Trail Surface: Unpaved / rocky
Distance: 1.5 miles (3 miles round-trip up to ridgeline and back); 2 miles to Corintia Street access (4 miles round trip from El Fuerte to Corintia Street)
Difficulty: Difficult

The trail is aptly named after a long ridgeline that overlooks the Box Canyon area of La Costa. Partially located on an SDG&E utility and access road, and partially on steep, rocky single-track trails, this is one of the city’s most difficult and longest trails, with rocky climbs and large expanses of native coastal sage scrub.

The Ridgeline Trail lies in the heart of this preserve, which provides refuge to over 40 species of endangered or threatened plants and animals. Examples include the coastal California gnatcatcher, mule deer, bobcat and horned lizard, along with a host of native California plants, such as the Del Mar manzanita, San Diego thorn mint and black sage.

The abundance of wildlife is a magnet for scientific study and research, conducted primarily by the Center for Lands Management.

Note: Due to the steep terrain and hazardous conditions of the canyon walls, the canyon itself is off limits to the general public. Hikers and others using the trails who deviate from the designated trails may be cited with trespassing and faced with a heavy fine.

Directions

I-5 to Aviara Parkway/Poinsettia Lane exit
East on Poinsettia Lane to Aviara Parkway
Right on Aviara Parkway, continue east to El Camino Real
Aviara becomes Alga Road at El Camino Real
Continue on Alga Road to El Fuerte Street (top of hill)
Right on El Fuerte Street to La Costa Meadows Elementary School
Trailhead is on the left at the bottom of hill just past La Costa Meadows Elementary School at the SDG&E access gate on the east side of the street

Parking is available along El Fuerte Street near SDG&E access gate/trailhead.