33.073847, -117.164058
Hike: 2 miles roundtrip Level: Easy
Dog-Friendly: Yes Kid-Friendly: Yes
From their website: "With all this mystery surrounding this area, it is also home to a beautiful non-denominational Christian retreat center called Questhaven. "Founded in 1940 by the Reverends Flower and Lawrence Newhouse, it encompasses 640 acres of pristine wilderness inviting the worship and experience of God in a peaceful nature setting. People come from all over the world to this retreat for quiet and renewal. When one goes out for thrills to touch the gate or explore the area at night, it only causes problems. Be respectful." (www.questhaven.org)
Questhaven, which is neighbors to the Elfin Forest and Harmony Grove, is filled with haunted rumors. Whether or not there is any truth to these rumors will remain a mystery. What is undeniable about this place is the spooky feeling that it gives you when you drive on the windy, woodsy road. Much of what used to be known as Questhaven is now known as the San Elijo Hills suburbs. Tons and tons of wooded acres were cut down to replace homes. Although this area is definitely scariest at night, I also recommend checking it out during the day too because the surrounding area is actually filled with interesting spots to explore.
Personal Experience: This area, along with the Elfin Forest and Harmony Grove, are the types of places that are brimming with many stories and mysteries that quite possibly will never be revealed to the public. It is only natural for us to respect that. When I was younger I used to pry so hard into these places. I would go in areas that I shouldn't have gone and could sense that I was upsetting something far more powerful than me. Through my exploration I found many interesting places and really felt that I was beginning to unearth some of the secrets that we aren't supposed to know. I will not be writing about those discoveries here and most likely never will.
It was one fateful night in 2007 that everything came crashing down on me. I learned a powerful lesson that curiosity with places like these can be extremely dangerous. Let's just say the night ended a bloody mess.
Part of what creeps me out in this area are the names. For a haunted area, the names are so peaceful (for the most part) and yet there are some very dark undertones. We have Questhaven, Spooks Canyon, Elfin Forest (El Fin is translated to "The End" in Spanish), Harmony Grove and you can take Avenida del Diablo (Avenue of the Devil) to get out here. Creepy!
Osider
Nice work Jessica, love the new pics and updates on Questhaven thx
March 11, 2016
Richie
Now I’m curious to know what secrets you began to uncover.
March 13, 2016
Anon
The suspense is killing me. I really want to know what happened to you that night. I’ve always been so interested in questhaven and the mysteries behind it. I’d love to hear your stories if your willing to tell
March 31, 2016
Khoa
Questhaven is my back yard practically, but I have never heard of any of the spooky things you alluded to.
July 15, 2016
Vista_4_Life
(Anon)Re: Hiddensd did an interview for palomar college radio, in the interview she explained what happen to her that night.
August 4, 2016
Inquisitive
(Vista_4_Life)Re: Do you have a link or audio recording? Or do you know the story? I’m curious.
September 20, 2016
SDBoi
Me and couple buddies went there the other night and as we were walking towards the trails near quest haven, there was a caravan of the 3 cars that would not stop following us for a good 45 mins….we decided to bail when we saw tow truck coming for our car.
January 22, 2017
FaZe Rug
Hello, Bryan here. This is the real faze rug. When me and molly came copule of ours ago we heard footsteps and crazy stuff, I recommend you do please dont go here, By the way This is not the real tunnel.
October 16, 2017
Anonymous
Is there a place to be able to park around there? Seems like we would have to park back near San Elijo and park in a neighborhood. Then, walk a little over a mile to get to the north trail head.
October 30, 2019
Anonymous
What’s the story?!
March 21, 2020