Morning at Oak Oasis

Overlook

Last weekend, we set out for a quiet morning hike on the Oak Oasis Open Space Preserve Trail near San Diego, California. The air was crisp and cool, and a blanket of clouds hung low over the hills. The muted light gave the landscape a soft, peaceful glow — perfect for a leisurely autumn walk.

Trail View

A Gentle Start

Trail View

The trail, an easy 2.7 miles, began with a gradual descent through open grasslands and scattered oaks.

San Diego wirelettuce

The chill in the air made the pace comfortable, and the silence of the early morning was broken only by the sound of our footsteps and the distant calls of birds.

Trail View

The Charm of the Preserve

California Buckwheat

Oak Oasis is a hidden gem. Its name fits perfectly — a calm refuge of oak woodlands and coastal sage scrub tucked between the busier parts of East County. As we walked, the stillness of the preserve felt like a pause from the rest of the world, offering space to slow down and take in the details.

Trail View

Birdsong Along the Trail

Hutton's Vireo

Not far into our hike, the first bursts of movement caught our eyes — a pair of Hutton's Vireos flitting among the branches, their tiny bodies darting from twig to twig. Their quick energy added a lively rhythm to the quiet morning.

Overlook

A Hint of Color

Yellow-rumped Warbler

As the trail curved around a grove of oaks, we spotted a few Yellow-rumped Warblers moving through the trees. Their subtle flashes of yellow stood out against the gray sky, adding color to an otherwise subdued landscape.

Overlook

Moments of Stillness

Black Phoebe

Farther along, we paused near a small clearing where a Black Phoebe perched on a branch. It watched the air intently, darting out occasionally to catch invisible insects before returning to its bush. Its precision and patience were fascinating to watch.

Overlook

A Surprise in the Brush

Fox Sparrow

Near the trail’s midpoint, a couple of Fox Sparrows rustled through the leaf litter, scratching the ground in search of food.

Fiddler crab

They were larger and more richly colored than most sparrows we usually see, their deep reddish hues glowing faintly in the soft light.

Trail View

The Hummingbirds’ Visit

Anna’s Hummingbird

As we neared the end of the loop, a few Anna’s Hummingbirds appeared, flashing their bright pink gorgets whenever the sun broke through the clouds. Their sharp zips and cheerful energy felt like a joyful sendoff before we reached the trailhead.

Trail View

Reflections on a Cloudy Morning

Overlook

The hike may have been short, but it carried a calm satisfaction. The cool air, the steady rhythm of the trail, and the quiet company of the birds made for a perfect October morning.

Trail View

Oak Oasis reminded us once again how even the simplest trails can hold a world of small wonders.

Mission manzanita