Learn about current park closures and updates.
Park: (858) 513-4737
Reservations Center: (858)
565-3600, (877) 565-3600
Goodan Ranch Staging Area
16281 Sycamore Canyon
Road, Poway, CA 92064
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.
Highway 67 Staging Area
13920 Highway 67,
Lakeside, CA 92040
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.
View the park brochure. Watch the Virtual Hike!
Sycamore Canyon Preserve consists of 2,272 acres of coastal sage scrub and chaparral-covered hills, including the 325-acre Goodan Ranch, a mix of grassland, riparian, coastal sage, oak woodland and mixed chaparral. Other features include an picnic tables, a rest area, outdoor amphitheater, and a horse trough and hitching post.
More than 10 miles of trails lead to grand vistas, abundant wildlife and interesting reminders of human use, centuries ago. View the virtual hike of Martha’s Grove above where you can choose your own adventure as the path splinters in several directions.
The preserve includes the Goodan Ranch Center, which was built next to the original ranch house that was burned during the 2003 Cedar Fire. A LEED-certified project, the center houses a multi-purpose demonstration room, exhibit room, and support spaces that run with low site impact and high energy efficiency.
Stowe Trail
The Stowe Trail is approximately 4 miles long and parallels the eastern border of MCAS Miramar. It is marked with appropriate signs to facilitate access to the trail by members of the San Diego community who have obtained a valid permit. PERMITS ARE REQUIRED.
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News
Center page for park events, updates and closures.
View
Development Projects.
Sycamore Canyon/Goodan Ranch Preserve Resource Management Plan Update
The County of San Diego Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) has completed a comprehensive update of the Resource Management Plan (RMP) for the Sycamore Canyon/Goodan Ranch Preserve which includes a Vegetation Management Plan (VMP) and Public Access Plan (PAP). The updated RMP is required because there are multiple properties that have been added to the Preserve in recent years. The RMP guides the continued management of natural resources within the Preserve, including management of these additional properties which were not covered in the previous RMP. Implementation of the PAP includes modifications to the existing trail system, including restoration of previously disturbed areas, reroutes of existing trails, the formalization of informal trails, and the creation of new trails.
DPR released the Draft Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration along with the associated RMP, VMP, and PAP for public review from July 21, 2023 through August 21, 2023. Five formal comment letters and 77 email comments were received during the public comment period. DPR prepared a Response to Comments document in response to all comments received and updated the documents, as appropriate.
On March 10th, 2025 DPR adopted the IS/MND for the project. The first phase includes revegetation of southern trails along with minor trail improvements/reroutes to accommodate the habitat restoration activities. Subsequent phases of the Final PAP, including opening of trails considered in the environmental review, will be implemented as funding and resources are available.
If you have any questions, please reach out to Emily Pacholski at Emily.Pacholski1@sdcounty.ca.gov.
SCGR RMP Update Director Approval Memo
2025 Final Sycamore Canyon Goodan Ranch County Preserve Resource Management Plan
