HIKING TRAILS
Our trails offer something for everyone, from steep inclines to flat pathways, please plan and prepare for your hike by visiting the trail page you plan to visit.
Please respect the usage rule, as some preserves are available only for hiking, while others are suitable for biking and equestrian uses.
Please note that NO e-bikes are allowed on any FLC trails. If you plan to bring your dog, please pick up after and pack it out. For more safety and etiquette rules, see our trail safety page.
LOS JILGUEROS PRESERVE
Conveniently located in the center of Fallbrook, Los Jilgueros Preserve offers something for everyone. Whether just getting started on your hiking journey or looking to get your steps in, Los Jilgueros Preserve provides a variety of looping trails among coastal sage scrub and the riparian corridor of Ostrich Farms Creek. This family friendly trail is a favorite among birders, dog walkers, and people of all ages.
MONSERATE MOUNTAIN PRESERVE
An iconic peak along Interstate 15, Monserate Mountain Preserve is sure to get your heart pumping. With a steep trail climbing to an elevation of 1,567 feet above mean sea level, those who make it to the top are met with sweeping views from the Pacific Ocean to Pauma Valley.
PALOMARES HOUSE & SCULPTURE GARDEN
The Palomares House is one of the oldest standing homes in Fallbrook, representing the area’s cultural and architectural history. Preserved by FLC to maintain its heritage and provide a link to the community’s past, the Palomares House is FLC’s office and a community meeting space. The Wildlife Sculpture Garden offers abundant sculptures of native wildlife, along with benches and picnic tables, perfect for lunch in the park.
HORSE CREEK RIDGE PRESERVE
Also known as “The Bridges” hike, Horse Creek Ridge Open Space Preserve is nestled in the foothills below Monserate Mountain Preserve and provides trail connections to Monserate Mountain Preserve in two locations. Open to hikers, bikers, and equestrians, Horse Creek Ridge Open Space Preserve is popular with runners and hikers.
DINWIDDIE PRESERVE
Dinwiddie Preserve provides a short, mostly flat hike through soaring oaks and by blossoming wild roses. A great hike for the young, old, and all those in between. This former rodeo ground was purchased through a generous gift from the estate of Nancy and Howard Dinwiddie and transformed into thriving habitat by dedicated volunteers.
More Public Trails
-
Engel Family Preserve was a gift from a local nature lover who believed nature is meant to be enjoyed by all. A gentle trail leads to a rock outcropping and ridgeline with panoramic views of mountains to the east. Wildflowers bloom in spring. The preserve is popular with bird watchers and artists.
This 10+ acre preserve was a gift from Dr. Rodger Engel. Access is on the east side of Sumac Rd about 1/2 mile south of Pala Mesa Drive.
A gentle trail leads to a rock outcropping and ridgeline with panoramic views of mountains to east. Wildflowers bloom in spring. The preserve is popular with bird watchers and artists. -
The Pico Monserate Preserve is 122 acres and is part of a larger preserve, which includes a 7.34-acre parcel with the main trailhead.
Set on the ridgeline behind the Citro development, Pico Monserate Preserve provides a one mile, mostly flat trail that connects to agricultural open space trails. With sweeping views to the east, this multi-use trail is suitable for hikers, bikers, and equestrians.
-
Situated in lush Gird Valley, a one-mile loop trail traversers through grasslands, coastal sage scrub and oak woodlands. Gird Valley Preserve offers a moderate hike with abundant wildflowers in the spring. This hike is popular with nature enthusiasts and those looking to get their heartrate up.
This 47 acre property was acquired in January of 2015 and overlooks the former Fallbrook Golf Course, offering wonderful views of Gird Valley and the new Monserate Vineyard.
A 1.1 mile trail takes you through a variety of habitats within this preserve including grassland, coastal sage scrub, and riparian areas. Spring brings rare wildflowers to this beautiful property.
Gird Valley is often host of our quarterly health walks sponsored by Fallbrook Regional Health District. All walks are open to the public and free of charge! Bring a camera or binoculars if you have them. Sun protection and water are also recommended. Friendly dogs are welcome but must be on leash and cleaned up after. View our upcoming events on our Latest News page.
-
The Karen Tucker Preserve at Hellers Bend is 49 acres of diverse habitat types at the south end of Heller's Bend Road, just off South Mission Road.
A steep, paved trail leads you across Ostrich Farms Creek, through towering oaks, to a vista of northeast Fallbrook. Karen Tucker Preserve at Heller’s Bend is perfect for those looking for a shaded ½ mile hike. This preserve was acquired through grants, with management funding provided by the family of Karen Tucker, a dedicated nature enthusiast and supporter of FLC from the beginning. -
Fairview Preserve serves as an example of urban-edge conservation—protecting valuable habitat close to town while offering residents a peaceful place to experience nature. Located along West Lilac, this trail segment is part of a larger, master planned trail in the community of Bonsall.
-
Situated along Pala Mesa Golf Course, Ken & Catherine Sousa Family Preserve offers a moderate trail with views of Monserate Mountain to the east. This preserve is easily accessible along Canonita Road in Fallbrook, and popular with residents of the Pala Mesa area. This preserve is permanently protected through a generous gift from the Sousa Family.
-
Located near Las Posas Road, San Marcos Highland Open Space Preserve provides a steep, rugged, and challenging multi-use trail. This preserve protects sage scrub habitats and has sparse shade, so plan and prepare. San Marcos Highlands Open Space Preserve connects to City of San Marcos maintained trails, providing connection throughout the area.
