Daley Ranch

Located north of Dixon Lake and west of Valley Center Road, Daley Ranch is a conservation area covering 3,058 acres in northeastern Escondido. The property was acquired by the city in 1996 for the preservation of one of the region's most biologically unique and diverse habitats, including oak woodlands, coastal sage scrub and chaparral, grasslands, and riparian landscapes.

Buildings here include the redwood ranch house that serves as a private caretaker's residence, a redwood barn, and several structures of historical interest. One of these is the original log cabin built by English immigrant Robert Daley in 1869. Another is the wooden house that he later constructed on a knoll across from the current ranch house.

The property is closed to motor vehicles. A shuttle bus brings visitors in from the La Honda Drive entrance gate every half hour. There are twenty miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding, including the 2.4-mile Boulder Loop Trail with its splendid views and the 2.5-mile Ranch House Loop, which goes by two ponds and the site of Daley's cabin.

Daley Ranch is located at 3024 La Honda Drive, Escondido, California 92027. It is open to the public daily from dawn to dusk, and there is no fee for admission. Parking for equestrian trailers is available at the Valley Center Road entrance. Hikers should note that drinking water is no longer available at the ranch and make sure to bring an ample supply.