Learn about current park closures and updates.
13775 Blue Sky Ranch Road, Lakeside, CA 92040
Park:
(619) 561-0580
Hours: 8 a.m. – sunset, daily
Pedestrian access is available from sunrise to sunset, daily.
No public vehicle access or restroom availability on December 25. El
Capitan is CLOSED in August due to extreme summer heat.
El Capitan Preserve boasts a view of three reservoirs from one
location in the park. Some 11 miles of trails provide a rugged route
along a granite-ribbed ridgeline with stunning views of both ocean and
mountains.
The preserve’s 2,619 acres of open space
provide room to roam through woodland, coastal sage scrub and mixed
chaparral. The preserve is full of chaparral with plants like white
sage, black sage and California sagebrush, along with laurel sumac,
flat-top buckwheat, chamise and the rare endemic San Diego golden
star.
Along the trail, at about 4.7 miles, there’s a
riparian area that features several species you don’t normally see so
close to town. At about 3.5 miles (just past the lookout), explore a
spur trail that leads to three old, unused mine shafts.
This hike is considered strenuous and can easily take up to 6 hours to
complete. There is very little shade along the way. Make sure you
observe signs, wear the proper attire and sun protection, and bring
plenty of water. This preserve features a staging area and restrooms.
Visit the News
Center page for park events, updates and closures.
View
Development Projects.
