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 Reporter |
Summary: Nestled on the western slopes of Mt. Woodson, the 470 acre Blue Sky Ecological Reserve holds a bounty of natural sights and sounds. Established in October 1989 as a natural habitat, Blue Sky features several rare and threatened plant and animal species. In short succession, a hiker can find riparian, oak woodland, mixed chaparral, and coastal sage scrub environments. Each ecosystem holds its own special variety of wild life, and the closeness of these habitats allows a great diversity of species to exist together in harmony. This hike is especially pleasant during sunny, warm days, as the deep shade from the tree canopy keeps the creek bed relatively cool. Trailhead: Off I-15 take the Rancho Bernardo Road exit heading East. After a few miles this turns into Espola Road. The Blue Sky Ecological Reserve parking area is 3.5 miles from the I-15 exit on the left (west) side. (Lat:33.0162 Lon:-117.0235) Trail Guides for Blue Sky Ecological Reserve: Best Easy DayHikes San Diego by Sean OBrien (Falcon) Best Seasons: Year-Round User Groups: Hikers, Ranger Contact: Reserve Office 858-668-4781 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Joe Cross, who has posted 56 other hikes on this site Trail Reviews Page 1 of 2 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by JoeA on 7/3/2009 Beautiful easy hike. Would reccomend either taking the left and going up to the dam or taking the right, about a mile form the trail head, and going around lake poway.
Reviewed by AM on 6/22/2009 Beautiful Hike. Pretty flat for the first 1.2 mi, till you get to the point where you take a left to head up to the Dam. I strongly recommend taking the steep climb up to the Dam, totally worth it!
Reviewed by RockDog on 2/22/2009 This is a great little, hike. Has beautiful riparian entry and it is well used. lots of people. this is good entry level hike that gives you an honest workout if you go up to Ramona dam. this is a fairly nice urban hiking experience. I would do it again, but next time I will bring my dogs.
Reviewed by Viewer on 12/7/2008 Hiked this one on 11/29. I went all the way to the top of the Ramona dam. Great workout on the legs up to dam. Came down & went all way around Lake Poway as well & back to BS parking lot for a total of almost 8 miles. Nice & close if you live in SD. Blue Sky is very nice. Will do again.
Reviewed by Lee on 6/30/2008 This was a fantastic hike. I knocked a star off for all the man-made-ness ... the dam, the power lines, the large dam-related machinery (?). That said, I had an amazing day hiking with my dog (off-leash for most of it) and two strangers with their dog who I befriended for a few hours. It's basically two parts. The first part is a very municipal trail - very easy to find, wide and packed trail, clear markers, nice and shady. Then there's a sign to go off to Lake Ramona. I recommend you do. It's a fairly strenuous incline (my dog needed to rest), but my goodness. There is nothing quite as pleasant as a mid-summer, mid-day, mid-hike swim in the lake with your dog to refresh the soul. Then you turn around and it's all downhill! Br
Reviewed by Lee on 6/30/2008 This was a fantastic hike. I knocked a star off for all the man-made-ness ... the dam, the power lines, the large dam-related machinery (?). That said, I had an amazing day hiking with my dog (off-leash for most of it) and two strangers with their dog who I befriended for a few hours. It's basically two parts. The first part is a very municipal trail - very easy to find, wide and packed trail, clear markers, nice and shady. Then there's a sign to go off to Lake Ramona. I recommend you do. It's a fairly strenuous incline (my dog needed to rest), but my goodness. There is nothing quite as pleasant as a mid-summer, mid-day, mid-hike swim in the lake with your dog to refresh the soul. Then you turn around and it's all downhill! Br
Reviewed by Lee on 6/30/2008 This was a fantastic hike. I knocked a star off for all the man-made-ness ... the dam, the power lines, the large dam-related machinery (?). That said, I had an amazing day hiking with my dog (off-leash for most of it) and two strangers with their dog who I befriended for a few hours. It's basically two parts. The first part is a very municipal trail - very easy to find, wide and packed trail, clear markers, nice and shady. Then there's a sign to go off to Lake Ramona. I recommend you do. It's a fairly strenuous incline (my dog needed to rest), but my goodness. There is nothing quite as pleasant as a mid-summer, mid-day, mid-hike swim in the lake with your dog to refresh the soul. Then you turn around and it's all downhill! Br 
Reviewed by Leanne on 4/18/2008 The trail has been reopened and it is beautiful. The fire left some damage to the large trees but it opened up the views of the stream, plus the wildflowers are everywhere and gorgeous. Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: California Hiking, California Trails, California Hikes, San Diego County Hiking, San Diego County Trails, San Diego County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||