Maura Fox: A quick journey through Southern California's Lakeside Linkage County Preserve

LAKESIDE, Calif. - I've driven past the Lakeside Linkage County Preserve what feels like hundreds of times.

Inconspicuously located on Los Coches Road in Lakeside, the preserve looks like an empty lot on first glance. And to be fair, even once I parked, I still wasn't sure it would amount to much. On a warm April afternoon, the grasses in the open space were dried and overgrown, and it seemed a bit desolate.

But like most things, you can't knock it 'til you try it.

And I'm glad I did. The 2-mile, out-and-back moderate hike ended up being a solid workout with views of East County and it was lined with fragrant coastal sage scrub vegetation. Hikers can add an extra element with a visit to the Whitaker House, a building within the preserve that's known for its unique stone facade and local history.

The hilltop home was built and owned by Lakeside residents Mildred and Hale Whitaker, and it has been owned by the county since 1992, following Mildred Whitaker's death. The couple hoped that the home and property would "never be broken or cut up, but ... be recognized as God's Hill," according to a placard at the house.

That's just one part of the hike. The trail's terrain, while often steep and slippery, also rewards hikers with a breezy ridge line, from which I could see El Cajon Mountain and the mountains of my hometown in Crest. The trail is located close by residential neighborhoods, but I'd still consider this a good option for a quick trip, especially if you're in the area.

I chose to bring a trekking pole, figuring I could use it as a way to gauge for any snakes near my boots in the overgrown grass along the trail. I didn't see any snakes, but I did end up using the walking stick as a support on the slick downhill sections.

To begin, park at the trailhead on Los Coches Road, just northwest of Ha Hana Road. Only street parking is available.

The trail heads east into the preserve, past an information kiosk, and soon travels uphill - first gradually then much steeper. There are a few switchbacks with sporadic wooden steps to help in your ascent.

Near the 0.3-mile mark, the trail flattens, giving hikers a chance to catch their breath. Despite its short length, I'd recommend bringing water and wearing sun protection on this hike, since the exposure to the sun makes it feel more difficult.

Hikers will follow the trail as it heads northeast. There are some confusing sections - such as at 0.4-miles, where the trail merges with mountain biking jumps - but for the most part, the trail presents itself clearly.

At 0.6-miles, the trail meets a steep private road that hikers will walk on briefly before veering back onto the trail, which is marked with wooden posts. The next section - where I caught a welcome breeze and was surrounded by chamise, buckwheat and California sagebrush - was the highlight of the hike.

Just before reaching one mile, the trail starts to descend northwest - a quick dip down before it climbs again to the top of another ridge. From here, hikers can go left for a nice view of Lakeside, or head right to head toward the Whitaker House. When you're ready, complete the return hike.

I enjoyed this route, but it was very warm and exposed to the sun, so I'd recommend it for an early morning or during sunset. Since it does travel near residential homes, be respectful of neighbors as you hike.

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This story was originally published April 23, 2026 at 2:43 AM.