The Top 15 Lakes around Escondido
Looking to visit the best lakes around Escondido? After all, there’s nothing better than the serenity of the lakeshore — or a quick dip when the weather’s warm. So, browse our list of Escondido’s top lakes below as recommended by the komoot community, and experience more on your next adventure!
Last updated: November 13, 2025
Hodges Dam
Highlight (Segment) • Monument
Lake Drive passes through the community of Del Dios and runs along Lake Hodges to the dam, offering scenic views of the lake and countryside. This road is also used …
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Daley Ranch Conservation Area
Highlight • Trail
Daley Ranch is a conservation area owned by the city of Escondido. It is 3,201-acres and has about 25 miles of trails.
It was originally the ranch of Robert Daley, …
It was originally the ranch of Robert Daley, …
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Lake Poway
Highlight • Lake
Lake Poway is a local reservoir that provides a serene spot for hiking, fishing and other outdoor activities. It serves as a water supply to the area and has a nice trail system surrounding it.
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San Dieguito Reservoir
Highlight • Lake
San Dieguito Reservoir is located in the middle of Rancho Santa Fe. Since it holds drinking water the entire lake is encircled by a fence. It receives its water from Lake Hodges.
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Lake Ramona
Highlight • Lake
Lake Ramona, located between Poway and Ramona, is a scenic reservoir formed in the 1980s to serve as a water source for local agriculture and emergency storage. It is a …
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David Kreitzer Lake Hodges Pedestrian Bridge
Highlight (Segment) • Bridge
The David Kreitzer Lake Hodges Pedestrian Bridge is the longest stress ribbon bridge in the world and runs over the San Dieguito River/Lake Hodges.
The bridge gates open at 6 a.m. and close at 9 p.m. daily.
The bridge gates open at 6 a.m. and close at 9 p.m. daily.
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Olivenhain Reservoir
Highlight • Lake
The Olivenhain Reservoir holds an emergency water supply for San Diego county. It holds up to 18,000 acre-feet of water and is a notable landmark as you hike through the Elfin Forest Reserve.
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Middle Pond
Highlight • Lake
The Middle Pond and East Ridge Loop is a moderately challenging 1.9-mile loop trail, offering diverse terrain and scenic vistas. Middle Pond itself is a serene attraction, reflecting the surrounding sky and providing a haven for wildlife.
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Mallard Lake
Highlight • Lake
Mallard, an easy out-and-back on Daley Ranch's southern perimeter, follows double track along a collecting pond. Enjoy vistas of Escondido when sage and shrubbery aren't overgrown in this, 3500-acre preserve—a great choice for a short, easy double track ride.
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Discovery Lake and Trails
Highlight • Lake
Discovery Trail circumnavigates Discovery Lake, there is also a small park and community center. Hikes can also start from here to go up to peaks like Double Peak. The park …
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Dixon Lake Park
Highlight • Lake
Whether you're seeking a day of outdoor recreation, a peaceful picnic under the trees, or a chance to cast a line and try your luck at fishing, Dixon Lake has something for everyone.
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Still not found your perfect lake around Escondido? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.
San DiegoCarlsbadCoronadoEncinitasPowaySan MarcosFairbanks RanchRancho Santa FeChula VistaNational CityHarmony GroveBonitaSpring ValleyLaguna MountainsCasa De Oro-Mount HelixElfin ForestLake San MarcosLa MesaDel DiosLa PresaOceansideVistaJamulRancho San DiegoLemon GroveSanteeEl CajonBostoniaCamp Pendleton SouthSolana BeachDel MarValley CenterHidden MeadowsImperial BeachWinter GardensEucalyptus HillsLakeside
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