Top 6 Things to do in Warner Springs, Warner Springs
1. HAWK WATCH WINERY
The winery, vineyard and tasting room is situated in the mountainous back country of northern San Diego county. Specializing in rich, opulent reds and fruit driven whites, they are committed to creating award winning wines of character, depth and complexity. Their tasting fee is a modest $12.00, and includes a large bell logo crystal wine glass with each paid tasting. Their picnic grounds offer breathtaking mountain views in every direction. They are pet friendly, but pets must remain outside and on a leash at all times. Pets are not permitted inside our tasting room.
2. SKY SAILING
Sky Sailing is a family owned and operated Sailplane flight school and sight seeing operation in business since 1959. Located in the mountains of North East San Diego County, we enjoy year round soaring with view from Sea to Salton Sea. They offer 20, 30, and 40 minutes rides for one or two passengers, aerobatic rides, motor glider rides and flight instruction in Sailplanes. Make a day of fun soaring in the mountains. When your flight is complete enjoy the new Shadow Mountain Winery or famous apple pie in near by Julian.
3. EMERALD CREEK WINERY
4. SHADOW MOUNTAIN VINEYARDS & WINERY
5. WARNER CARRILLO RANCH HOUSE
6. EAGLE ROCK
Looking for a new hiking trail, friends directed me to Eagle Rock Hike in Warner Springs, California. It is an outstanding trail. Be prepared for a trip of 78.3 miles if you take Interstate 1-215 S from Moreno Valley to Temecula and cut inland utilizing CA-79 S. Expect to spend 1¾ to 2 hours on the road to reach the trail head. When you arrive in Warner Springs, park on the side of the road opposite the Cal Fire Station, along the wide gravel shoulder. Cross the street to the right side of the fire station and follow the path to the gate. After entering the gate, be sure to close and secure the gate behind you to prevent livestock (cows) from getting out and onto the road. Turn left and follow the trail. The trail consists of 3 different eco systems. The first part of the trail follows a stream (Warning: do not drink from this stream as it is contaminated with fecal matter) and wanders through Oak trees and a grassy meadow. The trail has a gradual total ascent of 988 feet but is not difficult. As you wander around the stream you will see a plethora of animals (i.e., cows, horses, coyotes, jack rabbits, ground squirrels, lizards, tarantulas and even snakes). One Oak tree seems to be home to a large colony of bees. Use caution. Be advised that many of these animals are not house broken and tend to leave nice little packages of fecal matter on the trails. Watch your step. It a scenic area great for taking pictures. Eventually the Oak trees start to disappear, and you will be entering the dessert terrain. Sagebrush, cactus and sand prevails. No shade. Great area for watching birds soaring overhead. After a short distance you will note a large pile of rocks. Head for the rocks and you are at Eagle Rock. Eagle Rock is a huge boulder that has been transformed over the years to look like a giant Eagle with its wings outstretched. It looks real. At the base of the Eagle Rock, one will find a large open area. A perfect spot for relaxing and enjoying your lunch prior to making the return trip back to the starting point. Great spot for taking photos of the ‘Eagle’ and the surrounding scenery. The entire round-trip hike is approximately 6.5 miles and is rated easy to moderate and can be completed in 3 hours or less. Dogs are allowed on the trail, (please clean up their mess). Bikes are not permitted and there are no fees or permits required for this trail. Be sure to bring a supply of fresh water, snacks, a hat and sunscreen. You will be glad that you did, it gets a bit warm once the sun reaches its zenith. Also be aware that there are no facilities on this trail. As for most hiking trails, one will find graffiti on rocks, damage to plants / trees and the inevitable trash left by previous hikers. Empty plastic water bottles, beer cans and discarded food wrappers litter the trail and the base of the Eagle Rock. Please if you hike this great trail, take you trash home with you. This is a fantastic easy trail to hike and the reward at the end is well worth the travel time. Seeing this magnificent ‘Eagle’ with outstretched wings is unbelievable. If you are into hiking, you must complete this trail.
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