This guide is for you if you’re looking for the top mountain biking trails in San Diego.
These trails are rated based on my own research. Let’s check out
Top Mountain Biking Trails In San Diego
1.San Clemente Canyon
San Clemente Canyon park is located in the heart city of San Diego(1), California. It is a a linear open space park that provides a natural setting in the midst of a busy urban area.
Difficulty Level?
EASY/INTERMEDIATE
Elevation
Ascent: 95 mDescent: -100 mHigh: 82 mLow: 27 m
Contact Details
Club : San Diego Train Group
Manager: San Diego River Park
Quick Note: The park is located behind Karl Strauss Brewing Company. They sometimes give away free beers as well.
2.Balboa Park
This is a 4.5 mile park which might requires some effort but comes with great views. & you won’t regret it. If you are a beginner and want to give your MTB desire a try, this park in SAN DIEGO is a great option. Even if you’re an advanced rider, you would still get to enjoy it’s harder path.
Good news is – you can take your dog as well but must be kept on leash.
Distance: 4.3 miles.
Route Type: Loop
3.Tecolote Canyon Ride
The park is located in San Diego just east of I-5, relatively near Mission Bay and Sea World. As per their official website(2), it has 6.5 miles of trails. This park is really good for intermediate bikers as you will see very less noise & you will see loads of shade throughout the park.
Difficulty Level?
INTERMEDIATE
Elevation
Ascent: 62 mDescent: -160 mHigh: 109 mLow: 11 m
Contact Details
Manager : San Diego Park
Need to know : There’s a golf course. Also has two street crossings. So be careful and respectful while you trail.
4.Summit Park to Tiki Hut Loop
Summit Park Trail is a 1.6 mile loop trail located near Dardanelle, Arkansas. If you decide to go there, don’t forget to thanks me because the park is amazing and it has a great forest setting. The trail is primarily made for cycling, hiking, walking, and running. Good news is, it’s available year-round.
& Yes. You can take out your dogs as well but must be kept on leash.
Difficulty Level?
INTERMEDIATE / Easy
Elevation
Ascent: 187 mDescent: -187 mHigh: 161 mLow: 72 m
Contact Details
San Diego Local Club: SDMBA
Note: As per my research, they don’t allow electric mountain bikes.
5.Archipelago Ride Half Arch
This is an approx 20 mile new park that promise a lot. MTB riders are really looking forward to it.
Just to let you know, the park requires membership fees to fully enjoy but you can choose full or half depending on your goal.
Difficulty Level?
INTERMEDIATE
Elevation
Ascent: 685 mDescent: -833 mHigh: 380 mLow: 16 m
Contact Details
Email them : archride@sdmba.com
6.Lilac Miners Peak Loop
The trail is generally well-marked with clear signage at almost every intersection.
Besides, the park is designed using modern trail building techniques. Ideal for intermediate and advanced trail bikers, this park surely going to thrill you out.
Difficulty Level?
INTERMEDIATE/DIFFICULT
Elevation
Ascent: 321 mDescent: -321 mHigh: 474 mLow: 193 m
Contact Details
Local Club : SDMBA
7.Cowles Mtn
Out of our best mountain bike trails in SAN DIEGO list, this is the toughest, most difficult, & technical singletrack climbs in San Diego.
Trail carefully because you will find lots of railroad ties, chunky rock gardens, and steep rutted switchbacks.
Difficulty Level?
DIFFICULT
Elevation
Ascent: 369 mDescent: -373 mHigh: 482 mLow: 115 m
Contact Details
Local Club : SDMBA
8.Fortuna Mountain Trail
Again, one of the most difficult trails in SAN Diego. Located near La Mesa, the trail is approx 6.5 miles long & features a waterfall and scenic.
