History
The 784-acre Reserve was developed by OMWD in partnership with the San Diego County Water Authority and the U.S. Department of the Interior - Bureau of Land Management, as an element of the Olivenhain Water Storage Project and the Authority's Emergency Storage Project. The Reserve first opened in 1992. Owned by the Authority and managed by OMWD, the Reserve has been designed to unify the interests of domestic water supply development, natural resources management, and recreational opportunities.
Specialties
Open every day except December 25; closed on rainy days or during a red flag warning (high risk of fire); Park opens at 8:00 a.m.; Park closes approximately 30 minutes prior to sunset; actual times are posted at trailhead. Olivenhain Municipal Water District is devoted to the safe operation of Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve and to providing all visitors with a unique recreational, educational, and environmental experience. One of San Diego County's most precious natural resources, Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve offers approximately 11 miles of hiking, mountain biking, and equestrian trails, as well as picnic areas and scenic mountain viewing points. In addition, the natural beauty of the Reserve includes such native plant communities as oak riparian, oak woodland, coastal sage scrub, and chaparral. All wildlife and natural resources at the Reserve are fully protected so that future generations may also enjoy these wonders.