Name: Blue Sky Ecological Reserve
Rating: 4.4

“This trail begins in the shade near a riverbed. At the end, it climbs to Ramona Dam.”

— Jennifer in San Diego

GPX File

Features Lake · Views

Family Friendly The first 1-1.5 miles beginning at Green Valley Truck Trail is flat and shaded. Port-o-potties and picnic benches throughout makes it ideal for picnics.

Overview

A well-maintained trail for various ages. It begins with a flat shaded hike, before reaching a steep incline after about 1.5 miles heading up to Lake Ramona. From the half-way point at the top of Lake Ramona, you'll enjoy panoramic views of Lake Poway as well. The trail is pet friendly and offers access to other trails and Lake Poway. There are port-o-potties throughout the trail along with benches and tables, and there is cellular service throughout the trail.

Need to Know

Once you branch off towards Lake Ramona, the shade is scarce; be sure to have plenty of water to get you through the incline at the top.

Description

The Green Valley Truck Trail to Lake Ramona is a great trail for beginning to intermediate hikers looking for an incline and beautiful views. You'll see two trailheads in the parking lot. The Toretto Outlook Trail and the Green Valley Truck Trail. The Toretto Outlook Trail connects to the Green Valley Truck Trail and also serves as a nice warm up.

The trail begins with a nice hike through a shaded flat area for about a mile to a mile and a half where you have the option to head towards Lake Poway or Lake Ramona. You may find poison oak along this area so be sure to keep children and pets on the trail. This area is very well kept with portable restrooms and picnic benches throughout the trail.

As you take the left turn to Lake Ramona, you begin an immediate incline towards the dam. You won't find trail markers after this but continue on the trail to your right. When I had a doubt I was able to use my phone to make sure I was on the correct path towards Lake Ramona–you should have cell service along this trail. Once you arrive at the sign indicating you've arrived at Lake Ramona, you'll begin the steep hike alongside the dam to the lake. You have the option to continue around the lake on the Green Valley Truck Trail for a longer hike if you are so inclined.

Have some water and a snack and be sure to snap a photo of the views! On your way down be sure to look around for beautiful views of Lake Poway in the distance opposite of Lake Ramona.