location and hours

19324 Santee Lane
Valley Center, CA 92082

Hellhole Canyon Open Space Preserve is located in north San Diego County, northeast of Escondido. We’re open every day except Wednesdays, 8 a.m. to sunset. We’re closed in August due to the typically intense summer heat. The preserve is also closed on Christmas Day.

 

description

The preserve consists of 2,594 acres and 13.5 miles of moderate to strenuous trails.

At the trailhead, you’ll find:

  • Ample free parking

  • Equestrian staging area

  • ADA-friendly lookout point

  • Vault restrooms

  • Potable water

  • Small amphitheater

  • 10 primitive campsites (for youth groups only)

trails

The main trail descends moderately to the riparian zone along Hell Creek (approximately one mile). Here you’ll find a seasonal creek and large oak and sycamore trees that provide shade. The main trail then follows the historic route of the Escondido water-supply flume to a trail junction at 1.3 miles.

There are several trail options at this junction. Easiest is the Horse Thief Loop Trail (1.4 miles). You can also create longer loops by following the Canyon View and lower Rodriguez Peak trails (2.3 miles). The most strenuous option is make a loop of the Paradise Mountain and Rodriguez Peak trails. This occasionally steep hike (5.0 miles) is highlighted by a ridgetop walk with sweeping views of the preserve and north to the San Luis Rey River Valley.

Download the park brochure or visit SDParks.org for additional information.