A Docent walk at Blue Sky Ecological Reserve, Poway

 One of the best attractions in Poway is the Blue Sky Ecological Reserve.  This canyon offers four distinct habitat zones, hikes (with connections to Lake Poway and Lake Ramona), beautiful hill views and abundant plant life and birds.  

I took a docent-led hike with Carol, a volunteer with Friends of Blue Sky.  The hike focused on wildflowers.  Our group met at the benches in the parking lot.  She pointed out the many, mostly tiny wildflowers and interesting plants along the way.  The trail was abuzz with bees.  It was a perfect morning - cool, but sunny.  She told us about some of the medicinal uses of the native plants.  We walked for about two hours round-trip.  We moved slowly, because there was a lot to stop and discover.  Monkeyflowers, penstemon, chaparral peas, yucca and yarrow were just a few of the flowers we saw.

The main trail through the Reserve is very wide, mostly level and well shaded by live oaks.  There is a narrow shady riparian trail that parallels a seasonal creek.  

The parking lot is small.  There are many people who hike early in the morning, so at mid-morning, spots are sometimes free.  I couldn't find anything, so I drove toward the high school and turned right onto Lake Poway Road.  There is a long street with parking.  It is about a 10-minute walk back to the Reserve.

There are programs throughout the year at Blue Sky.  Having the help of a docent really enhanced my experience.  Thank Carol!