4.6 hr
Overview
From the start, the San Diego River Gorge Trail #2e04 drops about 900 feet over the first two miles. It then crosses the river, which is usually dry unless the winter brings good rain, where you go left at the falls intersection up to the saddle on Eagle Peak Road. <br><br>The climb to the saddle is a gain of about 1,800 feet of somewhat technical singletrack over 2.5 miles with great views and you get a chance to see what you'll be riding down. Eagle Peak is a less traveled route for hikers, which is great news for bikers. <br><br>Once at the saddle, called Saddleback, you'll find a small parking area. From here, you could continue on Eagle Peak Road to Three Sisters falls, another six-mile out and back with a gain of an additional 1,000 feet of climbing over three miles. Or, from Saddleback, turn around and bomb down Eagle Peak for a black diamond ride of pure joy, taking care not to endo and fall off the side of the mountain. The drops can be up to 400 feet with no coming back. <br><br>Once down and when the rush wears off, climb back up the San Diego River Gorge Trail #2e04 from the intersection to go to Cedar Falls, back to your start. The total out-and-back is approximately nine miles. You'll not regret the drive to Ramona for this ride. Full suspension is recommended but it can be done on a hardtail, just not as fun.
Trail Stats
14.6 km
589 m
595 m
282 m
—
Photos
Old trail marker from once well hiked trail
Old trail marker from once well hiked trail
Strong warning to carry plenty of water!
Strong warning to carry plenty of water!
Natural places to sit, rest, and have a snack.
Natural places to sit, rest, and have a snack.
View from Eagle Peak Road
View from Eagle Peak Road
View of Eagle Peak Trail looking down from San Diego River Gorge Trail
View of Eagle Peak Trail looking down from San Diego River Gorge Trail
Singletrack climbing up Eagle Peak Road
Singletrack climbing up Eagle Peak Road