Our nearly 1,000-acre reserve is a hiker’s dream.
Bordered by North County San Diego gems – Solana Beach, Cardiff-by-the-Sea, and Rancho Santa Fe – the San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve offers 7+ miles of hiking trails via 6 trailheads. (Please note: Solana Hills Trailhead is currently closed).
Over 1,000 plant and animal species pass through – or make their home in – San Elijo. Many are rare or endangered. As you journey our trails connecting wetland habitats of coastal strand, salt marsh, freshwater/brackish marsh, riparian woodland, coastal sage scrub, and mixed chaparral, you’re sure to sight many species along the way.
Every day of the year, the trails are open from sunrise to sunset. For the community’s safety, trail closures occur for repairs, restoration projects, and weather hazards.