San Dieguito River Park & Lake Hodges
Lake Hodges, located within the San Dieguito River Park, is a picturesque area that is arrayed linearly along an east-west axis, with many of the trails found along the north shore of the lake. Longer rides will, by necessity, be some form of out-and-back requiring significant stretches of fire road and even a bit of pavement. The area lends itself to routes perfect for beginners/families and also to those looking to put in lots of dirt miles. The area is very popular for gravel riders as well as mountain bikers and many other trail users.
For shorter loop rides, head to the lake's southeast corner, where a good concentration of flowy singletrack lies. For the (very) advanced rider, there is the difficult climb up Bernardo Mountain Trail, whose summit views are worth the extended hike-a-bike that mortal riders will endure. Don't overlook the area's eastern margin, where East Raptor Ridge and West Raptor Ridge are found heading east into San Pasqual Valley. Both are full of flowy goodness and shouldn't be missed. The main routes from San Pasqual Valley in the east, along the north shore of the lake and then on into Del Dios Gorge follow the Coast to Crest Trail.
The endurance-inclined can connect Lake Hodges to Black Mountain and then Los Penasquitos, making an epic day out.
The 15 freeway provides easy access to the trails, and there are plenty of trailheads and routes to choose from. Expect to share the trails with horses and many hikers, especially on weekends. A bell is helpful here.
These trails are also the site of the Quick N Dirty Summer Race Series and many other events. Always expect other trail users. Bring a bell and say "HI" to your fellow trail riders.
TRAIL TIPS
- Primary Trail Type: Cross-Country
- E-Bikes Allowed: YES, Class 1 and 2 only
- Suggested Route: South and North Lake Hodges - 14.5 miles, 950 feet elevation gain
- Suggested Route: A Raptor Ridge Route - 12.7 miles, 1197 feet elevation gain
- Land Status: City Managed
- Land Manager: San Dieguito River Park
- Interactive Trail Map
- SDRP Webpage
- SDRP Coast to Crest Trail Map
