The early 1900's barn, destroyed during the 2003 Cedar Fire,
was a reminder that Goodan Ranch was once a working ranch in the 1930's.

Sycamore Canyon Open Space Preserve and Goodan Ranch Re-Opens

The Goodan Ranch property was purchased in 1991 and is co-owned by the Cities of Santee and Poway, the California Department of Fish and Game, and the County of San Diego . Goodan Ranch was acquired primarily for habitat preservation and enhancement as well as for passive recreation and educational opportunities for the benefit of the public. It is maintained by the County of San Diego Department of Parks and Recreation.

The Sycamore Canyon Open Space Preserve along with Goodan Ranch, including early 1900's historical buildings utilized as a station for County Park Rangers, was completely burned during the October 2003 Cedar Fires. 

Four years after the 2003 Cedar Fire consumed Goodan Ranch and Sycamore Canyon, a ribbon cutting and grand opening ceremony was held for the new Goodan Ranch Center.

The one-story, 3,200 square foot building includes a community room, comfort station, kitchenette and exhibit area. It features green design principles that minimize impacts on the natural environment and promotes energy efficiency. Much of the building is made from recycled materials and has been designed to improve indoor air quality. The new center will provide a place of rest, education and gathering for trail users and nature enthusiasts.

The facility was recognized as an environmentally friendly building including a "Sustainable Community" plaque for its commitment to protecting and preserving natural resources.

The center highlights the joint partnership between the County of San Diego, cities of Poway and Santee, and the Department of Fish and Game, which have worked together to protect and restore this regional preserve and enhance its recreational opportunities.

In August 2004, 2100 acres and 9 miles of trails were reopened for public use due to the valiant efforts of the County of San Diego Parks and Recreation staff, the California Conservation Corps, National Emergency Grant crews and volunteers. County Supervisor Dianne Jacob and Santee Vice Mayor Brian Jones were on hand for the reopening ribbon cutting ceremony.

Though this open space preserve is adjacent to Santee , at the edge of Fanita Ranch, there are no public trails connecting Santee to Goodan Ranch. The County of San Diego , however, is working towards obtaining future access through property currently owned by the U. S. Government. The City of San Diego 's pending acquisition of property in the area known as East Elliot will eventually connect Mission Trails Regional Park to the Sycamore Canyon Open Space Preserve. Combined, the two parks will become one of the largest urban open space preserve areas in the United States .

The Sycamore Canyon Open Space Preserve and Goodan Ranch offers 20 miles of hiking, biking and horseback riding trails and can be reached via the staging area off Sycamore Canyon Road in Poway, seven days a week 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. or through the Highway 67 gate, Saturdays and Sundays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Please note : Off-road vehicle activity is prohibited in this open space preserve.

For additional information on Goodan Ranch go to www.sdcounty.ca.gov/parks/parklist.html or
www.goodanranch.org