Volcan Mountain Foundation

Saturday, October 14th San Diego Canyoneers will be leading a free guided hike to the Lower Creek Trail of the Santa Ysabel Preserve West.

Trekking through the Santa Ysabel Preserve West, you'll get a glimpse into the backcountry world of San Diego almost 200 years ago. The preserve has many oak trees, including Engelmann and coast live oaks, surrounded by grasslands dotted with fields of flowers. Numerous bird species call this preserve home, and there are expansive views of the mountains in the distance, including nearby Volcan Mountain.

This is a difficult 6-mile hike with an elevation gain/loss of up to 1,000'. Please dress in layers as the temperature may vary throughout the hike. Wear sturdy hiking shoes; bring plenty of water and a snack for the trail. Meet at 9:00 am at the Santa Ysabel West Preserve Highway 79 gate--approximately 1 mile west of Santa Ysabel and 12 miles east of Ramona, across from 29313 Highway 78, Santa Ysabel, CA 92070. (GPS N33.102139, W116.695487)

Canyoneers are citizen scientists and San Diego Natural History Museum volunteers who have had comprehensive training by San Diego Natural History Museum scientists and local experts on the natural history of the region. They are trained to teach appreciation of plants, animals, geology and Native American culture in southern California.

Please contact San Diego Canyoneers for updates or more information. Check the Natural History Museum's calendar at sdnat.org/canyoneers, or call 619-232-3821 and choose option 6 for cancellations due to park closures, weather or emergencies. In the case of inclement weather, Canyoneers still hike unless the trail is dangerous, impassable, or harmful to the environment. Barring unforeseen circumstances, a Canyoneer will always show up at the trailhead to inform potential hikers of cancellations.

Visit the Volcan Mountain Foundation's website at www.VolcanMt.org for ongoing updates of events and activities on and around the Volcan Mountain Range.