6 Of The Best Mountain Biking Trails In San Diego

@TheBlackAzar

The San Diego hills are packed with sweet single-track mountain bike trails slicing through our county. There’s nearly countless paths, with all different types of tricky terrain. For those willing to get off the couch (you should), magic awaits.

Also, no matter if you’re a beginner, intermediate or expert rider — there’s something for everyone.

The following are a few San Diego mountain biking trail options for you to beat the crowds and find environments you didn’t know existed. Be sure to click the links for maps before you get out and explore.

Grab a trail map from the links below and get outside San Diego – you’ll be happy you did!

1) Balboa Park | Easy

This 4.5 mile loop requires some effort but comes with great views. There’s plenty of ‘out’ options– ways to explore alternate areas of the park. This place is a perfect start for those looking to get comfortable off-road.

With multiple harder paths to keep advanced riders interested, you can go in a group and everyone will have fun!

2) Bernardo Mountain Summit Trail | Moderate

This 7.4-mile, well-packed trail near Escondido features plentiful wildflowers and killer lake-views. Found just off the 15, you can ride over the crest to the coast, or loop to the overlook and back.

Suitable for intermediate riders, this location is a lot of fun without being a leg-killer.

3) Mission Trails Climbers Loop | Difficult

Beginners beware – this one’s not for you! More experienced riders will find tight cut-backs, sick step-downs and big rocks. Your rear will never have a chance to touch the seat.

There are tons of gorgeous views, but they’re likely to be a blur as you blast through this challenging path. The trail head can be found off Mission Gorge Rd.

4) Fortuna Mountain Trail | Difficult

This advanced trail is 6.5 miles long and located near La Mesa. If you’ve got the skills, your efforts are rewarded with amazing hilltop views as well as a sweet waterfall.

Bring your A-game to conquer the loose rocks & steep cut-backs sure to set your adrenaline meter on high.

5) Cowles Mountain | Moderate

These interconnecting trails just off Mission Gorge Rd are a great spot to get your blood pumping. Be prepared for loose rocks and roots to up the thrill-factor. This ride is ideal for intermediate adults and advanced kids.

Options include a quick 2-mile loop, or take various trail combinations and ride for hours!

6) Rose Canyon Trail | Easy

At nearly 9-miles long, this one’s great for a reasonably-fit family. There are some challenging off-shoots for more advanced riders and lovely scenery with wildlife galore.

With trail-heads at Genessee and Bothe Avenues, this is an easy-access location. That way, you’ll spend most of your time on the trail, not in your car.

Check Out This Downhill Clip From A Couple Of Locals!

Get pumped and get out there!

See you there, San Diego!

The Latest
Top Concerts in San Diego this Week include DJ Buza at Oxford Social Club
Here are the top concerts in San Diego this week! From electrifying hip-hop beats to soulful R&B melodies, classic pop to raging metal, the San...
San Diego is home to many of the important things in life: sandy beaches, warm sunshine, and everyone’s favorite invention, carne asada fries. While in...
Michael Lamb Us: An Evening of Magic, Illusions and Impossibilities at the California Center for the Arts
We love stories of the interesting people that make San Diego such a great place to live – and this is certainly one of them!...
Art Alive 2023 at The San Diego Museum of Art
The San Diego Museum of Art (SDMA) is in full bloom this spring, with floral designers interpreting works of art from the Museum’s collection into...
Culinary Concerto by Chef Claudia Sandoval for Mainly Mozart
Culinary Concerto promises an evening of unparalleled gastronomic delights and musical magic! San Diego’s own Chef Claudia Sandoval, serving as the Culinary Director for this...
Frontwave Arena
Prepare for a pop concert-style spectacle showcasing the athletic brilliance and championship journeys of Simone Biles and an exceptional squad of select dancers, embodying a...