8.6 hr
Overview
The route begins with the Cold Stream Trail (North) just across CA79 from the Paso Picacho camping area. The first 2.5 miles or so pass through the regenerating forest on the way down to Lake Cuyamaca. This is all singletrack, filled with lots of turns, dips, and bends with a couple of rocky areas thrown in. Nothing too difficult - just a pleasure to ride. A short stretch on Los Caballos takes you to the Marty Minshall trail as you near the lake.<br><br>Marty Minshall is a nice, smooth, and flat singletrack through the same regenerating forest along the shore of Lake Cuyamaca. This is a really easy section of trail and you can soak up the views of the lake and the expansive Cuyamaca Meadow. Continue on the stretch of singletrack across the paved road towards the Los Vaqueros Group Horse Campground. This begins about 6 miles with no shade, so you'll want to be prepared to take some sun.<br><br>Just before you reach the horse campground, you'll cross the paved road again onto Soapstone Grade Fire Road. This is an easy climb up to the California Riding and Hiking Trail. <br><br>The California Riding and Hiking Trail is a gem of a singletrack. There are some shorter climbs and descents and a couple of areas filled with loose rocks, but little to slow you down except perhaps the overall narrowness of the trail with the scrubby bushes on either side of the trail sometimes brushing your shins and occasionally elbows. This portion of the trail is elevated, offering an even better view of the Cuyamaca Meadow which seems to go on forever. The last portion of the California Riding and Hiking Trail is a fun descent to a parking area on the Sunrise Highway.<br><br>Just before you reach the road, you'll see the turn for La Cima Trail which continues the singletrack along the highway. This section offers good views down into the Anza-Borrego Desert. La Cima Trail is filled with a few more loose rocks than the California Riding and Hiking Trail and it's generally uphill, so it is a bit more difficult but perfectly manageable.
Trail Stats
31.3 km
457 m
1489 m
1261 m
—
Photos
Climbing up La Cima.
Climbing up La Cima.
Looking back towards Lake Cuyamaca
Looking back towards Lake Cuyamaca
A good spot to rest/eat/regroup at the tree.
A good spot to rest/eat/regroup at the tree.