Hey Stanley

Hike to Stanley Peak at Daley Ranch in Escondido

Escondido’s 3,200-acre Daley Ranch is home to one of the largest trail systems in San Diego County. Its prominent point is Stanley Peak, reached via a 6.3-mile lollipop loop that climbs just over 1,000 feet to the 1,975-foot apex of the park.

Start the hike at Daley’s southern hub via La Honda Drive. From the dirt parking lot, head through the gate and take the trail on your right (you can also grab a plant guide; $5 suggested donation). This is the Creek Crossing Trail, offering a gentle ascent past some interpretive signs for local flora, like white sage. There’s also good valley views. Just before the three-quarter-mile mark, take a right onto the East Ridge Trail, followed by a left onto the aptly named Sage Trail, which will serve as your primary loop on the journey (ignore any spur trails that head right).

The rocky hillside is so green this time of year, and you may even spot wildflowers like Indian paintbrush and monkey flower. With recent rains, you’ll also have a small creek crossing before starting your gradual ascent. After passing a quaint pond, at the 2-mile mark you pass the Coyote Run Trail on your left (which can shorten the trek if you’re not up for the peak); otherwise continue on for expanding views of the massive green space and the distant urban landscape of Escondido.

At about the 2.5-mile mark, you’ll reach the tank trail where you’ll head right, pass a water tank and continue your ascent. Stay right at the next two junctions to keep on the Stanley Peak Trail, all the way to the rocky peak. A handful of boulders are perfect for a picnic. Sign the logbook and enjoy the panorama, stretching from the Palomar Mountains in the northeast to prominent Mount Woodson in the south.

On your return trip, stay right on Stanley Peak Trail, which eventually wraps around and connects back with the Sage Trail loop. After the first pond on your left, you’ll want to make a left on the Diamondback Trail to take you back to the entrance. You’ll reconnect with Coyote Run Trail and Creek Crossing Trail before arriving back at the lot.

To get to the Daley Ranch southern entrance, take the I-15 to the El Norte Pkwy. exit and head east. After 3.3 miles, turn left onto La Honda Dr. (you’ll see a sign for Daley Ranch and Dixon Lake). After 1.3 miles, find the dirt lot on your left and the park entrance directly in front of you. Dog-friendly!

Story and photos by Matt Pawlik, @mattitudehikes

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Bear Hug

    This 5.5-mile loop through Coyote Lake-Harvey Bear Ranch County Park explores one of the newest segments of the acclaimed Bay Area Ridge Trail, one redolent with trees ranging from madrone and manzanita to buckeye and blue elderberry (with a bubbly post-hike bonus).

    View
  2. Field of Light at Sensorio in Paso Robles

    Light This Way

    Hidden in the bucolic hills of Paso Robles lies one of the greatest light shows on earth. The lighted art exhibition, Sensorio, is as if the rainbow magic of the aurora borealis was plucked from the sky and planted in the fields.

    View
  3. Bikers and walkers on the Bay Area Ridge Trail with the Golden Gate Bridge behind them

    National Park City Walk

    See San Francisco the way locals do by hiking the Presidio, a national park right in the city! Wooded trails, secluded beaches, and epic views of the Golden Gate Bridge feature on this 5.5-mile out-and-back on the Bay Area Ridge Trail. It’s a lovely slice of the City by the Bay.

    View
  4. Bucks Up!

    Come on in, the water is beautiful. Whether you like swimming, kayaking, stand-up paddling, or heading out on a bigger boat, Bucks Lake is a high mountain haven that’s easy to access, blissfully uncrowded, and surrounded by sandy beaches, picnic areas, pines, and aspens.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Sponsored

    Tram to Cool Treks

    Elevate your fun, getting whisked from palm trees to alpine wilderness on the world’s largest rotating tramcar. The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway transports you up and away on a 2.5-mile scenic route from the desert floor to the refreshing wilderness of Mount San Jacinto State Park.

    View
  2. Coming Up Roses

    Looking to spice up your hiking life? Give your partner a rose—Mount Rose! The 10-mile out-and-back peak hike goes up to one of the grandest views in all of Lake Tahoe. Get ready f

    View
  3. A group of people clamored around the summit marker at Mission Peak in the Bay Area

    Your Mission Is Less Crowded

    Mission Peak is one of the Bay Area’s most popular mountains, with many hikers climbing every weekend. Skip the crowds with this 6-mile loop up the less-traveled southern route.

    View
  4. Vista Hermosa Park in Echo Park Los Angeles

    Vista Hermosa, Echo That!

    Tucked in Echo Park, the little-known gem of Vista Hermosa Natural Park feels worlds away thanks to its serene beauty and thoughtful design. At 11.5 acres there’s still plenty to explore. And it's got a premier view of the iconic Los Angeles skyline.

    View