ESCONDIDO, CA (December 1, 2025) – Hikers, cyclists, equestrians, and other visitors should expect that certain trails within Keithley Preserve will be temporarily closed between December 16, 2025, through mid-January 2026. The closures are necessary to ensure public safety during essential tree removal and related maintenance. Visitors should also expect intermittent noise and debris in the area while this work is underway.
 

“As a nationally accredited land trust, the Conservancy is responsible for stewarding each of our properties in perpetuity," said Ann Van Leer, Executive Director. “Keithley Preserve is currently our only property that is open for general recreation access so we greatly appreciate the public’s support and patience while we prioritize safety for all users and wildlife.”

 

The Keithley Preserve, located in Elfin Forest, spans more than 1,000 acres and is owned and managed by the Escondido Creek Conservancy. It includes a nearly 2-mile stretch of Escondido Creek and borders the 800-acre Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve as well as other protected lands. As the Conservancy’s largest preserve, it is normally open to the public during daylight hours. The Conservancy will announce when the trails reopen once the work is finished.

 

For questions on this and other projects, please contact the Conservancy at (760) 471-9354 or information@escondidocreek.org.

 

Established in 1991, the mission of the Escondido Creek Conservancy is to preserve and restore the Escondido Creek watershed. Flowing from the mountains above Lake Wolford in Escondido to the San Elijo Lagoon and shores of Encinitas and Solana Beach, the Escondido Creek watershed encompasses over 75 square miles of land in North San Diego County. The Conservancy’s vision is to serve as a model of vibrant urban communities and viable natural ecosystems thriving together. For more information, visit escondidocreek.org.