Learn about current park closures and updates.
Learn about current park closures and updates.
17430 Highland Valley Road (just east of Archie Moore Road)
Ramona, CA 92065
Phone: (760) 788-3326
Hours: 8 a.m. – sunset,
daily (Pedestrian access: sunrise to sunset).
No public vehicle access or restroom availability on December 25.
Ramona Grasslands County Preserve sits in the Santa Maria Valley between scenic coastal mesas and the rocky outcrops of the peninsula mountain ranges. Hikers, cyclists and equestrians alike can explore this 3,867-acre preserve, however, not all acreage is open to the public; some land is closed to protect sensitive resources along with the natural beauty of the area. Visit on your own or attend docent-led interpretive excursions – both lead to open breathtaking panoramic views.
From the main staging area off Highland Valley Road, enjoy an easy hike through sprawling grassy hills and majestic oaks along a 4-mile loop trail system. Take the Meadow Loop Trail (0.8 miles) to the Wildflower Loop Trail (2.0 miles) via the Connector Trail (0.2 miles).
The preserve contains a significant section of Santa Maria Creek–
supporting a mosaic of sensitive habitats including grasslands,
wetlands, vernal pools, coastal sage scrub and oak woodlands, along
with hundreds of unique plant and animal species. In fact, there are
408 plant species on site and 16 of them are considered special-status
species – most notably San Diego thornmint and spreading navarretia.
This biologically diverse preserve also supports 23 butterfly species,
21 reptile species, six types of amphibians, 37 mammals, and over a
hundred types of birds. Nearly 40 protected animals can be found
inside the preserve, like arroyo toad, Stephens’ kangaroo rat,
burrowing owl, and golden eagle.
If you’re lucky,
you’ll spot a mountain lion, bobcat or long-tailed weasel. You might
even come face-to-face with more common locals like coyotes, raccoons
and skunks. Golden eagles forage in the grasslands looking for prey.
The Old Survey Road 97 Trail will be closed for public access on November 16, 2025. This closure will allow for the passive restoration of a portion of the existing Old Survey Road 97 trail and the active construction of a new rerouted trail.
The new trail will be open year-round for hikers, cyclists, and horseback riders. It’s the first step in a larger plan to connect the Ramona Grasslands Preserve to San Pasqual Valley through a regional trail system.
Previously, the trail has had to close each year during raptor nesting season to protect nearby golden eagles. The new route will move the trail farther away from an off-site golden eagle nest in Bandy Canyon, helping to protect their habitat and other sensitive natural and cultural resources.
The first phase of trail construction is expected to begin in Fall 2025 and will include a 0.6-mile trail reroute which is expected to be completed in Spring 2026. During this time the western-most 1.1 miles of the existing Old Survey Road 97 trail will be permanently closed to allow for passive restoration.
The County and The Nature Conservancy worked together to create a Resource Management Plan for the Preserve that aligns with the broader conservation strategies in the Draft North County Multiple Species Conservation Program . The County Department of Parks and Recreation currently manages the preserve and follows the plan’s specific guidelines for how to protect, improve, and monitor the area’s natural habitats and wildlife.
Visit the News Center page for park events, updates and closures. View Development Projects .
