Ridgeline Trailhead

Nice hike with a. Beautiful view up top at double peaks

Great trails.
Can get busy with mountain bikers and dogs. Spacious clean and safe parking.
Clean facilities, restrooms, shaded tables.

Trail Series, Part 2
First of all, a Happy Father’s Day to all of the dads out there! Just remember, your kids don’t require you to be perfect, but they really do need you to be present in their lives.

When my kids were younger there was a period of years when it wasn’t a question of IF we were going for a hike on Father’s Day, but it was a matter of WHERE we were going on a hike for Father’s Day. It is in that spirit that the “Father’s Day Hike” was resurrected today.

The Ridgeline Trailhead is located in San Marcos, CA and can be accessed where Twin Oaks Valley Road and San Elijo Road converge (directly across from Double Peak School).

The trailhead provides sufficient parking, a restroom, and a drinking fountain. The trail itself is a mixture of groomed, rocky, and paved surfaces and welcomes hikers, runners, cyclists, and even equestrians. Portions of the trail include remote sections so we’d recommend utilizing the buddy system and packing your phone and water. Numerous sections offer ocean breezes to greet and encourage you and the views range from San Marcos and environs to the North and the Pacific Ocean to the West. Our out and back trek was 5+ miles, but you can enjoy shorter (or even longer) adventures on this trail (with multiple off shoot trails available).

And that’s…Henry’s Take. @henrystake

Great trails, great views, moderate traffic. The botanic loop stream crossing was high and we finished our hike crossing the stream - resulting in some damp feet. I could see us coming back to hike more of the loops at the top of Ridgeline.

One of the few hikes in SD County affording a 360 view including downtown San Diego, the ocean, the mountains, La Jolla and surroundings

Good trail, perfect for a 5k or if you are an slow walker. Good for toddlers. Make sure you pack water and descent hiking shoes.

This is an easier trail that is well maintained and safe. There's a slight elevation difference throughout this trail compared to the steeper trails starting from the lake or town center. During park hours, there are toilets and parking is across the street from San Elijo School.

Nice wide trail with beautiful views. Plenty of dog trash can stations to keep our trails clean

Very nicely groomed, extra wide trail with fencing along the cliff side. Relatively easy, not too much elevation, so it's good for kids. Nice views.

Love hiking here though it is really sad to see all the housing that has been built and still being built😔

Great easy trail for a nice casual hike with kids, 5 and up.

Beautiful trail, well kept and gorgeous scenery. Keep pets leashed for sure.

Great place to go for a hike get outside and enjoy life. Beware there are snakes don’t bother them and they won’t bother you.

Pretty flat trail with a few steep, but short sections. Mostly dirt & gravel path. Great for mountain biking or just an easy hike. There are some smaller trails that branch off the Ridgeline Trail. The trailhead itself has plenty of parking with a bathroom and water fountain.

My first ever mountain bike ride! Perfect trail. Part dirt/ part paved.

This is a great trail in the heart of San Elijo hills. Perfect for kids, doggy bag stations on the way there, great view.

Beautiful trail with nice views. Beware of the snakes.

Such a fun hike, great trails, awesome view!!!

Very nice multi-use trail, with nice views.

Amazing trail for all skill levels!