Rocky trail. Summit has a nice view. Wear good shoes and watch your step when the climbing starts. Might not be suitable for the out of shape or younger children. The other trails around the lake are nice and flat for a stroll however.

A moderate hike with panoramic views, would definitely recommend to friends and family.

Really enjoyed this Target of Opportunity hike. Did not set out to hike it as I was not aware of it, but when hiking, and I see a sign to a peak or mountain top...I am all in! (Bar rescue..had to have seen episode)Will hike this again...view amazing!

Really Nice Hike. Good Distance, Great Path, Decent Views.

2 miles up from where we started awesome views of Rancho Bernardo.

In hot weather, the climb is moderately difficult due to lack of shade for most of the trail. I would recommend that people carry water with them. The trail is well maintained and less crowded.

A wonderful hike during the early spring. I hike this mid day, so I would warn people to either go early morning or late afternoon. There is not a lot of canopy overhead. Some really beautiful flowers and things to look at along the hike though. I would definitely recommend this hike.

Its about a 5 mile round trip but well worth it for the spectacular views of Lake Hodges and the surrounding areas. If the air is clear, you can also see the ocean. Flowers in the spring. No shade anywhere so in the summer plan accordingly.

Great hike with beautiful 360° views from the top.

Small but challenging hike. Views at the top are amazing

Convenient hike, pretty easy to follow trail all the way to the top.

Steep hike but we completed it in just over 2 hours. Found a short cut back to our car that want on Google maps but was on Pokemon Go!

Great hike. Not many people on it compared to the main Lake Hodges perimeter trail. Hiking in from the Bernardo parking lot to the top and back will take 2-3 hours at a good pace. Some steeper spots but very few places where you will need to walk down semi-sideways for more traction. Great views at the top and one of my favorite local hikes!

Great low traffic path.

Great hike, lots of cyclists, some of whom have bells. Very dusty and hot in the summer but definitely worth the effort. Take water.

Totally Awesome Hike.This is another treasure located near North County Mall in Escondido CA. I have always enjoyed Mountain Biking Lake Hodges area. This year the Lord has me doing Hikes and has shared with me a new five Mile loop for my cardio days. Yesterday he had me add a new leg to my hike. Hence.. the Bernardo Summit trail. This was not in my plans.. I now know why he said to bring a flashlight.Heres the summary. I leave from the North County Mall trailhead which is located behind the Chevron gas station down from Hodges Golf driving range. You can access the Bernardo Summit trail from the main trail after crossing Felicta Creek, or off the main trail after going under the bridge, at the section of the trail as it makes a hard left, instead go straight directly up a hill to reach the upper trail .It is about 8 miles round-trip. Highly suggest bringing water and a Flashlight. It was aMost Excellent Adventure. I will be trekking this trail regularly for sure. Enjoy.

Good for hiking, not much people around

Rugged trail with a number of steep and slick sections, making for a great adventure with one of the best views of Lake Hodges, Escondido, San Pasqual Valley, etc.

Less traveled trail with exceptional views of the lakes

Nice 3 mile hike to the top from the parking lot across the lake. Not much shade along the way, so go early in the morning when its not too hot.

Good enough for a quick workout on bike or on foot. Good expanded view

Great hike to beautiful views. Took us about 3 hours round trip at a comfortable pace, with a few breaks.

Beautiful and breathtaking.The hike has medium difficulty level and welcomes mountain bikers. During spring, you have the wild flower corridors and the shimmering sight of the lake Hodges. Carry water bottles and the enthusiasm to spot some snakes and beautiful tiny birds. The peak oversees the majestic lake and the freeway by giving you the glimpse of Pacific ocean and by constantly challenging the black mountain peak...

Great climb to run up

Good amount of difficulty

Great hike for a weekend morning. Simple enough to do in 90 minutes at a good pace(from base of mountain, another 30 minutes probably from the Lake Hodges Trail Head). Offers great views of Escondido and Rancho Bernardo/Poway. On clear days you have a view of the ocean.

Once you get away from the hum of Interstate 15 its a nice hike.

Great trail for a good steep climb up and a fun ride down hill the very rocky single track.

Great hike!

Hot, too many people, nothing particularly pretty about it.

Great little hike whether you approach from La Calma, or even across the lake from the parking lot at Bernardo. Climb has a mix of flatter sections and shorter, sharp climbs, some even a bit slippery or rocky. Mountain bikeable but you’ll be pushing up some sections unless you’re a rock star. Mostly eastern and northern views until you get the full 360 from the top, of lake, freeway, town and hills towards the ocean. Take water, you won’t regret it. Pause at the stream crossing to soak up the silence, or even have a picnic.

Nice hike with excellent views from the top.

First part near highway so loud but top of climb was beautiful!! Very hot with no shade so dont go midday like we did!

Many good walks here. Loved the hike to the top of Bernardo Mountain.

Great trail, excellent views, got a little lost from the area I parked but that one was my fault!

This hike started on the RB side of Lake Hodeges and went up to Ranch Bernardo Summit and back. It was a good challenge, a nice breeze was blowing, the Lake was beautiful. I really enjoyed it.

Its a tough climb, but its worth it! Come on up!

Nice view at the top. Good workout hike in the city. Multiple starting points to choose from, depending on how much you feel like doing.

Great hike with a nice incline and beautiful views. I like this trail cause its never too crowded and always feels rewarding one you reach the top. You can see all of Lake Hodges, Escondido, San Marcos, and Rancho Bernardo from the top. If I want a longer hike I start near the 15 freeway underpass (off Via Rancho near North County Self Storage) which makes the round trip about 7.5 miles, otherwise there is a trail access point in the residential area off La Calma which brings the mileage closer to 4 miles round trip. Go out and see for yourself!

Well kept trail and well marked! It is a Good climb and workout, with beautiful views of Lake Hodges and the surrounding area at the top! Lots of mountain bikers use this trail and the trails in area.

This is my goto hike. Takes about 2.5 hours up and back depending on where you start. Not a high traffic trail which is nice. Pretty decent view from the top as well.

Nove hiking trail

Tough climb, great view, fun downhill

Great hike, roughly 7 miles round trip from RB Community Park.

Moderate hike! Beautiful views, loved it

Fun hike, with pretty views

One of our favorite high speed on the area. More strenuous than it looks.

Tough but worthwhile day hike

Great hike and great view once in the summit.

Super awesome out-and-back trail with incredible views at the top and a gnar-fest ride back down. Wear a helmet kids!

Always a lovely hike. On a clear day you can see the ocean from the top.

Nice clime bliss descend

Hike this almost every day

Mountain biking up and down that trail is awesome

Decent view

This is the only local hike where you can find yourself on the summit alone.

Tough climb, but worth it for the views

My favorite mountain

Awesome view