Near Blue Sky Ecological Reserve
The Green Valley Truck Trail offers great views of Lake Ramona from the top of the earthen dam.
Near Blue Sky Ecological Reserve
View of Lake Ramona from the dam.
Near Blue Sky Ecological Reserve
Even in January, the Green Valley Truck Trail makes for a great hike with friends.
Near Blue Sky Ecological Reserve
The Green Valley Truck Trail approaches the bottom of the dam along boulder-strewn cliffs.

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Driving Directions
Hike Route

Blue Sky Ecological Reserve

4.3 (13 Ratings)
This trail begins in the shade near a riverbed. At the end, it climbs to Ramona Dam.
4.7
mi
Distance
1,024
ft
Gain
moderate
Difficulty
Dogs AllowedFamily FriendlyLakeViews

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
4.74mi
Distance
1,024ft
Elevation Gain
1,024ft
Elevation Loss
40%
Max Grade
1,380ft
High Point
642ft
Low Point
Path Type
There and Back
Description
The Green Valley Truck Trail to Lake Ramona is a great trail for beginning to intermediate hikers looking for an incline and beautiful views. You'll see two trailheads in the parking lot. The Toretto Outlook Trail and the Green Valley Truck Trail. The Toretto Outlook Trail connects to the Green Valley Truck Trail and also serves as a nice warm up. The trail begins with a nice hike through a shaded flat area for about a mile to a mile and a half where you have the option to head towards Lake Poway or Lake Ramona. You may find poison oak along this area so be sure to keep children and pets on the trail. This area is very well kept with portable restrooms and picnic benches throughout the trail. As you take the left turn to Lake Ramona, you begin an immediate incline towards the dam. You won't find trail markers after this but continue on the trail to your right. When I had a doubt I was able to use my phone to make sure I was on the correct path towards Lake Ramona-you should have cell service along this trail. Once you arrive at the sign indicating you've arrived at Lake Ramona, you'll begin the steep hike alongside the dam to the lake. You have the option to continue around the lake on the Green Valley Truck Trail for a longer hike if you are so inclined.Have some water and a snack and be sure to snap a photo of the views! On your way down be sure to look around for beautiful views of Lake Poway in the distance opposite of Lake Ramona.

Route Conditions

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Contributors
Jennifer in San Diego