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Wilderness Gardens County Preserve

Part of Parks in San Diego, our guide to county, city and state parks and preserves across San Diego.

Wilderness Gardens County Preserve, 14209 Hwy 76, Pala, is the county’s oldest open space preserve, 737 acres acquired in 1973. It has more than 4 miles of trails and a visitor center. Open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Thursday to Tuesday; closed Wednesdays. Parking is $5.Checked October 23, 2026.

737acres
4+miles of trails
Closed Wedopen Thu to Tue
$5parking
Who it suitsBirders, hikers, riders
Address14209 Hwy 76, Pala, CA 92059
Hours8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Thursday to Tuesday; closed Wednesdays. Pedestrian access sunrise to sunset daily.
Parking$5. Parking in the driveway outside the gate is prohibited.
Phone(760) 742-1631
Official pageOfficial page

What You Will Find

Acquired in 1973, it is described as the oldest Parks and Recreation open space preserve in San Diego County. It has birdwatching, the Sickler’s Grist Mill foundation and a visitor center.

Wilderness Gardens County Preserve Open the map. © OpenStreetMap contributors.

What We Could Not Verify

  • Visitor center hours are not confirmed. The preserve office, (760) 742-1631, can confirm.

More in Parks in San Diego

FAQ

Which day is it closed?

Wednesdays, per the county page.

Sources

  1. County Parks: Wilderness Gardens

Checked October 23, 2026 by It’s San Diego. Cite this page: It’s San Diego (itssandiego.com), checked October 23, 2026. Free to quote with a link to this page; tables are licensed CC BY 4.0.