About Blue Sky
Overview
History
Hikes
Additional Info
Overview
Blue Sky Ecological Reserve (BSER) is one of 119 ecological reserves of the California Department of Fish and Game. The primary purpose of the Reserve is habitat conservation.
Park Visits
Most such reserves are unstaffed and not open to the public. However, BSER is one of the jewels of the reserve system. It is open to the public (hikers only, no bicyclists), has a full-time naturalist on duty (the only staffed state reserve in San Diego County). The City of Poway staff coordinates with more than 40 docents who offer a variety of programs to the public, including elementary school field trips, guided hikes, campfire programs, and special topic hikes such as Owl Prowls.
Approximately 40,000 people visit the reserve each year, with an average of about 100 per day. Most of these visitors are school groups, and individuals exercising in the early morning and late afternoon.
The Reserve was dedicated on October 7, 1989, with the purchase of the 410 acre Blue Sky Ranch. The Reserve has continued to grow, and as of the year 2000 it contains 700 acres. The Reserve is bordered by permanent open space except for the urban area to the west. Lake Poway is to the south, Mt. Woodson open-space area is to the east, and Lake Ramona is to the north.
BSER is managed by the California Department of Fish and Game (DFG) and the City of Poway, and is supported by the nonprofit Friends of Blue Sky Canyon and the Blue Sky Community Foundation.
About Blue Sky
Foundation
Events
Contact Us
Major Attractions
- The streambed, with its lush riparian woodland and surrounding chaparral
- Easy access provided by the trailhead along a major thoroughfare in Poway
- Easy hiking along a wide dirt road through the canyon bottom, with only a 40' elevation change over 1.1 miles
- A variety of challenging hikes that connect to the main BESR road, all leading to a reservoir with sparkling clear water
Discovery Tables and Docent Hikes
Free wildlife/plant walks take place on Saturdays and Sundays at variable times. Walks are slow-paced and geared for the whole family.
"Discovery Tables" are conducted the first and third Saturday of each month from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. "Discovery Tables" are set up a hundred yards from the trail's entrance, containing such items as skins, skulls, and tracks. Staff and docents are available to answer questions. Typically, as many as 50 people visit the table within a two hour timeframe.
Geography
The Reserve is bordered by permanent open space except for the urban area to the west. Lake Poway borders the Reserve to the south, the Mt. Woodson open-space area to the east, and Lake Ramona to the north.
Location
Blue Sky Reserve is located half a mile north of Lake Poway Road on Espola Road. From I-15, exit Rancho Bernardo Road and proceed east. Rancho Bernardo Road becomes Espola Road in Poway. Continue Head east on Espola Road, which will curve to the right just past Old Coach Road. The Blue Sky Ecological Reserve parking area is on the northeast (left) side of Espola Road just beyond the curve. (If you reach Lake Poway Road you have missed the reserve.) Click here for an aerial photo view of the area. Click here for a topographical map of the area. Information: 858-668-4781.
Terraserver Aerial Photo
In the aerial photo, Lake Ramona (mostly dry) is just to the upper right of center, Lake Poway is at bottom middle, and the curve in Espola is at center left. Blue Sky goes from just below the curve to just below Lake Ramona, and is largely contained between the two Lakes.