35 miles east on San Diego, the Cuyamaca Rancho trails are not especially technical (both full-suspension and hardtail bikes thrive here), but are best suited to riders of intermediate ability (due to the amount of climbing). There are dozens of trails to choose from in this area (this track maps out one possible route), allowing for multiple ride options. Cuyamaca Rancho State Park partially burned in 2003; the trails have been restored but the semi-charred landscape is an erie reminder of the wildfire threat in this region. The trails are in their best condition in the spring and fall when there’s been some rain. After a hard day's ride, roadies and mountain bikers alike head to Mañanas Mexican Food in Alpine (1730 Alpine Blvd.).
-Mapped by Angela Wimberly
TO TRAILHEAD: Take I-8 east to CA-79 north. Continue 6.8 miles to trailhead.
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Datum: |
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San Diego, CA: Cuyamaca Rancho State Park
| Dist: 24.82 mi |
Points: 1795 |
Calories: none |
| Time: none |
Speed: 0.0 mph |
Pace: 0:00 / mi |
Fast Singletrack
Location: 32.953584°, -116.542711°
© Angela Wimberly
Parking Area 1
Location: 32.889246°, -116.575713°
The first parking area is a small dirt lot just past Thousand Trails on the east side of the road. The singletrack is a short ways north of here.
Parking Area 2
Location: 32.895516°, -116.578782°
Parking is also available at the paved pull-off on the east side of the road by Oakzanita Peak. From here the trail is easy to see. © Angela Wimberly
Early Rollers
Location: 32.904740°, -116.579018°
The first section of trail has a lot of rollers. © Angela Wimberly
Parking Area 3
Location: 32.909622°, -116.574383°
For a shorter round-trip, continue north on CA-79 to this paved pull-off (popular for horseback riders).
Park headquarters
Location: 32.928553°, -116.558912°
Water and bathrooms are available at the park headquarters, just east of CA-79.
Steady Climb
Location: 32.986852°, -116.533485°
The climbing is pretty sustained on the ride north, but as soon as you round the bend to head south, you'll get some descent. © Angela Wimberly
Taking a Break
Location: 32.986420°, -116.549835°
Shade is at a premium in some part of this loop. © Angela Wimberly
Around Stonewall Peak
Location: 32.967411°, -116.577387°
Tracing the base of Stonewall Peak, the trail sometimes feels steeper than it looks. © Angela Wimberly
Pasa Picacho Campground
Location: 32.959643°, -116.585305°
Water and bathrooms are available at Paso Picacho campground, which is west of CA-79 directly across from the trail.
Charred Landscape
Location: 32.959778°, -116.593695°
The area still shows the scars of the 2003 fires. © Angela Wimberly
Rocky Descent
Location: 32.923330°, -116.580820°
After passing Japacha Spring, prepare for a fast, rocky descent.
Trail Options
Location: 32.969356°, -116.526661°
This was a photo from a different (more technical) ride: there are tons of trails out here. © Angela Wimberly
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