Memories of the Santa Ysabel Reserve

The San Dieguito River system drains from the mountains east of Santa Ysabel through the San Pasqual Valley and out to sea at Del Mar. Forward thinking citizens fought for decades to establish a wildlife corridor along its basin. To make it a reality required much negotiating and legal wrangling, but today the concept of corridors is gaining momentum as a strategy for sustaining ecosystems. Were it not for the efforts of these citizens, pressure to develop the lands for profit would fragment the habitat into smaller and smaller pieces, until it could no longer support the plants and animals who depend on seasonal movement through these lands for survival. I, for one, am grateful for these people’s efforts. It gives me some small hope for my species.

The Santa Ysabel Reserve comprises two plots of land, both are part of the San Dieguito River basin. The western section is located 14.1 miles east of Ramona, where Highway 78 intersects Highway 67, and 2.6 miles west of Santa Ysabel, from the Highway 79 intersection. To find Santa Ysabel County Preserves – East, drive north from Santa Ysabel on Highway 79 for 1.2 miles and park at the roadside near Santa Ysabel Creek. 

Combined, these two preserves cover 4,600-acres and have more than 15 miles of trails to explore. Bring plenty of water!