San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve

November 16, 2017 tarannosaurus

Epic Travel → North America → The West Coast → Southern California → San Diego Area → San Diego Coast → San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve

Location: Solana Beach, northern coastal San Diego

Distance: various trails, totaling ~7 miles

Elevation Gain/Loss: very little (it’s a lagoon, after all)

Time Required: varies depending on trail selection

Red Tape/Notes: Access to the lagoon is free; for more information on the preserve, current trail closures and access points, or on volunteer opportunities to help with restoration efforts, visit the San Elijo Lagoon Conservancy website.

What’s Nearby?: Annie’s Canyon Trail, Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve

The lagoon is a common site to anyone who commutes along the 5 (Interstate 5 or I-5 to you non-Californians) between Encinitas and Del Mar, but most people never see more of it than they can see from their car. The nearly 1,000 acre wetland preserve spans from the coast to the east side of the interstate, as far as El Camino Real at its furthest point (the La Orilla Trailhead), and is home over 1,000 species of plants and animals, including various endangered species. It’s also home to over 7 miles of trails to allow you to enjoy the wetlands up close, including the popular Annie’s Canyon Trail. And although the highway and rail improvements associated with the Build NCC (North Coast Corridor) project have meant some trail closures for the time being, the Build NCC program also includes funding for the San Elijo Lagoon Restoration Project. The restoration project starts in December 2017, and will bring new trail linkages and better bike and pedestrian access to the lagoon. But more importantly, the restoration project focuses on improving the health of the lagoon, with increased tidal circulation and improved resilience to rising tide levels due to climate change. In the meantime, most of the current trails remain open, and you can still get out and enjoy the lagoon!