Two
years ago the Escondido Creek Conservancy was able to purchase the neighboring Durbas property on the east side of the Reserve consisting
of 450 ac and miles of existing trails.The main Durbas trail connects to LakeHodges
and the Coast to Crest Trail.(C to C is
55 miles long from Del
Mar to Julian.Not all
of the C to C trail is open, but a major part is open around LakeHodges.)
The Reserve is working to secure legal trail connections with the Durbas property.Thiswill take some
pressure off the Way Up Trail. On the west side, the Reserve is working to open
the Cielo/Mysha Canyon Trail.This trail is a wild land trail in a deep
canyon with a creek and oaks.It is
rugged and beautiful.Again, opening
this trail will help to take the pressure off the Way Up
Trail and decrease user conflict.
So
why am I telling you all this?It is my
belief that the Reserve needs more equestrian use.We need to have a bigger presence to ensure
continued equestrian use in the future.With the many miles of trails slated to be added in the very near
future, if we don't make our presence known it will be over taken by
bikers.Looking for a new place to ride
that is challenging?This is the place.
For those interested, the main staging area has 3 parking spaces for rigs that
are very easy pull through.This is not
a novice park, the Way Up trail is steep, long and has no warm up.The trail to the west has a very technical
water crossing in the first few feet andthen some nice single track under the
trees. You can also access the park by parking at the fire station on Elfin
Forest Road
and taking the trail on my street.Please contact me if you want more information.I will gladly show you the trails.
To
all the kind people who responded to my request for conflict resolution ideas,
a big THANK YOU!I was well prepared for the meeting and was able to ensure the
equestrian point of view was present. For
