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

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Cooler temps, lush scenery

Ramona Grasslands Preserve
Best Time
Cooler temps, lush scenery

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover rolling green hills, friendly livestock, and abundant wildlife at Ramona Grasslands Preserve. Perfect for easy hikes and scenic photography.
"A great place to see more wildlife than you would think without getting more miles between you and everything else."

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.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Rolling Green Hills
Throughout the preserve
Experience the breathtaking beauty of expansive, verdant grasslands, especially stunning after winter rains.
Roaming Livestock
On the trails
Encounter friendly cows and horses grazing freely, adding a unique charm to your walk or hike.
Abundant Wildlife Sightings
Various vantage points
Spot diverse wildlife like red-tailed hawks and coyotes in their natural habitat.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Green Season
Respect Wildlife and Trails
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
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.
Check for Seasonal Permits
Some areas may require a seasonal permit for access.
Easy Trails for All
Perfect for beginner hikers and families, with gentle inclines.
Tips
from all over the internet
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.
Check for Seasonal Permits
Some areas may require a seasonal permit for access.
Easy Trails for All
Perfect for beginner hikers and families, with gentle inclines.
Watch for Horse Droppings
Be aware of horse traffic and droppings on shared trails.
What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
🎫 🎫 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.
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.
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.
Yes, there is a port-a-potty available at the trail, though no running water is provided.
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.
🎫 🏞️ 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.
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.
The preserve is most beautiful after a good rain, typically from December to February, when the grasslands are green and the pond is full.
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.
It's recommended to bring water and sun protection, especially during warmer parts of the day. Comfortable walking shoes are also a must.
📸 📸 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.
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.
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.
No specific restrictions on photography have been mentioned. However, always be respectful of wildlife and other visitors, and adhere to any posted rules.
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.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
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.
🚶♀️ Beginner Hikers & Casual Walkers
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.
📸 Photographers
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.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Trails
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.
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.
Wildlife Encounters
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.
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.
The Best Time to Visit for Scenery
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.
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.





Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit