Day trips from Hillcrest, San Diego

Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological Reserve

One of the Nature Conservancy's largest projects preserves 8,300 acres of native habitats including oak woodlands, riparian wetlands and bunchgrass prairie. Located at an elevation of 2,000 feet, the reserve is a remenant of 47,000 acre ranch first established as a Pubelo land grant in 1846. Adobe ranch houses constructed in 1845 and 1855 remain on the land and are the oldest buildings in Riverside County.

Much of the reserve is open for hiking with mountain biking allowed on some trails. Tours are also available and may be arranged by calling the Visitor Center at (909) 677-6951 ext. 224.

Spring is a popular time to visit when rains trapped in remenent lava flows form vernal pools, triggering a population explosing of fairy shrimp. Migratory birds, including greater yellowlegs, whimbrels and long-billed dowitchers, gather to feed on the shrmps. On our last visit the pools were nearly dry, but we were fortunate to see a pair of coyotes hunting (and pouncing!) on the abundant rodent poplulation.

Downtown LA Walking Tour

If you stick to the historic part of downtown, Los Angeles is a suprisingly walkable city. Within a few city blocks one can see the Art Deco streamlines of the Southern California Edison Building, the Beaux Arts magnificence of the Biltmore Hotel and the 1901 Angels Flight funicular. Frank Ghery's undulating Walt Disney Concert Hall shines nearby on top of Bunker Hill.

Batiquitos Lagoon in Carlsbad

The main entrance is at the end of a cul-de-sac in an Aviara neighborhood. Just around the first bend of the trail head is a charming little nature center, which Fred Sandquist, president of North County’s Batiquitos Lagoon Foundation, calls “a hidden treasure.” It may be off the beaten path, but it's easy enough to find with directions. (click the link above)