Places to Go: The Mushroom Caves at San Elijo, Solana Beach, CA

During Spring Break we took a family hike around my old Encinitas/San Elijo stomping grounds -- a trail that closed for two decades and recently re-opened to the public...
IMG_3962
I hadn't been since I was... twelve? Thirteen? But as kids, we spent many days camped out in the caves, pretending we were lost boys and girls...  My brother even had his birthday party below the caves. Cake and ice cream and Happy Birthday to you, sung between exploring sessions.
IMG_2162 IMG_3966
It's off the beaten track a ways... just far enough if you're planning a trip with children, but worth it -- SO VERY worth it. Every inch of the trail is flanked with views of the lagoon and the creatures who dwell there...
IMG_3947
In the Spring the wild flowers are out in full force and the air smells like sage and everything is green... and yellow and purple...
IMG_3965 IMG_3964
IMG_3963 Bo serenades the lagoon
IMG_3948 IMG_4005
If you didn't know where to look, there's a good chance you'd shuffle right by... Please don't. Because, magic... 
IMG_3951 IMG_3955 IMG_3949 IMG_3960 IMG_3957 IMG_3954 IMG_3950
For more on The Mushroom Caves and hikes around San Elijo, go here and here. Keep in mind that ONLY RECENTLY have the caves been opened up to the public. The "no trespassing" signs are no longer. Still, one should enter (and explore) at his/her own risk...
IMG_4007
IMG_3961
Enjoy! 

0 comments: