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HIT THE TRAIL Oak Oasis
By Karen Carlson
Not far from Ramona, on Wildcat Canyon Road, lays a pearl to the trail community. Oak Oasis Open Space is a place you'd miss, driving toward Lakeside, if you didn't know what it was. The entrance is well marked with its own turn lane, but the area is so beautiful you'd miss it looking at the scenery as you drive along.
On this trip, gal-pal Shawn and I invited two other gal-pals, Jo and Lynn. Cricket and Casey, our equine buddies, said their hellos to their new friend "Go" who is Jo's wonderful mount, biggest darn quarter horse I've ever seen - she should have named him "Tank" - and Lynn's adorable mount, Bailey, and we hit the trail.
Oak Oasis is a gift to the citizens of San Diego County from the Minshall family. In the 1940s Margaret Minshall, a teacher, began buying land in the area. She held summer riding camps for girls and led rides up into the Cuyamaca Mountains. In the late 1980s she donated the land to be used by the citizens of San Diego. This County land is more than 405 acres of woods, hills, riding and hiking trails and views. Horses and dogs (on leash) are okay, bikes are not allowed. There is a nice staging area, easy to navigate, but there are no amenities except trash and recycling containers. They are working on installing two nice porta potties for this summer. Make sure you bring water for you and your horse or dog, you'll need it.
Some of the trails are fairly steep and rather long, so breaks to catch our breath were required. The trails are well marked and clear with a few water crossings possible. The land can get quite muddy and marshy during and after a rain. There are wonderful view points at the top of these hills and you can see the San Vicente Reservoir and the surrounding valleys. It is simply gorgeous. There is wildlife and plant life (including cactus varieties) to enjoy as well. The blooms are numerous and breathtaking this time of year.
Oak Oasis is open on weekends 9 a.m. to dark. Group outings may be arranged by contacting the Park Office. Camping may be possible, too.
Oak Oasis Open Space Preserve, 12620 Wildcat Canyon Rd., Lakeside, CA 92040, 858-565-3600
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