Ramona Grasslands Preserve
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Ramona Grasslands Preserve

4.8
·301 reviews·Ramona, United States

Discover rolling green hills, friendly livestock, and abundant wildlife at Ramona Grasslands Preserve. Perfect for easy hikes and scenic photography.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Winter mornings

Cooler temps, lush scenery

CrowdLow
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Ramona Grasslands Preserve

Ramona Grasslands Preserve

Best Time

Winter mornings

Cooler temps, lush scenery

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover rolling green hills, friendly livestock, and abundant wildlife at Ramona Grasslands Preserve. Perfect for easy hikes and scenic photography.

4.8
(301 reviews)

"A great place to see more wildlife than you would think without getting more miles between you and everything else."

Vertical photo
TIP

Bring Water & Sun Protection

Stay hydrated and protected from the sun, especially during warmer months.

Leash Your Dogs!

Keep dogs on a leash to respect wildlife and other visitors.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Rolling Green Hills

Rolling Green Hills

Throughout the preserve

Experience the breathtaking beauty of expansive, verdant grasslands, especially stunning after winter rains.

Instagram
Roaming Livestock

Roaming Livestock

On the trails

Encounter friendly cows and horses grazing freely, adding a unique charm to your walk or hike.

Instagram
Abundant Wildlife Sightings

Abundant Wildlife Sightings

Various vantage points

Spot diverse wildlife like red-tailed hawks and coyotes in their natural habitat.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Green Season

Visit Ramona Grasslands Preserve after rainfall, typically December to February, for vibrant green hills and a full pond. This is when the landscape truly shines, offering a picturesque experience for hikers and photographers alike. Instagram

Respect Wildlife and Trails

While dogs are welcome, keep them leashed to avoid disturbing the roaming cows and other wildlife. Be mindful of horse droppings on shared trails. Adhering to leash laws ensures a pleasant experience for everyone. Reddit

Best Times

When
Winter mornings
Why
Cooler temps, lush scenery
Crowd
Low
When
After rainfall
Why
Vibrant green landscapes
Crowd
Medium
When
Late afternoon
Why
Golden hour for photos
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

took my fam to the #rodeo in ramona this weekend #barrelracing
@jodywat
9.6K likes • 66.9K views

Bring Water & Sun Protection

Stay hydrated and protected from the sun, especially during warmer months. Instagram

Leash Your Dogs!

Keep dogs on a leash to respect wildlife and other visitors. Reddit

This was my FAVORITE part of the Rodeo! #charro #ramonacalifornia
@rootandrefugehomestead
4.4K likes • 37.6K views
❤️🐮 📍Ramona Grasslands Preserve 🥾 3.3 Miles | 265 Elevation Gain | Difficulty: Easy #HikeLife #OptOutside #RamonaGrasslandsPreserve #RamonaGrasslands #HikingAdventures #ExploreCalifornia #HikeSouthernCalifornia #NatureLovers #CaliforniaTrails #Cows #FriendlyCows #OutdoorLife #CaliforniaHiking #AdventureAwaits #SoCalHiking #HikeLife #SanDiegoHikes #52HikeChallenge
jemsickle
0 likes • 543 views

Check for Seasonal Permits

Some areas may require a seasonal permit for access. Instagram

Easy Trails for All

Perfect for beginner hikers and families, with gentle inclines. Reddit

📍Ramona Grasslands Natural Preserve after a good rain!! This preserve features 3.5 miles of trails and there are heards of cows ranging the open grasslands. It’s best to go December-February, during the wet season, to catch the green rolling hills. There is no water at the trail but there is a port-a potty. There is camping nearby at 📍Dos picos park that makes for a great weekend #grasslands ...
sea_forest_adventures
107 likes • 2.9K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Bring Water & Sun Protection

Stay hydrated and protected from the sun, especially during warmer months. Instagram

Leash Your Dogs!

Keep dogs on a leash to respect wildlife and other visitors. Reddit

Check for Seasonal Permits

Some areas may require a seasonal permit for access. Instagram

Easy Trails for All

Perfect for beginner hikers and families, with gentle inclines. Reddit

Watch for Horse Droppings

Be aware of horse traffic and droppings on shared trails. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.8
(301 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise Ramona Grasslands Preserve for its beautiful, rolling hills, especially after rain, and the unique experience of seeing free-roaming cows and horses. It's considered a great spot for easy hikes, wildlife viewing, and photography, offering a peaceful escape. Some concerns were raised about off-leash dogs disrupting wildlife and other visitors.

"A couple fun, mellow loops available in the preserve. It's a great place to see more wildlife than you would think without getting more miles between you and everything else... Overall probably more of a walk than a hike but appreciate the beauty and animals sharing the space with you."

Nate Collins

"We have been to this preserve once before years ago. It offered several trails & a small hill that provided awesome view of the grassland. It is dog friendly and it is also a horse trail so need to watch out for horse poops. It is a nice, easy hike where cows are free to roam. We were towing our RV Trailer and it is good that they had parking along the side for vehicles towing a trailer. We went Sunday near noon and it wasn’t busy."

Catherine Hunt

"05/03/2025
Hello again. Park rangers and dog owners if you are seeing my review, there needs to be reinforcement on off leash dogs. I just encountered a couple here with two big dogs who were off leash running around 25-35 yard away from the trails, disrupting cows, hikers and bicyclist. This is irresponsible dog ownership.

09/14/2024
Updating with new photos. Sunsets after the heat wave.

04/04/2023
After all the rains the grasslands spring is here. Amazing scenes while hiking and the pond is filled up from the rains. Best kept in Ramona."

auomauom

What People Like

Beautiful green hills
Roaming cows and horses
Easy, scenic trails

What People Dislike

Off-leash dogs

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Ramona Grasslands Preserve is located in Ramona, California. While specific public transport options are limited, driving is the most common way to access it. Many visitors use GPS navigation to find the preserve. Parking is available along the side, suitable for vehicles towing trailers. Instagram

Yes, Ramona Grasslands Preserve is dog-friendly, but it's crucial to keep your dogs on a leash at all times to ensure the safety of wildlife and other visitors. InstagramReddit

The preserve offers several fun, mellow loops. Popular trails include a 3.3-mile option with 265 feet of elevation gain, and shorter loops of 0.8 miles and a connecting 0.2-mile baby trail. InstagramReddit

Yes, Ramona Grasslands Preserve is also a designated horse trail, so equestrians can enjoy riding here. Just be mindful of horse droppings on the trails. InstagramReddit

Yes, the preserve has parking available along the side that is suitable for vehicles towing trailers, making it convenient for those traveling with larger vehicles. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Information regarding entrance fees is not explicitly mentioned in the provided content. However, many natural preserves in California are free to enter, though seasonal permits might be required for certain access points. Instagram

Specific operating hours are not detailed, but it's generally advisable to visit during daylight hours for safety and the best experience. Social media posts suggest morning and late afternoon visits. Instagram

One Instagram Reel mentions that a seasonal permit is required for preserve access on the Old Survey Road 97 Trail. It's best to check local regulations or signage upon arrival. Instagram

Yes, there is a port-a-potty available at the trail, though no running water is provided. Instagram

While specific days are not highlighted, the preserve is open for visitors. One review mentioned it wasn't busy on a Sunday near noon, suggesting weekdays might be even less crowded. Reddit

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

Visitors have reported seeing a variety of wildlife, including cows, horses, red-tailed hawks, and coyotes. The preserve is a great spot for wildlife observation. InstagramReddit+1

Absolutely! The trails are described as easy and beginner-friendly, with gentle inclines, making them suitable for families with small children, even those carried in a front carrier. InstagramReddit

The preserve is most beautiful after a good rain, typically from December to February, when the grasslands are green and the pond is full. Instagram

Be mindful of the roaming cows and horses, and watch out for horse droppings on the trails. Also, be aware that the preserve is under the glide path for Ramona Airport, so you might see and hear aircraft. Reddit

It's recommended to bring water and sun protection, especially during warmer parts of the day. Comfortable walking shoes are also a must. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

The rolling green hills, especially after rain, offer stunning scenic views. The roaming livestock and diverse wildlife, like hawks and coyotes, also make for great photo opportunities. Sunsets can be particularly beautiful here. InstagramReddit+2

Yes, it's a fantastic spot for wildlife photography. Visitors have captured images of red-tailed hawks and coyotes. Using a telephoto lens can be beneficial for capturing distant wildlife. Instagram

The 'golden hour' during late afternoons can provide beautiful lighting for landscape and wildlife photography. Mornings are also great for cooler temperatures and softer light. InstagramReddit

No specific restrictions on photography have been mentioned. However, always be respectful of wildlife and other visitors, and adhere to any posted rules. Instagram

For general hiking and scenery, a smartphone or a standard camera is sufficient. For wildlife photography, a camera with a telephoto lens (like a 200-600mm) can be very useful for capturing distant animals. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Ramona Grasslands Preserve is an excellent choice for families looking for an easy outdoor adventure. The trails are generally flat and well-maintained, making them suitable for strollers and young children. The chance to see cows and horses up close is a huge hit with kids, and the open spaces provide room for them to explore safely. InstagramReddit

Remember to bring plenty of water and snacks, as amenities are limited. The preserve is also dog-friendly, so your furry family members can join in on the fun, provided they are kept on a leash. It's a great spot for a relaxed day out where kids can connect with nature and animals. InstagramReddit

🚶‍♀️ Beginner Hikers & Casual Walkers

If you're new to hiking or prefer a leisurely stroll, Ramona Grasslands Preserve is perfect. The trails are short, easy, and offer beautiful scenery without demanding strenuous effort. You can enjoy the expansive views, spot wildlife, and get some fresh air without feeling overwhelmed. Reddit

The preserve offers several loop options, including very short ones, allowing you to customize your walk. It’s an ideal location for a relaxed outing, a gentle introduction to hiking, or simply a pleasant walk in a scenic natural setting. Instagram

📸 Photographers

Photographers will find Ramona Grasslands Preserve to be a rewarding location, especially during the 'green season' after winter rains. The rolling hills bathed in soft light offer stunning landscape opportunities. The presence of roaming livestock and diverse wildlife, such as hawks and coyotes, provides excellent subjects for wildlife photography. Instagram+2

Consider visiting during the golden hours of sunrise or sunset for the most dramatic lighting. The open nature of the preserve means you can capture wide vistas. Remember to bring appropriate gear, potentially including a telephoto lens for wildlife shots, and always be respectful of the environment and its inhabitants. InstagramReddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring the Trails

Ramona Grasslands Preserve offers a network of trails suitable for various fitness levels. The preserve features several loops, with popular options including a 3.3-mile trail boasting 265 feet of elevation gain, and shorter, more accessible paths like an 0.8-mile loop and a 0.2-mile connecting trail. These trails are generally described as easy and beginner-friendly, making them ideal for a relaxed walk or a family outing. InstagramReddit

The terrain is mostly flat with gentle inclines, making it a good choice for those carrying young children or individuals with mobility concerns. The paths are primarily dirt, offering a natural walking surface. Remember to wear appropriate footwear, as some sections might be uneven. Reddit

While the trails are great for casual exploration, they also cater to specific activities. Equestrians can utilize designated horse trails, and dog owners can enjoy walks with their leashed companions. The variety ensures that most visitors can find a suitable route for their needs. InstagramReddit

Wildlife Encounters

One of the most captivating aspects of Ramona Grasslands Preserve is the opportunity to observe a variety of wildlife in their natural habitat. Visitors frequently report seeing herds of cows and horses grazing peacefully across the open grasslands, adding a unique pastoral charm to the landscape. InstagramReddit

Beyond the livestock, the preserve is also a haven for native fauna. Birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts can spot red-tailed hawks soaring overhead or hunting in the fields. Keep an eye out, and you might also encounter coyotes. The diverse ecosystem supports a surprising amount of animal activity, even in this relatively accessible area. InstagramReddit

To maximize your chances of wildlife sightings, consider visiting during the cooler parts of the day, such as early mornings or late afternoons. Being quiet and observant will also increase your chances of spotting animals without disturbing them. Remember to maintain a respectful distance and never feed the wildlife. Instagram

The Best Time to Visit for Scenery

For the most visually stunning experience at Ramona Grasslands Preserve, timing your visit after significant rainfall is key. Typically occurring between December and February, this 'wet season' transforms the landscape into a vibrant tapestry of green. The rolling hills become lush and verdant, and the preserve's pond, often dry, fills up, adding to the picturesque scenery. Instagram

This period offers a stark contrast to the drier months and is highly recommended for photographers and nature lovers seeking that quintessential California grassland aesthetic. The cooler temperatures also make for more comfortable hiking conditions. Instagram

While the green season is spectacular, the preserve offers beauty year-round. Even in drier months, the expansive views and the chance to see wildlife make it a worthwhile destination. However, if you're aiming for those iconic, rolling green hills, plan your visit for the winter months following good rains. Reddit

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