Sycamore/Goodan Ranch Reroutes
Sycamore Canyon/Goodan Ranch County Preserve, managed by the County of San Diego, consists of 2,272 acres of coastal sage scrub and chaparral-covered hills, including the 325-acre Goodan Ranch, a mix of grassland, riparian, coastal sage, oak woodland and mixed chaparral. Other features include an outdoor amphitheater, and a horse trough and hitching post. More than 10 miles of trails lead to grand vistas, abundant wildlife and interesting reminders of the history of human use of the area.
The preserve includes the Goodan Ranch Center, which was built next to the original ranch house that was burned during the 2003 Cedar Fire. A LEED-certified project, the center houses a multi-purpose demonstration room, exhibit room, and support spaces that run with low site impact and high energy efficiency.
Features:
- 11 miles of non-motorized multi-use trails (Class 1 and 2 ebikes permitted)
- Visitor Center
- Viewpoints
- Staging area
- Picnic tables/rest areas
- Restroom
SDMBA has been involved in trail advocacy for the Sycamore Canyon/Goodan Ranch for many years. SDMBA has held many trail work days in the area particularly on the Martha's Grove Trail which improved the sustainability of this technical trail including erosion control measures, rock armoring and more.
This large open space area has always had the potential for increased recreational trail access while still fulfilling the conservation efforts required of the management plan. The goal of improving trail access, including new trails, the sanctioning of legacy trails and more was all part of the Public Access Plan process.
2018: Public Workshops were held by the County of San Diego for the Sycamore Canyon Goodan Ranch Public Access Plan. Many engaged trail users, including mountain bikers, showed up to give public comments at these meetings.
2019: Regular meetings were held to get updates from the County on the seemingly slow progress of the Public Access Plan. SDMBA installed a bike tool station near the Ranch House area.
2020-2021: Covid slowed everything down even further.
2022: SDMBA resumed regular communications with the County again, asking for updates on the Public Access Plan. SDMBA pressed for updates and a timeline on the project.
2023: Continue public outreach and comment periods for which SDMBA submitted formal comments and encouraged members and the public to provide input.
2025: In February, the Sycamore Canyon/Goodan Ranch Resource Management Plan Update, environmental document, and other associated documents were finalized and are available on the County of San Diego Department of Parks and Recreation’s website. The documents may be reviewed HERE. In the spring of 2025, the first phase will include revegetation of southern trails along with minor trail improvements/reroutes to accommodate the habitat restoration activities. Subsequent phases of the Final Public Access Plan (PAP), including opening of trails considered in the environmental review, will be implemented as funding and resources are available. SDMBA is engaged with the county on opportunities to assist with implementation and funding.
Final Trail Map (original document available on county website)
