Reviewed by: david darling ,  Cross Country Rider

Summary:
this ride is very challenging and is not for people that do not like to climb!if you have ridden here and have given it a bad review it's probably cause of your lack of ability.I've been riding here since '89-'90 before all the erosion and fires.Its my favorite because it seperates the MEN from the boys,the GRINDERS from the whiners.ITS ALL GOOD ROCKY TO SMOOTH SINGLETRACK. TRY IT.

Recommended Route:
Start via the WAY UP TRAIL(a real lung burner)at the EQUINE INCLINE TRAIL go RIGHT(counterclockwise)dropping down then climbing back up to the rest/view area.down tykes hyke trail over to the escondido overlook trail to the hodges overlook trail and back around. for the faint of heart and the weak turn around at the first mile.

Other recommended trails in the same area:
DALEY RANCH SINGLETRACK,HODGES

Reviewed by: Salespunk , from Carlsbad

Summary:
Just an update for those who ride this area regularly. My girlfriends uncle is the head of Olivenhain Municiple Water District and he gave me an update on Elfin. They are planning on starting the filling of the dam in aproximately six months. Six months afterwards they will reopen the trails on the east side to get the trails back to the mandated 13 miles. Also watch out for the rangers. I had one hide and then jump out in front of me as I went by the other day. I was not going that fast, but he was not happy. They have been out there a lot more lately. One last note, this is a great trail for a quick local workout. Good climbs, semi-rocky downhills etc. A lot of fun for a quick after work ride.

Recommended Route:
Way up trail to Equine Incline and follow the loop.

Reviewed by: Jacques Eicher , from CARLSBAD

Summary:
go up from the parking lot, all the way to what seem to be the top~ 18-20 minutes, then take a right (just before the big green steel power post) go down quite a bit, then ride what I believe must be the horse encline ??? It will take you about 50 minutes all together to the little wooden roofs.From there, go down about 30 feet the very same way you came up, but this time take a right ( You came from the left.) Come back following the crest before to go down again. It will take you about 15 more minutes to reach the parking. At night fall, I have seen once 4 coyotes and a big Tarantula. At the begiining of the season, spotted a very big rattler, on the saide of the trail.
Look at snakes mark on the sandy area....Almost straight ones are for gopher snakes, S shaped ones are the rattlers.

Recommended Route:
Discovery Hill, then follow elfin forest 'til you see the park gate on your right ( the parking is kind of hidden...) If you plan to ride late afternoon, its best to leave your car outside the gate.

Other recommended trails in the same area:
This is a great trail for people like me that like rideable, but technical stuff. So far I made without a foot all the way up ( the first 20 minutes) only once !!!