Daley Ranch & Stanley Peak, Escondido CA

• 4-star hikes
• 5 to 6 mile options
• Easy & Moderate | Gain 700 to 1,020 feet
• Escondido, CA | San Diego Region
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A scenic landscape photograph showing a series of rolling hills and mountains covered in dense vegetation. The image is taken during what appears to be early morning, as the sunlight casts a golden hue over the scene, creating a misty and ethereal atmosphere. A winding dirt path can be seen in the foreground, with a solitary figure walking along it, adding a sense of scale and solitude to the vast natural setting. The layers of hills and mountains fade into the distance, creating a sense of depth and tranquility.

Morning mist on Sage Trail with Stanley Peak views.

Located north of the Southern California city of Escondido, the nature preserve of Daley Ranch above encompasses over three thousand acres of rolling hills and valleys of former ranch land. The park's 25 miles of trails is popular with hikers, horse riders and mountain bikers and its lakes are popular fishing spots.

We've explored one of the park's most popular routes that takes in the western hills, including an opportunity to hike up Stanley Peak. This looping journey links the Creek Crossing Trail with Sage Trail, before returning back toward the trailhead and past the Daley Ranch summer house. We've also avoided a return along much of the paved asphalt park road by diverting onto the East Ridge and Middle Pond Trails whre you can find a couple of picturesque ponds.

Trail Options Expand KML · Google Earth ·

⬤ 4★ Sage Trail & Stanley Peak 6.0 mi loop, moderate, gain 1,020 ft
GPX File · AllTrails · Directions GPX?

⬤ 4★ Sage Trail Loop 4.9 mi loop, easy, gain 700 ft
GPX File · AllTrails · Directions

Extending your hike to the summit of Stanley Peak adds just over a mile and around 300 feet of additional elevation gain. We rated the Stanley Peak route as moderate because we chose to explore the narrow and unofficial Tank Trail cut-off that offers a marginally steeper and rougher hike. Sticking to an out-and-back hike of wider and more gradual Stanley Peak Trail would be rated by us as easy, though it does add an additional 0.3 miles of hiking.

Except for sections along the asphalt paved park road, shade from the sun is rare on this hike. We encourage a very early start for this hike, not only to avoid sun exposure but to also experience the dramatic dawn views of mist lingering in the park's valleys. Furthermore a very early start guarantees a parking spot at the La Honda Drive parking area, which, though large, fills up extremely quickly.

⚠ Heat Safety Tips: Shade is extremely limited on this trail. Please stay safe in hot weather by knowing the forecast and planning to avoid the hottest parts of the day. Recognize danger signs and turn back when necessary. Wear lightweight non-cotton clothing and head coverings. Use sunblock and UV chapstick. Bring more water than you think you need, coupled with salt & electrolite tablets.

A person wearing a red jacket and a cap is walking on a dirt path through a hilly, natural landscape. The path winds through dry vegetation and bushes, with rocky hills and mountains visible in the background under a clear blue sky. The scene suggests a peaceful hike or walk in a scenic outdoor area.

Typical conditions on the Sage Trail Loop.

The image is split into two sections. The left section shows a person riding a mountain bike on a dirt trail surrounded by dry vegetation and hills under a clear blue sky. The right section shows a scenic view from a high vantage point, looking down at a valley with lush greenery, a road, and a bird soaring in the sky near a rocky cliff.

Considerate cyclists. | Looking down from Stanley Peak.

The image shows a large, rusted cylindrical structure, likely a water tank, situated in a hilly, scrub-covered landscape. The tank has some graffiti on its lower portion and a ladder attached to its side. In the background, there are rolling hills and a distant view of a city or town, with a hazy sky above.

Looking over Daley Ranch from Stanley Peak.

The image shows a large, rusted cylindrical structure, likely a storage tank or silo, with a clear blue sky in the background. In the foreground, there are green plants with clusters of dark flowers or seeds. The contrast between the rusted metal and the vibrant plants, along with the clear sky, creates an interesting visual composition.

The narrow tank cut-off trail adds some variety.

A panoramic view of a serene lake surrounded by dense vegetation and hills. The lake reflects the clear blue sky and the surrounding trees, creating a mirror-like effect. The foliage displays a mix of autumn colors, with shades of yellow, orange, and green. In the background, hills rise gently, covered with trees and shrubs. The scene is tranquil and picturesque, capturing the beauty of nature in a peaceful setting.

Mallard Lake, briefly viewed from the Sage Trail.

The image shows a rustic house with a wooden exterior, featuring a large porch with railings and steps leading up to it. The house has a gabled roof with three dormer windows, and there is a chimney visible on the left side. The surrounding area includes a well-maintained garden with bushes and a tree that has lost its leaves, indicating it might be winter. There is also a wooden fence and a wagon wheel decoration in the foreground. The setting appears to be in a rural or countryside location, with trees and natural scenery in the background.

The Daley Ranch summer cottage was built in 1925.

Tangents:
• External Links: City of Escondido, Friends of Daley Ranch
• AllTrails Public: Sage Trail & Stanley Peak Loop
• Facebook Group: Comment, Follow Us

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