Elfin Forest
Recreational Reserve

Mission Statement: Olivenhain Municipal Water District is devoted to the safe operation of Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve and to providing all visitors with a unique recreational, educational, and environmental experience.

One of San Diego County’s most precious natural resources, the Reserve offers approximately 11 miles of hiking, mountain biking, and equestrian trails, as well as picnic areas and scenic mountain viewing points. In addition, the natural beauty of the Reserve includes such native plant communities as oak riparian, oak woodland, coastal sage scrub, and chaparral. All wildlife and natural resources at the Reserve are fully protected so that future generations may also enjoy these wonders.

The 784-acre Reserve was developed by OMWD in partnership with the San Diego County Water Authority and the U.S. Department of the Interior – Bureau of Land Management, as an element of the Olivenhain Water Storage Project and the Authority’s Emergency Storage Project. The Reserve first opened in 1992. Owned by the Authority and managed by OMWD, the Reserve has been designed to unify the interests of domestic water supply development, natural resources management, and recreational opportunities.

San Diego County Water AuthorityU.S. Department of the Interior - Bureau of Land Management

Operating Hours

Reserve: 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. daily

Elfin Forest Interpretive Center Honoring Susan J. Varty: 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. daily, subject to docent availability.
Call 760-632-4212 for information.

Interpretive Center Hours

  • Thursday, 03/21/2024

    9:00 am - 12:00 pm

  • Monday, 03/25/2024

    9:00 am - 12:00 pm

Today’s Weather

Upcoming Events

What might an oak tree say to us, if we would listen? Find out in this enchanting musical journey consisting […]

Join Randy Boyer for a moderately strenuous (exercise oriented), long-distance hike at Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve. Hiking groups will depart […]

Join us on the second and third Sundays of each month, from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., for a free […]

Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve

8833 Harmony Grove Road
Escondido, CA 92029

Mailing Address
1966 Olivenhain Road
Encinitas, CA 92024

760-632-4212

Email Us