Barnett Ranch Preserve
Ramona, CA
Free
By Simir Shah
★★★★★4.6(161 Google reviews)
What parents say
AI summary of 5 Google reviews — not a first-hand visit. How we write these
Wide, flat dirt trails that reviewers call genuinely easy, with one gentle climb to a view over the valley. Cattle and horses on the adjacent ranch. Plenty of parking on a gravel lot. The only toilet is a portable one at the trailhead and one reviewer found it grim. Little shade, so go early on warm days.
A 728-acre preserve with an easy four-mile trail system through grassland and oak, plus picnic tables under the trees at the overlook — one of the better first 'real hikes' for a family. Parking is an unpaved turnout on Deviney Lane with no restrooms, water or shade on the trail.
Happening near here
- Once Upon a Hallowe'en at Old Poway ParkPoway · 10 mi
- San Diego Zoo Safari Park Autumn FestivalEscondido · 10 mi
- Ramona Farmers' MarketRamona · 3 mi · 9am–1pmFree
- Poway Farmers MarketPoway · 10 mi · 8am–1pmFree
Deviney Lane at, San Vicente Rd, Ramona, CA 92065, USA
Hours via Google — confirm before a special trip.
Map
What visitors say
- Craig Bellavance★★★★★
Barnett Ranch County Preserve is a hidden gem for hikers. It has 4 named trails (Rattlesnake, Oak Loop, Overlook, Valley View) and a fifth unnamed trail that connects Rattlesnake with Valley View to form a loop. The unnamed connector trail is not on the County’s map but can be seen on Google’s Satellite Map. I’d say that, overall, the trails are easy to hike. Most are flat, packed dirt that provide access to official vehicles. There is a very easy uphill climb to reach the end of the Valley View Trail. I was expecting to find the usual scrubland at this preserve but found billions of wildflowers instead. I’m not a flower nerd, but I still think it looked awesome. The trails are well-maintained and clean except for the occasional animal droppings. There were very few other hikers on the trails, so it was easy to stroll along looking at the flowers and watching the birds, squirrels, and rabbits. Signage along the trails was good, although when on the unnamed, unmarked trail I did use Google Maps a few times to make sure I was going in the right direction. Access Barnett Ranch County Preserve from a gravel parking lot on Deviney Lane. There you will find a few trash receptacles and a porta-potty.
2 years ago
- Catherine Hunt★★★★★
We have never been to this preserve though we have passed it several times on our way to Cedar Creek Falls.. It offered several trails & a small hill that provided awesome view of the valley & grassland. It is dog friendly and easy hike: We lucked out with beautiful weather and despite the rain earlier on Saturday morning, the ground was dry.
a year ago
Showing 2 of 5 Google reviews · Read them all on Google Maps