Rancho Santa Fe Recreation and Parks

Rancho Santa Fe itself has no county or state parks, but is close to one of the region’s most spectacular parks, the 750-acre open-space Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve. Located just off Harmony Grove Road in nearby Olivenhain, the reserve offers 13 miles of hiking, mountain biking, horse trails, picnic areas, and scenic mountain viewing points. In addition, the natural beauty of the reserve includes native plant communities such as oak woodland, coastal sage scrub and chaparral. Park Rangers conduct guided tours as well as student exploration programs to help promote awareness of the environment in the area and preservation of local watersheds. All wildlife and natural resources at the Reserve are fully protected so that future generations may enjoy the area. It makes for a great day of hiking and exploring the Southern California backcountry within easy distance of the coast.