Hike Time and Distance: 5-6 mile loop depending on trails taken 3 hours total with a 20-minute break at the summit
Water/Snacks: 2 liters minimum depending on temperature. Pro Bar, hard-boiled eggs.
Hike ability: moderate-difficult depending on your skill level. Climb to the Peak the most strenuous.
Directions: 3024 La Honda Drive Escondido, CA 92027
Located in Escondido in North County is a hidden, or not so hidden jewel of an oasis of hiking trails that will appeal to all hiking skill levels. This was not the first time hiking Daley Ranch, but it was my first time to Stanley Peak. The beauty of hiking Daly Ranch is its well marked trails, a large Map board
Meet-up with the Eastridge trail as so as you enter the trail, make a right right and keep going until you hit the Sage trail, pass the water tower on your right and this this will take you all the way to Stanley peak.
The trail for the most part is hard packed sand and earth, however as you approach the strenuous climb to Stanley Peak the trail gets rockier and a bit more challenging. The unannounced summit to Stanley Peak offers great views and a hike journal. Take a break, drink water, enjoy a snack and take in your accomplishment of another Peak summited in our county.
The return trail is the same Sage loop which you ascended on and at one point makes its way wanders left and another loop back. We choose to go the longer route back and check out a different section of the trail. This portion of the Sage Loop offers different chaparral, plant life, a lake and diverse trail composition. Sage Loop will lead you to Jack Creek Meadow Loop, make a left here and you will be joined in with the main trail and your way back. Soon you will approach the Ranch House on your right, new restrooms on your left and the Asphalt road back to the trailhead start. The beauty of Daley Ranch is that their is hiking trail for everyone and most trails lead into another that will get you around the ranch. It is advised you download a map or print one out from the site I linked.
The Stanley Peak Hike is one of the more fun hikes Ive done in awhile and as my hiking partner said ” We need to make this one of our go to hikes!’, so true.
