You have 3 options:
1. Sunset Dr. Staging Area
12655 Sunset Dr. Escondido
Managed by San Dieguito River Park
Trail open 6am – 6pm (October 1 – March 31) and 6am – 7:30pm (April 1 – September 30)
From I-15, exit Via Rancho Parkway.
Go east on Via Rancho Parkway.
Turn right on Sunset Dr.
Pass Sikes Adobe Staging Area and turn right past the end of the cul-de-sac into the paved staging area.
Trail Access:
Take the Coast to Crest Trail to the left of the interpretive kiosk on the south side of the staging area 1.73 miles to the Bernardo Mountain Summit Trail, which is on the right after crossing Felicita Creek.
Notes:
Alternative parking is on the street or at Sikes Adobe Staging Area.
ADA portable toilet available near the peach orchard at Sikes Adobe Historic Farmstead.
2. Bernardo Bay Natural Area Staging Area
Managed by San Dieguito River Park
Open 6am – 6pm (October 1 – March 31) and 6am – 7:30pm (April 1 – September 30)
From I-15, exit West Bernardo Dr./Pomerado Rd.
Go west on West Bernardo Dr.
At the top of the hill, turn right at the wooden signs into the staging area, just before the traffic light for Rancho Bernardo Community Park.
Trail Access:
At the northeast corner of the staging area near the portable toilet, head north downhill on the West Bernardo Dr. Bike Path and cross the David Kreitzer Lake Hodges Bicycle Pedestrian Bridge to the north side of Hodges Reservoir. Turn left on the Coast to Crest Trail and go 0.81 miles to the Bernardo Mountain Summit Trail, which is on the right after crossing Felicita Creek.
Notes:
No horse trailers.
Portable toilet available.
3. Hodges Reservoir Boat Dock Parking Lot
Managed by City of San Diego
Open sunrise to sunset, Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays, February – October
From I-15, exit Via Rancho Pkwy.
Go west on Via Rancho Pkwy.
Turn left on Lake Dr. (just before Del Dios Hwy.)
Turn left through the gate and continue to the left through a second gate toward the boat dock.
Trail Access:
At the northeast corner of the parking lot, take the Coast to Crest Trail 1.69 miles to the Bernardo Mountain Summit Trail, which is on the left before Felicita Creek.
Notes:
Restrooms open when the parking lot is open.