Dos Picos Haunted Trails Returns for Its 16th Year
A Ramona Halloween tradition brings spooky fun, family activities and plenty of surprises to Dos Picos County Park.
Halloween comes alive at Dos Picos County Park as the popular Dos Picos Haunted Trails returns for its 16th year, continuing a tradition that has become a favorite among Ramona families.
According to Lana Findlay, Marketing and Outreach Manager with the County of San Diego Department of Parks and Recreation, the event offers an evening of Halloween fun for all ages, with activities beginning at 4 p.m. and the Haunted Trail opening at 7 p.m.
Before the scares begin, families can enjoy a variety of activities in the park’s Kids Zone. Beginning at 4 p.m., visitors can take a turn on the moon bounce, participate in arts and crafts, explore a nature discovery table and enjoy a Hawk Talk. Families can also settle in for a showing of the classic Halloween movie Casper (1995). At 7 p.m., the main attraction opens: a spooky half-mile walking trail winding through the forested landscape of Dos Picos County Park.
The Haunted Trail is designed to provide creepy fun for families, with costumed characters, themed surprises and spooky scenes around every bend. While the trail is intended for guests of all ages, visitors are warned that it may not be the best choice for those who are easily startled. This year, organizers are expecting approximately 25 scare actors based on current RSVPs. The number can vary, however, and previous years have seen anywhere from about 15 to as many as 50 actors.
The entire Haunted Trail is brought to life by County Parks and Recreation staff and volunteers. Volunteers help transform the park into a Halloween experience before guests arrive and take on a variety of roles, including scare actors, trail monitors and “Spirit Guides,” who safely lead groups through the trail and help keep everyone moving through the experience. For those interested in becoming a scare actor or volunteering at the event, applications are available through the County Parks and Recreation volunteer program. Last-minute volunteers are also welcome to check in at the park, where volunteer waivers will be available.
Throughout the park, guests can expect plenty of Halloween decorations, including yard-style displays, animatronics, themed props and, of course, the costumed scare cast. For younger children who may not be ready for the Haunted Trail, there isn't a separate less-scary version of the trail. However, the Kids Zone provides a family-friendly alternative with the afternoon activities and Halloween movie.
Admission to Haunted Trails is free, although parking at Dos Picos County Park is $5 per vehicle.
Now in its 16th year, Dos Picos Haunted Trails has become an annual Ramona tradition. Findlay said it is the staff, volunteers and community that make the event special year after year.
With family activities beginning in the afternoon and the Haunted Trail taking over the park after dark, Dos Picos offers a Halloween experience that has something for everyone—from younger visitors looking for crafts and a movie to brave guests ready to see what is hiding around the next bend.
For more information or to volunteer, visit the County of San Diego Parks and Recreation website.
