Blue Sky Ecological Reserve to Ramona Dam

Starting at the trail head where you park your car, head south along the Green Valley Truck Trail. After less than a mile, you will notice the city and noise start to fade behind you, and a beautiful sight of towering oaks, willows, and sycamores appear as you walk along the Creekside Trail. You will see a brown sign signaling you to veer left for this trail. Enjoy the feeling of entering a completely different environment than the one you were just in. Take your time and look around you as you walk, as you will see lots of wildlife and wildflowers, you just have to look! Depending on the time of year you go, there will be a lush lively creek along this path, but in the summer months it is dried up.

At the end of the Creekside Trail, you will meet back up with the original unpaved trail heading to the Lake Ramona Dam. You will reach a fork in the road about a half mile up; Going left takes you adjacent through the hills, and keeping straight takes you to the dam. A steep incline, gaining roughly 700feet here, you can choose to head up to the dam, or turn back from here. If you choose to head up, you will be rewarded with spectacular views of Poway, Rancho Bernardo, and a lot more of San Diego County.

Once at the top overlooking Lake Ramona, you can choose to walk down and hang out by the water, or you can head back the way you came. The descent takes 60-75 minutes depending on your pace, so plan accordingly as the park closes at dusk!