Take a hike into the wilds of Pala

The Wilderness Gardens Preserve in Pala unfurls ruggedly on a piece of northern San Diego County terrain.

A bounty of whitish-gray and dark brown skeletal-like trees breaks for the sky. Dots of pastel yellow flowers sun-kiss the buff rocky ground.

It has 4 miles of hiking trails, picnic tables, historical and cultural sites and an interpretive center.

According to the county Web site (www.sdparks.org), the most popular trail is the half-mile Alice Fries trail that meanders near the San Luis Rey River. It provides access into the preserve’s interior.

The Upper Meadow Trail provides an overview...