Local Trails in SD North County?

Does anyone know more about the trail that runs through Elfin Forest, or the one on the back side of the AM/PM on Deer Springs Rd off the 15? I stumbled across those but can't find much about them. Any other trails that you know of in North County would be awesome too! I know of Sutherland Dam/Lusardi/Upper Santa Ysabel north of Ramona but haven't tried those yet. With all the holiday stuff and rain I haven't been out in awhile and I'm starting to get itchy

 

Curious about the triad by Deer Springs to since that is real close to me.

 

Right?? I found it on Google maps in the satellite view. It looks like there are a few trails back there, but I can't tell the terrain. It can't be too extreme. I didn't see any gates either, so I'm thinking of just going to see for myself this weekend. I can just turn around if things look too rough

 

Gaia GPS doesn't show that the dirt road is a trail on their map and it also doesn't show who owns that land so it's likely private.

 

That was my first thought, but I've found trails that weren't on TrailsOffroad and Gaia that were fair game before. It's right up the road from me (in San Marcos) so it's not like I'll waste an entire day of driving if it is private or gated. Lemme in!!

 

Driving on private land that you don't have express permission is a good way to get people to hate offroaders. With all the good, legal options nearby there is no need to be wandering around where you aren't allowed.

 

But...can anyone really OWN the earth? Don't make me sing that Pocahontas Disney song.
All kidding aside, I would never do that. I'm all for doing things legally, the right way, leave no trace, pack in pack out, etc. If I were to ever come across a trail that even gave me the slightest doubt I was trespassing, I'd just turn around. Not in it to break laws or ruin things for others. I'll check it out and if it doesn't look open, I'll just head over to Sutherland Dam and Lusardi. No biggie.

 

I'm not one of those gold fringe types, someone owns that land that isn't the gubmint, and if I owned land like that I wouldn't want randoms hooning on it.

One of the principles of Tread Lightly is Respect the rights of others. If you don't know you are allowed to be there, you aren't allowed to be there. Don't try to find the hot new trail.

 

I 100% agree with you. Like I said I'm not out to ruin anyone's day, be that private landowners or the off-road community

 

And this is at the end of the road above the gas station, if you need further proof.

 

That's all I need to see. Like I mentioned before, I couldn't find any gates on the sat map but that doesn't mean anything. I'm not a "doubting Thomas", this pic is all I need to see to scratch that potential trail off my list. Thank you for finding that and saving me a trip! I guess it'll be Lusardi and surrounding trails for me this weekend

 

I'm not trying to discourage you, I know you are newer to this and excited to explore the new stuff you can get to, but don't let your enthusiasm create access issues for people in the future.

The wrongs of a small number can create big issues for the responsible masses. If you pay attention to the multitude of social media feeds focused on 4x4/overlanding/wheeling/whatever you care to call it you will often see people that abuse resources as a result of ignorance or apathy. Threads like the socal monthly offroad meetup are a great resourse to meet like minded individuals and good spots to explore that are legit.

 

There are not too many trials open unless you're willing to drive a decent distance. These trails aren't exactly what you were looking for but the Three Sisters Falls Trailhead is right next to a few trails (Cedar Creek Road/13S11).

Anza-Borrego Map

San Bernardino Mountains Map

 

Let me know if you go.

 

Don't worry, you're not discouraging me! I look to all you guys for advice and learning. I am new at this, which is why I research my trips on all apps available and also check TW and other forums, especially because I usually go solo and have a stock 2wd (loaded on recovery gear) so I need to know what I'm getting myself into. Hence this thread. I've done Corral Canyon multiple times so I'm just looking for more day trips at this point because Ocotillo and Superstition, while fun as hell, are just outside of my "day trip" range and I'm not camping when it's 30 degrees at night lol
I follow the SoCal Monthly thread as well, but was just wondering if there are any local-to-me trails I don't know about. I'm totally not out to add to the ignorance of offroading which is why I do all the research I do

 

That Three Sisters Falls hike kicked my ass a few months ago! An inverted hike, but so worth it. I'm still bummed I didn't get to meet up with you guys in Anza/Font's Point because my dumb ass friend rolled his buggy and dislocated his shoulder. So stupid. I haven't ventured to trails north much yet, definitely on my list I just wish camping was an option. Might be for others, but I'm not about those freezing temps and neither is my dog. Your videos are legit though!! They're a huge help when I'm planning trips!

 

I'm glad that I could help. Take a look here also:

Cleveland National Forest - Maps and Publications

 

The trail behind the gas station is sometimes guarded/patrolled. I used to go up there years ago because it leads to "drug airport" with some fun obstacles along the way. You can still get to the top area via back roads if you know a resident in the area.

 

What in the... "drug airport"? lol Ok, this one's definitely going off the list.

 

I personally haven't seen any drugs while up there multiple times in the past but here's the GPS of the spot, which looks like a tiny landing strip from above: 33.222480, -117.165368. There is/was tons of cool obstacles on the way to it and around it; this was at least 5 years ago. I'm not sure if any of it is still there now that some areas are marked for development.

Disclosure: Try going up other ways at your own discretion because I've heard of people getting in trouble with law enforcement in recent years now that parts of those areas are under new ownership and they've cracked down on offroaders. I haven't been up there in years myself.