Blue Sky Reserve to Ramona Dam

DISTANCE: 4.8 MILES
TIME: 2 HOURS
DIFFICULTY: MODERATE

The Blue Sky Ecological Reserve is a peaceful piece of nature located in northeastern Poway. Though there are several trails that can be followed, the trail described in this post culminates with a view from the dam of Lake Ramona. Lake Ramona is not a public lake and appears to be used only for reservior purposes.

The hike begins at a newly developed parking area off of Espola Road near Lake Poway. Look for the sign that marks the official entrance to the preserve. New public transportation terminals have also been added to this parking area. To the south of the parking lot begins the main trail, a wide dirt service road that can be somewhat muddy after rains. The road is also often used by local equestrians so beware of road apples.

At the entrance is a kiosk describing the wildlife to be found in the preserve, as well as a prominent sign to beware of mountian lions. As far as I know, there have not been any attacks in this area, but that doesn't mean there aren't any there. See the paw print on the left I discovered on this hike which resembles a cougar track.

The hike can be broken into two parts: the "easy" part and the "hard" part. The easy part is the first mile through an oak woodland along a flat segment of the trail. The trail follows along a mostly dry and stagnant stream which is claimed to be the "lifeblood" of the canyon. Poison Oak (spotty red and green leaves of three) is abundant here, so stay on the trail. Just after a turnoff to the right leading to the Lake Poway dam, there is an "outdoor classroom," which consists of a few picnic tables in an open area shaded by a large oak tree. This is a good turnaround point if you are not in decent shape. Just past this classroom is another junction with a sign leading up to the Lake Ramona dam.

If you choose to continue, at this point you leave the shady oak trail and now begin a gradual winding uphill climb with little shade. A sign warns to be prepared with water, but really it's not that bad, but it is uphill for the remainder of the climb to the dam. As you approach the dam, the road becomes paved and diagonally follows along the rocks of the dam until you reach the top. One challenge I always have with my siblings is to climb the dam without letting our heels touch the ground - a real workout for your calves.

The dam road follows across the length of the dam. At the time of this post, the dam water level was very low. Signs warn to keep off the dam rocks. What did the fish say when he swam into the wall? Dam. Okay enough of that. The view is only good to the west, where you will be able to see over most of Poway and Rancho Bernardo.