It is hard to believe that just a short distance from San Diego’s sand and surf, along a scenic country road lined with oaks and small farmsteads, lies the beautiful mountain nature sanctuary of the Santa Ysabel East Preserve.

Snuggled between gently rolling hills, oak woodlands, and native grasslands full of wildflowers, the Santa Ysabel Preserve is a 3,800-acre county park and an outdoor heaven for bikers, hikers, and equestrians. The preserve has 18.5 miles of well-groomed and marked trails with an elevation gain that never exceeds 1,000 feet, and with two loop trails that cross through the range of diverse habitats. Santa Ysabel Creek runs along the preserve’s northern edge. Overnight camping is not permitted, but there are a few picnic tables at the rest area.

500 Farmer Rd, Julian, CA 92036

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