14209 Hwy 76
Pala, CA 92059
ThomBros: 409-E6
Phone number: 760-742-1631
Directions: From Interstate 15 take Highway 76 east for 9.5 miles. Wilderness Gardens Preserve will be on the right hand side of the highway.
| Hours: | Days: |
| 8:00 am - 4:00 pm | Friday - Monday.
Closed Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday |
*Closed during August due to high temperatures
Location Map (find park name in the left column)
Weather
In the event of significant rain fall or an ongoing storm, Wilderness Gardens Preserve will not open due to swift water in the San Luis Rey River and inaccessible trails. For up to date information call the preserve office at (760) 742-1631.
Features:
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- Historic grist mill foundation
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Acquired in 1973, Wilderness Gardens Preserve is the oldest County Parks and Recreation open space preserve. Located in the picturesque San Luis Rey River watershed, the preserve offers over 4 miles of easy to moderate hiking trails and is known as a birdwatcher's paradise. The preserve staging area provides picnic tables, portable restrooms and quick access to the trail system. The main trail is the most popular trail and provides access into the preserve interior. The Alice Fries trail is a .5 mile single track trail that meanders near the San Luis Rey River. The Upper Meadow Trail provides a wonderful overview of the preserve and San Luis Rey River corridor.
Wilderness Gardens is also home to the historic Sickler’s Grist Mill site. Listed on the County Historic Resource Board’s list of historic places, the Sicker Grist Mill foundation is a remnant of North San Diego County’s rich agricultural history and testifies to the resilience of those who pioneered the valley. Additional historic accounts and photos of the mill are on display in the park ranger station.
Bring portable water, sturdy shoes and sunscreen as temperatures rise quickly. There is a drinking fountain available in the staging area.
Printable brochure
  
Click images to enlarge
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