Santa Ysabel Preserve—West Trail

Meandering creek by Camden Bessone | October 21, 2025 | Alltrails website

If you're a hiker, you can probably hardly wait for the weather to cool so that you can get back on the trail.

The Santa Ysabel Preserve-West is a beautiful trail located between Santa Ysabel and Ramona. It is about 40 miles northeast of San Diego.

Santa Ysabel Preserve Trial map by Alltrails

Besides hikers, the trail is available to mountain bikers and equestrians. Dogs on leashes are welcome.

Take your picnic basket to enjoy a snack at one of the many picnic tables. Don't forget your water bottle so you can stay hydrated.

Overview of valley by Lauren Simich | February 13, 2021 | Alltrails website

"Highlights include beautiful scenery, wildlife sightings, and peaceful surroundings. Challenges are steep hills, limited shade, and heat during the day. Recommend going early and staying hydrated."—Trail goers

Creek photo by Mike Schacht | May 11, 2024 | Alltrails website

Be aware of your surroundings. You might meet something unexpected....remember, you're a guest in their home. Act appropriately.

"You only see 1% of what sees you."—Matthew Copham, Safari Guide

This sweet mama Mountain Lion was caught on trail cam with her two juvenile offspring. They were at the watering hole for 17 minutes.

Cat family arriving at the drinker | Photo by Doug Andrews | August 5, 2026 at 19:54 | San Diego County Trail Camera Captures | Click on image to enlarge

Mama and two "babies" at the drinker | Photo by Doug Andrews | August 5, 2026 at 19:55 | San Diego County Trail Camera Captures | Click on image to enlarge

Check out the size of those paws!

Santa Ysabel Preserve-West is a loop, approximately 5.7 miles long. Considered moderate, it has an 1,187 foot elevation gain so pace yourself. The loop will take about 3 to 3-1/2 hours to complete.

Return to Main Page