Oak Oasis Open Space Preserve: Lakeside, CA (View Point)

Oak Oasis Open Space Preserve is a 2.67 mile trail with 315 feet of elevation gain and is part of Oak Oasis County Park located in Lakeside, CA. If you are going to do this trail, you need to make sure that you do it right… Don’t miss the scenic view point that overlooks San Vicente Reservoir!

Parking & Getting There

Getting to the trail is quite easy. Just follow the directions using your favorite navigation app and it will get you to the dirt parking lot you see in the above map from Google Earth. As you can see there is a good amount of parking available, it is also at the very beginning of the trail head. This makes is very easy to park and go enjoy the adventure.

Directions to parking: Google Maps

Keep in mind, there are signs at this location mentioning they are not responsible for car break ins. The best thing you can do is make sure to remove your valuables from your car. At a minimum, make sure they are not easily seen from outside the car, discouraging a thief from a quick snatch and grab.

The Trail

The trail does have hours and they can change depending on daylight savings time. On the website it mentions Hours: 8 a.m. – sunset, daily. When you are at the actually trailhead I have seen it say to be off the trail by either 5 or 5:30pm.

This trail is a loop and is not very difficult to complete. We brought my son and carried him to the view point in the backpack. From there he walked / ran on his own. Only needing help on a few of the inclines. They aren’t crazy, he’s just a little guy and working on his balance. Those inclines can be intimidating. He is also at the age where we should invest in proper hiking shoes for him. Not just the foam bottom target slip ons. I think this would greatly increase his comfort on the trail with better traction.

Watch the video, you see that I reference the view point being a “must stop” and make this trail worth it. It is absolutely beautiful especially on a clear day when you can look out over the reservoir. The trail signage is easy to find. If you are in a conversation with friends, could also be easy to miss.

While hiking this trail it is important to remember that Lakeside, CA can be very hot! This trail consists of some tree cover and complete exposure to the sun. Make sure in the summer months you do not do this trail during the main heat of the day and to bring plenty of water!

Doing this hike the trail was very easy to follow. You can take a picture of the map at the trailhead for reference, or use your favorite mapping application like AllTrails. Once you make it back there are picnic tables at the begging where you could enjoy a quick snack or rest before leaving this adventure.

Lookback

Overall I would consider Oak Oasis Open Space Preserve Trail to be one of my favorites in San Diego. With the ease of access, difficulty, ability to bring the pup and kids, then throw the view point on top, what’s not to love about this one!

Photo Gallery

Wrap Up

Is there a specific hike that you would like to see next? Leave a comment down below or reach out via the Contact Form and hopefully I will be able to get a recap and virtual hike posted soon! Thanks for stopping by, enjoy your adventure.