Can you reserve a site at Red-tailed Roost Trailhead?

No. Red-tailed Roost Trailhead is not reservable through Recreation.gov, so sites are first-come, first-served or booked elsewhere.

Red-tailed Roost Trailhead, California — sites, fees and cancellation alerts

Red-tailed Roost Trailhead

Facility · California ·

Managed by the USDA Forest Service

Cleveland National Forest (NF) · Open Access

5,955 ft

Elevation

Red-Tailed Roost Trailhead

Distance

3.4 miles

Pets Allowed

Yes

Fees

None

Hike/Ride Time

Half day

Difficulty

Moderate

Best Seasons

Fall, Spring, Winter

Location

Near mile marker 22.5 on Sunrise Hwy. See Map

Ranger District

Descanso Ranger District - (619) 445-6235

A lovely area in the Laguna Mountains surrounded by black oaks and confier, the Red Tail Roost connects not only to the Big Laguna Trail System via Escondido Ravine Rd, but also to a number of spur trails, easily recognizable through posted signage. Great area for picnicking or short family hikes. Connects to the Red-tailed Roost loop spur, consisting of 3.4 miles with moderate incline and downhill sections. Add .6 miles if connecting to the Big Laguna from Escondido Spur trail. Hiking the entirety of Big Laguna will add an additonal 10 miles from this point.

For overnight camping enthusiasts, Burnt Rancheria Campground is a mere mile away and Wooded Hill Campground is a short half mile stroll.

For a list of more trails to explore in your area, please see our Recreation Trail Guide

Getting there

32.85730, -116.42323 · 32°51'26.3"N 116°25'23.6"W

Directions (Google Maps) · Directions (Apple Maps)

Typical weather

Typically 83°F in Jul, down to 50°F in Feb.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
High °F	50	50	54	61	68	78	83	82	76	67	57	51
Low °F	33	34	36	40	46	53	60	58	54	45	38	34
Precip in	2.7	4.8	2.6	0.9	0.4	0.1	0.8	0.5	0.5	0.7	1.4	2.3

1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 0.7 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.

Map

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Common questions about Red-tailed Roost Trailhead

Can you reserve a site at Red-tailed Roost Trailhead?: No. Red-tailed Roost Trailhead is not reservable through Recreation.gov, so sites are first-come, first-served or booked elsewhere.

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Info Recreation.gov

Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-02-25.

Facility information and photographs from Recreation.gov (RIDB). SpotOpened is not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.