Class 1 4.1 miles 900 gain 1-2 hr Out + Back Apr 19, 2024
Effort
Beauty
Personality
Solitude

Mount Israel GPX Track

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The Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve was established to preserve the natural beauty and ecological significance of the area, and features 11 miles of trails in Encinitas, California. Among these, the Way Up Trail is particularly popular for its ascent to the high point, Mount Israel. On the official park map the peak is labeled "Elfin Forest Overlook," so the summit's name might be confusing. The trail begins at the main parking area of the Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve, which is a relatively small lot that can get crowded. After parking, I crossed Escondido Creek on a footbridge and ascended the many switchbacks on singletrack. A bit after a quarter mile I reached a junction with the Botanical Trail. I chose to hike this on my way back later, a worthy side-trip.

I passed the shaded Harmony Grove Overlook which had a viewpoint and shaded bench looking down toward Escondido Creek. The trail continued ascending, though more gradually, until reaching the ridge above. There's a variety of trail options up here, but they're all likely quite similar since the ridgeline is really just a wide chaparral slope. I chose to just stick to the main Ridgeline Road/Trail, which led up toward Mount Israel. I was able to get some views of Lake Hodges and the Olivenhain Reservoir along the way. A spur trail brought me to the summit, where a viewfinder connected to a toposcope helped to identify nearby peaks.

I backtracked, but chose to take a slight detour to enjoy the Botanical Trail. There were fewer hikers on this short trail, and it descended through forest along Escondido Creek before crossing it using large stones rather than a bridge.

PEAKS ON HIKE
Elevation (ft) / Prominence (ft)
Peaks on hike
Elevation
Prominence
1
Mount Israel
1346 ft
406 rise

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Start of the Way Up Trail.
Start of the Way Up Trail.
After crossing Escondido Creek on the left, the trail ascends gradually on switchbacks.
After crossing Escondido Creek on the left, the trail ascends gradually on switchbacks.
View back toward the parking lot.
View back toward the parking lot.
Passing a junction with the Botanical Trail, which I returned to later.
Passing a junction with the Botanical Trail, which I returned to later.
Image 4 from gallery
Switchbacks up the slope.
Switchbacks up the slope.
Nearing the top of the Way Up Trail.
Nearing the top of the Way Up Trail.
Mount Israel seen ahead.
Mount Israel seen ahead.
View back along the Ridgeline Road/Trail.
View back along the Ridgeline Road/Trail.
View along the Ridgeline Road/Trail toward Olivenhain Reservoir.
View along the Ridgeline Road/Trail toward Olivenhain Reservoir.
Approaching the summit of Mount Israel.
Approaching the summit of Mount Israel.
Mount Israel summit.
Mount Israel summit.
Toposcope at the summit.
Toposcope at the summit.
Along the Botanical Trail.
Along the Botanical Trail.
Forested scenery.
Forested scenery.
Rock hopping across Escondido Creek.
Rock hopping across Escondido Creek.

Hire me or show me some love!

Hire/refer me as a web developer or send me a few bucks if you find my site useful. I’m not sponsored, so all fees are out-of-pocket and my time preparing trip reports is unpaid. I really appreciate it!