Everyone knows San Diego for its beautiful beaches and coastal vistas. Many overlook how varied and rugged the terrain of Southern California is and how perfect it is for activities like mountain biking. If you are looking for an adrenaline rush out of the water, we have a guide to our favorite spots for mountain biking near San Diego below!
Rose Canyon (Entry Level)
This trail is located within the Rose Canyon Open Space Park in La Jolla (15 minutes from downtown). Although not very technical, this double track trail spans around 9 miles long and a great place for beginners and families. The trail runs along the railroad tracks and has very gentle grades.
Big Laguna Trails (Intermediate)
These trails are located near Mount Laguna which is one hour from San Diego. There are many trails in this area but the Big Laguna trails are great for those looking to take their mountain biking to the next level. These trails are single track and moderately difficult. The more mountain setting brings the more hardcore feel without the hardcore risk of technical trails.
Cuyamaca Rancho State Park (Advanced)
This state park is a mountain biker’s paradise. There are a multitude of trails to explore within the park and even ones that connect beyond the park’s boundaries. Some trails are more than 20 miles long and rated as extremely difficult. It is only around 45 minutes from downtown San Diego which makes it a very accessible mountain biking escape for those who are devoted to the sport.
Balboa Park (City Bonus)
Located a mere 5 minutes from downtown San Diego, people visit Balboa Park for its museums, art, and history. Not many know that the park also has three trails for mountain biking. They are all under 5 miles long and rated moderately difficult. The trails at Balboa Park are perfect for a lunch break ride or a post-work rip.
These are just a couple of the many destinations for mountain biking near San Diego. Hopefully this helps you find your next great mountain bike ride in the San Diego area!
