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    Coast To Crest Trail

    4.0 (13 reviews)

    Coast To Crest Trail Photos

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    Caroleann B.

    After passing this hike area while on the freeway I could finally say, I've hike that spot. But you know, there are more trail ways to explore than the Lake Hodges Trail that I hiked with a group of people. There is street parking, but that seems to fill quickly. I arrived to the area at 8am and was lucky to get street parking. But don't fret, there is a large 'dirt' parking area near by. The trail is quite easy with a few areas that have a bit more gravel and crevices, and moderate incline, very doable for active kids. Plenty of runners, mountain bikers, cyclists and of course hikers. Just be cautious with the cyclists, not all are equipped with bells. Once you get walking you forget about the freeway until you have to walk underneath it! I think the kids might find it amusing and you could study the structure beneath the freeway. You might get a couple of cool shots. Oh, and don't forget to cross over the walkway bridge and view the growth of trees in the lake bed that once was filled with water. I certainly will return to hike the other trails, and I'm sure I will enjoy the beauty it has to offer as this hike did.

    Gordon V.

    This review is focused on the Escondito entrance across from Westgate North Country Mall. There are a few parking areas, dirt and gravel so take it slow as you enter. There are trail head signs at each parking area and two booklets you can take with you explaining the Coast to Crest trail and other trails at Lake Hodges and other trails at San Pasqual Valley. This hike can be as short or as long as you wish. Once you enter the trail you will see the Sikes Adobe Historic Farmstead to the left. There is a sign directing you to Lake Hodges bridge, Bernardo MTN Summiet trail head, Mule Hill Interpretive site, Old Coach-Coast to crest trail link, and Raptor Ridge viewpoint. If you walk to the right you will follow the path under the bridge and then up the mountain. Dogs must be on a leash, there is no swimming. Horseback riding trail, please follow riding signs. No motorized vehicles. It is hot, bring plenty of water and sunscreen, very little to no shade. Park opens daily 6am Park closes at 6pm Oct.1 - March 31, 7:30pm April 1, Sept. 30. There is natural habitat that you cannot walk through, please be respectful of nature. Rattlesnakes,rabbits, coyotes, birds and other wildlife on trail.

    Cool idea
    Wendy H.

    Why am I giving this trail five stars? Because I like options! Any trail that runs the length of mountains to ocean has got to be incredible right? Yep! On this particular hike I took the Sunset Dr entrance across the street from the mall. Plenty of parking if lot is full there is a dirt lot they open up. So many trails, all leading to different adventures. It was hard to choose sometimes, and we eventually headed back after 2 miles. On the way I crossed a creek, bridges, many bikers and gorgeous settings taking you away from the sound of the freeway noise and taking you back into nature. Mostly flat terrain makes it simple to walk forever, there are rocky spots along the way but not bad at all. I will return, because honestly I have a lot more exploring to do.

    Chrissie O.

    I've been on this I need to get get back in shape, must make my 10k steps on my fitbit, how on earth did i gain so much weight last year oh yeah vacations are fun and i love food phase. I've been trying to think of places I feel ok to be hiking by myself. Probably not the best idea to hike by myself but I like my random spontaneous get off the couch and go for a hike moments. Clears my head and gets me out to enjoy nature. I did prefer to hike this trail rather than the other trail I have been going to at Kit Carson Park. There were a few people biking and running so it made me more comfortable being on this trail. I entered the trail off of Sunset near the North County Fair mall. I also visited the San Pasqual Battlefield earlier today and they mentioned Mule hill so I was curious and I wanted to take this hike to see it. I did like seeing all the signs explaining what happened at Mule Hill during the battle. Be careful when you start the hike because the golf balls from the driving range will come flying at you. This is a easy hike to see mule hill. It's almost a mile to get to it but I decided to walk a little further since I had time to explore before it got dark. I saw so many deer on my hike which was so cool. It was a nice 3 mile hike and I would love to come back again soon.

    Pipe scope in front, dam in back
    Steven G.

    We parked by the entrance with a produce stand, off of the S-6 (or is it S-5)...I'm confused, wasn't the one driving. Some nice cardio. We saw some more tarantula hawks flying around, and lots of critters, skittering...nothing scary. Great scenery. Really enjoyed the hike, it was about 4 1/2 miles round trip. The pipe scope by the dam is a very nice piece of usable sculpture. Would do this one again, not very challenging, but fun.

    Distance from golf range to coast to crest trail

    A golf ball came within several feet of hitting my two year old son while we were walking on the coast to crest trail this afternoon. I had heard several balls hit ground nearby, but thought I was under estimating the distance. When one hit the ground in front of my son I panicked and ran away, quickly strapping him back in with the protection of the stroller. This is a tragic accident waiting to happen, and it nearly happened today. I regret not warning others that were passing by on the trail, and plan to call management of the Del Mar Golf center tomorrow. I will post an update if made safe for pedestrians as a path of travel.

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    Ask the Community - Coast To Crest Trail

    Review Highlights - Coast To Crest Trail

    Brought my roommate along with me and we ended up taking Hodges Trail which led us past the Bernardo pedestrian Bridge, Felicity Creek Bridge and upwards towards the summit of Bernardo Mountain!

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    Big Laguna Trail

    Big Laguna Trail

    4.3(3 reviews)
    3.5 mi

    Located in Mount Laguna (Not in Rancho Bernardo as the Yelp page states), this is a network of…read moretrails that ends up at or around Big Laguna lake. Hiking wise there are three approaches. From the south up, from the north down (my entry point), and from the side ( though a privately managed campground). From a milage perspective, expect around 6-8 miles total if you do a full loop from the north or south. Of course just walking to the lake and back will put you around 4 miles using the most direct trails. Family-friendly, but these trails are heavily used by mountain bikers. Ideally, these trails are great for both hiker and biker. Know the unwritten social rules of the road before biking/hiking here. Always put your head on a swivel. Some bikes go very fast. Always have an adult in front and behind the kids if you're hiking as a family. If you're a biker, have a bell on your bike and if you're in a group of bikers be sure to let hikers know if there are more bikers trailing behind you. These rules seemed to be understood by most people on this trail. NOT PUP FRIENDLY. Unless you go during December through March don't bring your dogs. The afternoon that we visited (early June) is was about 80 outside and there were several dog rescues that were performed. We assisted in one of them. Wasn't uncommon to see dog owners carrying their dogs during the final stretch. Altitude plus moderate sun/heat exposure is what defines this trail. Plus ticks and snakes. Keep the pups at home. - lots of snakes here. Stay on trail.

    It's a fun trail, not very difficult. The lake looked like it could use some TLC. There are lots of…read morecamping sites near by so good for the family.

    Photos
    Big Laguna Trail
    Big Laguna Trail
    Big Laguna Trail

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    Bernardo Mountain - No idea what's in the box. Didn't open it. If you're curious, you'll just have to hike up to the top & look for yourself

    Bernardo Mountain

    4.7(12 reviews)
    1.3 mi

    For starters, I wouldn't call this a mountain. It's more like a hill, and at 1150 feet, it is…read morenothing in comparison to some of the Adirondack hikes I've been on late That said, this was a really great hike. I parked at the Piedra Pintada trailhead on the other side of Lake Hodge (which can hardly be called a lake at this point given the drought). I chose this primarily because it was a relatively easy place to park and the distance you have to walk on the bike trail isn't too bad once you reach the bike/pedestrian bridge. This area has a bit of traffic even on a morning mid-week. I arrived around 8:30 and made my way up the main bike trail to the Bernardo Mountain Peak trailhead. The trail is labeled only in two places that I noticed, but it is a well maintained trail and if you've got an app or map, you're not going to get lost. The trail to the summit is mixed with gradual increase in elevation over the entire 3.3 miles from the Piedra Pintada Trailhead parking. If you go in the morning, you're definitely going to get good portions of the trail in shade. The trail is narrow in parts as you get further up, but it wasn't overgrown. The summit is rather smallish - but there are enough spots to sit especially if there's not too many people there. You get really nice 360 views down to Lake Hodges, the neighborhoods surrounding the area, and of course I-15. I would rate this as an easy-moderate hike. It's really manageable, but on those sunny SoCal days (which are plentiful) you still need to prepare by bringing plenty of water to stay hydrated. I hiked with a 2L camelbak and an additional 1K nalgene to drink my hydration pack with. This was plenty for the 6.6mile roundtrip trek today.

    This review is for the Bernardo Mountain Summit Via Coast To Crest Trail. Total miles was ~7 miles…read morethat took ~3 hours or so to complete. Small parking lot of maybe 20 cars and possibly some street parking as well. The first ~0.6 miles of the trail involves walking next to the freeway. Trail was mostly dirt and rocky for some areas with some inclines to the top. In addition, the trail was mostly exposed to the sun so be prepared. Overall, nice views of Lake Hodges and the distant landscapes near the summit! For those interested in the video of the hike! https://youtu.be/hkqN8VEalWM

    Photos
    Bernardo Mountain - San Dieguito River Trail system takes you to the Bernardo Mountain trail

    San Dieguito River Trail system takes you to the Bernardo Mountain trail

    Bernardo Mountain - Parked at Piedra Pintada Trailhead parking lot

    Parked at Piedra Pintada Trailhead parking lot

    Bernardo Mountain

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    Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve - Blue dragonfly

    Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve

    4.6(233 reviews)
    4.7 mi

    We arrived around 8 AM on a Sunday, and the main lot was already full, but there's an overflow lot…read moreabout 400 feet away where we were able to grab the last spot. The trail itself was pretty quiet. We passed a few people here and there. It's very well maintained, though there aren't any signs or clear directions at certain points, so I'd recommend using AllTrails to stay on track. Also worth noting, there are no trash cans along the route, so plan accordingly. The trail is technically listed as not dog-friendly, but we did see a couple of dogs along the way. We did the 4.5-mile overlook loop. There were a few sections that were a bit steep, but overall it's a fairly easy hike with mostly flat terrain. There's a lot of greenery throughout, and the creek adds a really nice touch. It's a really scenic and peaceful setting. It took us about 1 hour and 45 minutes to complete. We went on a cloudy day, which ended up being perfect for the hike. Overall, it's a beautiful, well-kept trail and definitely worth checking out.

    What an incredible trail! The mix of flowing water and those scattered rock formations makes every…read morestep feel like a little adventure. Going around 10 in the morning sounds perfect for soaking in the peaceful vibe without running into many people. It's a relatively easy route with plenty of spots to pause for a picnic, making it the perfect way to connect with nature and start the day surrounded by quiet beauty.

    Photos
    Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve - Dragonfly

    Dragonfly

    Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve
    Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve

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    Mount Woodson Trail

    Mount Woodson Trail

    4.5(834 reviews)
    5.2 mi

    If you're thinking about hiking Mount Woodson trail aka the famous Potato Chip Rock--just know…read more.. your legs are about to file a formal complaint. This hike is a little over 7 miles (round trip) and definitely on the "hard but worth it" side, with steady climbs, and rocky steps that will have you questioning "who's idea was this?" For trail details, I'd suggest checking out Alltrails before you go. Things to know: the trailhead starts at Lake Poway Recreation Area and there's a $10 entrance fee. Weather can be unpredictable--our hike started wet and ended sunny, so dress smart. Bring plenty of water, good shoes with traction, and a snack to reward yourself at the top (you earned it). The trail is fairly well marked, but pro tip: take pics at each fork unless you enjoy "bonus miles" on the way down. At the summit, expect a line to snap that iconic photo. And yes--you'll need to do a tiny "jump" onto the rock... which suddenly turns very intimidating when it's your turn. Some people bail, but it's totally doable. Challenging, a little chaotic, and 100% one of my favorite hikes. Your calves won't forgive you--but your camera roll will.

    I know this trail as potato chip rock!…read more We started the hike at 730am, ended at 11 All incline! There are a couple portable bathrooms along the trail. Beautiful view of the lake. Beautiful view of all SD on a clear day! Once you make it to the top you can take a picture on the chip! It's a little scary, but worth it just to say you did it! There's a 10 dollar parking fee. Bathrooms are clean. It's a very diverse park with lots to do!

    Photos
    Mount Woodson Trail - Someone made a wood sign for everyone to enjoy!!  Love this.

    Someone made a wood sign for everyone to enjoy!! Love this.

    Mount Woodson Trail
    Mount Woodson Trail - Finally took a photo on this rock- together.

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    Finally took a photo on this rock- together.

    Lake Hodges Pedestrian Suspension Bridge

    Lake Hodges Pedestrian Suspension Bridge

    4.5(20 reviews)
    3.9 mi

    A great suspension bridge that spans across Lake Hodges - what more could you ask for?…read more Great place to take pictures and also a fun walk - it connects to great trails around the lake.

    Found this as one of the things to do when in Escondido, however... it was a bit of confusing…read moregetting here. Literally when you get off the highway you are at the location to venture across but there is no parking. You venture to the Park area where most everyone was off road biking at. We parked and began our journey back to the beginning of the bridge. It stated on yelp it was closed but it clearly was open. There are signs that say it is monitored 24-7, it appears that if the gate is closed there is a button to push to open it. The unfortunate part, the lake is so dried up that it no longer runs under the bridge. Feel like Google & yelp maps should be updated to reflect that. In the middle of the bridge you can see a faint hint of some water off in the distance but otherwise it is trees and grass and bushes. A bit sad and disappointing. A ton of people biking and utilizing the bridge to cross over and few walkers as well. It was a nice walk nonetheless just not a cool or breath-taking as we were expecting. If you get sea sick or nauseous easily, I do not recommend this bridge. Since it is a suspension bridge, you feel it. Today (9/18/21) was not a windy day. Can only imagine a windy day.

    Photos
    Lake Hodges Pedestrian Suspension Bridge
    Lake Hodges Pedestrian Suspension Bridge
    Lake Hodges Pedestrian Suspension Bridge

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    Centre City Cycles

    Centre City Cycles

    3.7(70 reviews)
    3.0 mi
    $$

    The day prior I was reading over Mark's website. I noticed he was closed according to his store…read morehours in San Marcos as well as Escondido. His website states he'll open on days he is closed per appointment only, so I went ahead and gave him a call requesting an opportunity to visit today Sunday, April 16th at 3pm latest. Sure enough he was there for us. At the end of the visit we ended up purchasing three BMX bikes. Although we went to his Escondido location, I'm certain he has a wide selection in San Marcos. Thank you for the personalized assistance Mark!

    I posted this a week ago and took it down, deciding to give Marc the benefit of the doubt. But a…read moreweek later, he has not responded to any (multiple) communications, so here it is. This Bike Shop has closed (both of them)! First, I have purchased a few High End Bikes from Marc previously and while he's a little prickly, his advice has always been sound, if not a little off-putting. Even years ago it was hard to tell if the shop was going to be open or closed, so you had to call and make arrangements ahead of going there. It was one of those places where advice was good, but customer service was always lacking. Now, if you go to the old website it links to a new site called Seven24 Bicycles. The new website lists some pretty attractive bikes at very good prices, but it fails to mention that these are all old models that he's attempting to move on to clear out his stock from the stores. This presents two issues: - The shop is no longer listed as a dealer for the bikes he sells. Not sure if these bikes come backed by any manufacturers warrantee. I seriously doubt that any of the manufacturers will warrantee a 2021 model first sold in 2026. I'd confirm my suspicions with the owner, but he refuses to answer any calls, emails, or texts. - Marc (the owner) is very difficult to get in touch with, if you call it says to email, if you email he replies saying to text. Took a few attempts, but finally got in touch with him. Made arrangement to meet him at a non-retail facility on a Friday after he said it was the best day to meet up. Friday morning as we were in route, he cancelled on us and said we'd need to meet on Sunday. Sunday morning we drive to his "warehouse" (30+ minutes each way) and he's a NO SHOW! Waited a half hour and called and texted with no response, I have called, texted for a week now, he refuses to respond. We ended up buying one bike from Trek there in San Marcos and one from REI in San Diego. Don't bother with this guy, it's a waste time your time. It's pretty clear he doesn't need customers.

    Photos
    Centre City Cycles
    Centre City Cycles
    Centre City Cycles - Kona Unit single speed custom build. Frame purchased from Center City Cycles!

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    Kona Unit single speed custom build. Frame purchased from Center City Cycles!

    Coast To Crest Trail - hiking - Updated June 2026

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