bikes, lots of hikers, and has very little elevation to it. If you happen to be driving by the park entrance pull in, otherwise head north...or south. Good luck to you.
  Dusty Bottoms

  Posted:01/10/2000

• Trail UpdateElfin Forest Is SICK!-I have been riding Elfin at least 2-3 times a month for the past year. The water bars that everybody's talking about are nothing compared to what they used to be a year ago. Now they've been shaped to make the downhills even more technical, not bumpy. The upper part of the valley on the "Equine loop" trail is one of the most technical downhill singletracks in north county. The lower part of the trail is super fast and open. On the way down the top of "The way up trail" there's a bunch of quick semi-technical sections that are cut by sharp switchbacks. The lower part of the trail hugs the contours of the hill and produces a quick twisted flight back into the parking lot. There's also a lot of good flyaway bumps in the lower section.
  Singletrack=75% Dirt Road=25%
  Kevin a 18 year old Downhiller riding a Gary Fisher joshua f4 from La Costa

  Posted:12/28/1999

• Trail UpdateElfin Forest-I rode the trails in oct. The climb up was great and the return was great. that was it. the rest of it must of just been re-routed. A lot of closed trails and a lot of powdery fresh trails that seemed to be designed for non-mtbers. good luck.
  Or it was too tech for me?
  voodoochildS.D. a 30 year old

  Posted:12/25/1999

• Trail UpdateWay Up, Way Worth It....-The Way up trail is rough to start off with, but it's worth the trip at the top. The Equine Incline trail is a must taker. It's single track has a great variety of up and down hill, with a motivating view of what's to come. The trails are well marked, and there are many trail maps (with the names and distances) located throughout the "forest".
  Ride rating: Intermediate
  Ride distance: not many miles Elevation change: 1,800 ft
  Singletrack=75% Dirt Road=20% Truck Trail=5%
  SEAL pup

  Posted:09/20/1999

• Trail UpdateWay Up-If you like fun climbs....you'll love The Way Up trail. The trail is in terrible condition -- which adds to the climbing fun factor. Many, many water bars, rocks, ruts, soft/soft powder and switchbacks. The trail is far from singletrack....double and a half maybe. I'm one of those sick MTB'ers who likes to climb. So, this was a kick for me. If you aren't a climber, you'd have more fun elsewhere. The descent is a challenge. The water bars and very soft/loose powder prevents higher speeds. Once you reach the top, you'll be treated to some very nice views (nothing really beautiful, but nice)and plenty more miles of trails. The picnic area complete with water is GREAT! It's fun and challening, but not special enough to warrant an all day trip. The distance and degree OF incline make the climb more than a beginner ride; the adverse conditions make the descent more than a beginner ride. I'd rate it as advanced intermediate. The climb is just under two miles, but you can easily add 15-20 by hitting the roads/trails at the top. There are several signs warning bikers about being respectful trail users -- possibility of the area being closed to bikes if "we" aren't careful. This was my first ride in the area; although nothing was said, I got the impression from the hikers (looks, no response to my "Hello" etc.) that bikers are not in good favor. PLEASE heed the warnings, signs and restrictions. PLEASE do NOT ride the trails closed to bikes and stay out of the restricted areas. Thanks.
  Ride rating: Intermediate
  Ride distance: 1.8 miles Elevation change:
  Singletrack=99%
  Jimbeau a 44 year old Cross-Country Rider riding a '99 Mantra from SoCal

  Posted:09/20/1999

• Trail UpdateElfin Forest-The water bars were annoying but doable. Even if you
  are going fast. They must be softer than they were
  earlier in the summer. I don't know about the
  Intermediate rating. Comparing this ride to others in
  the list it seems to me to deserve an advanced rating
  as
  Ride rating: Advanced
  Ride distance: 20 miles Elevation change:
  Singletrack=80% Dirt Road=20%
  Morgan Cox a 34 year old Cross-Country Rider riding a Raleigh Carbon MCC-8 from Del Mar .com

  Posted:09/19/1999

• Trail UpdateThe Way Up Trail...-Rode this yesterday, Sunday (8-22-99) and I never knew what water bars were until I rode up this trail. I made it to the top but estimate I walked 2/3 of the way up.

  I'd know for sure how much I walked up except I lost my bike computer/odometer on the way up. So if anyone spots an Avenir AC7 bike computer, please let me know.

  I should also mention that the gates to the parking lot off Harmony Grove Rd are closed at 7pm or 1/2hr before sunset. So plan you ride accordingly. I had to cut my ride short to make sure I didn't get locked in.

  
  Yubert Fang a Die-hard Enthusiast riding a Klein Mantra Race from La Mirada, CA. USA

  Posted:08/23/1999

• Trail UpdateThis ride was probably a lot more fun before the water bars were dug in. I couldn't figure out whether these were to control erosion or, more likely, high speed descents. Either way, they ruin what would be an otherwise killer trail. I did see a baby rattlesnake chilling at the top of the Escondido Overlook; that was pretty cool. I don't think I'll be coming back for a while though.
  Singletrack=50% Dirt Road=50%
  red riding hood a 27 year old Die-hard Enthusiast riding a Specialized Stumpjumper from Del Mar, CA

  Posted:06/04/1999

• Trail UpdateTry 5-7 Feet-forget 10-20 feet more like every 5 feet is there basically a cerb you have to go up and over. It really does bite, especially at night!!. But what I wanted to say was that don't write elfin forest totally of your list of places to ride, once rainy season has passed they wont make those damn things anymore and the existing ones will get smoothed over. So just be pacient.
  Singletrack=70% Dirt Road=30%
  Ryan a 18 year old Die-hard Enthusiast riding a '98 Specialized FSR Comp from San Marcos

  Posted:01/07/1999

• Trail UpdateI thought the guy below was exagerating about the waterbars being spaced every 10-20 feet. He wasn't unfortunately. Now basically all the trails have waterbars spaced too frequently, not just The Way Up trail. This used to be one of my favorite riding areas, not anymore.
  Jim a 38 year old Racer from San Diego

  Posted:12/27/1998

• Trail UpdateElfin Forest-The Way Up trail has water bars about every ten to twenty feet,(not much fun), which add to the difficulty. Once at the top most of the trails are in good condition. On the way back down, don't go too fast or the water bars just might ruin your day. Have fun!!
  Rick a 36 year old Die-hard Enthusiast riding a Univega DS-900 FS from San Diego

  Posted:11/29/1998

• Trail UpdateElfin Forrest-Well, the park is open, but it is a different park then it was a year ago. The Way-up trail is more difficult, and many of the trails on top have been scraped. It is all part of recovering from El Nino and the fire. It will be a long time before this park recovers. Nice flowers though.
  Greg Shorts a 33 year old Cross-Country Rider riding a GT Zaskar LE from San Diego

  Posted:06/08/1998

• Trail UpdateElfin Forest-Fire and water have led to the current CLOSURE of the Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve. Reopening date is yet to be determined. And if you think that's sad news, how about the fact that the Olivenhain Municipal Water District, which manages the land, has seen fit to all but eliminate the public recreational component of the agency's operations. Without recreational staff (rangers) and the accompanying resources, trail users stand to lose access to Elfin Forest entirely. Wanna do something about it? Contact the Water District (760-753-6466) and let them know that you and other non-motorized trail users want continued access to the land. You can also get involved by contacting the San Diego Mountain Biking Association (619-258-9140).

  Posted:04/17/1998

• Trail UpdateElfin Forest-Did this 12-26-97.Sorry to report majority of park burned out from Lake Hodges fire (about 6 months ago).Recent rains have done much erosion damage to trails.Lots of ruts and rocks.No trees,no rorest. Good for hardcore workout only.
  Singletrack=60% Truck Trail=40%
  Michael Logan a 48 year old Die-hard Enthusiast riding a Dagger from Manhattan Beach,Ca.

  Posted:01/01/1998

• Trail UpdateThe Way Up Trail is definitely "Way Up." The trail maps provided at the base are not terribly clear, and caution should be used at the top to ensure you do not head down the wrong trail. My ride, in particular, had a dissappointing ending as the descent eneded up being a fire trail that lead to a development. Bummer. Nonetheless, a great ride, challenging uphill and beautiful views once at the top.
  Singletrack=80% Dirt Road=20%
  Kilnraja a 34 year old Weekend Warrior riding a Supergo Access XTR from Rancho Penasquitos

  Posted:07/24/1997

• Trail Update<a Href="http://www.gsinteractive.com/sdbiking/elfin/elfin.ht-

  Posted:07/15/1997

• Trail UpdateWay-up Trail-To start the ride you must climb up the Way-up Trail. This is the recommended route as the other routes up are restricted or preferred by horses. Even so traffic can be pretty heavy on the trail at times. At the top of this moderate to steep climb, there are a number of paths you can take. The Incline trail is the best. This trail begins with a nice downhill and then winds up and down to another hilltop. There are a number of turns you can make to travel around the rest of the park. There are plenty of signs to help you find your way around. One of the interesting things about this park is the good job they have done providing separate horse and bike trails. Since the different paths usually go to the same place it doesn't seem like either group is being unfairly restricted. That's the way it should be.So follow the signs that keep you on the bike sections. Great ride. Lots of fun with little fire roads, mostly singletrack.
  Singletrack=90% Truck Trail=10%
  Greg Shorts a 32 year old Weekend Warrior riding a Zaskar LE from San Diego CA

  Posted:07/15/1997

• Trail Update<a Href="http://www2.connectnet.com/~taffe/cycle/off-road.htm-

  Posted:07/15/1997