MTB Project Logo
Climb
MTB
Hike
Trailrun
Ski
Limited Time70% OffonX Backcountry

San Clemente/Rose Canyons

RECOMMENDED ROUTE
Intermediate Intermediate
 3.2 (32)
  1. Areas
  2. CA
  3. …Southern California
  4. …San Diego
  5. Marian R. Bear Memorial Park
Explore MTB in 3D
Use onX Backcountry to explore the terrain in 3D, view recent satellite imagery, and more. Now available in onX Backcountry Mobile apps! For more information see this post.
Previous Next

“An out and back ride with great scenery. ”

James Camy
Your Rating: Rating Rating Rating Rating Rating      Clear Rating
Your Difficulty:
Your Favorites: Add To-Do · Your List
Google Map
Zoom in to see details
Map Key

15.9

Miles

25.5

KM

85%

Singletrack

344' 105 m

High

89' 27 m

Low

628' 191 m

Up

627' 191 m

Down

1%

Avg Grade (1°)

8%

Max Grade (5°)

Dogs Leashed

E-Bikes Allowed

Open all year around. SDMBA has worked very hard with MCAS Miramar on access via permit on the Stowe Trail, which is on the east boundary of the Miramar Marine Corps base and any incursions on their western border are strictly prohibited. This is a HUGE ticket and bike confiscation for anyone who gets caught under and to the east of Hwy 805.

Overview

This iconic ride through the canyons offers great views of the surrounding area. It's mostly flowing singletrack through tall oak trees and brush. Be careful of the poison oak! Leaves of three, let it be! There are 3 creek crossings, no water in the summer time.

Need to Know

The Karl Strauss Brewery is located at the trailhead, free tastings after a ride.

Description

The first part of the ride takes you through Rose Canyon. The second part of the ride takes you through San Clemente Canyon. The trail starts as a paved bike path. About 1 mile in, there is a dirt trail opening on the right. This part of the trail ride is parallel to the railroad tracks until the highway.

Cross the highway bridge and drop right onto the trail again. At this point, it's a wide dirt path but quickly narrows to singletrack. A creek crossing over a small bridge indicates you are in San Clemente Canyon, featuring mostly singletrack through tall Oaks and brush. There is plenty of Poison Oak in this area so be aware (leaves of three, let it be).

There is a very narrow singletrack crossing under the highway on the edge of a wash. From here, the trail takes you to Cobb, Kroc, and Biltmore trails - ride these on the return for some fast downhill. The trail ends at the east end of the canyon. Turn around, and get more whoops on the return trip!

Contacts

Local Club: San Diego Mountain/Trail & Road Bike Meetup Group

Land Manager: San Dieguito River Park

Shared By:

James Camy with improvements by Susie Murphy
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  3.2 from 32 votes

#1

in Marian R. Bear Memorial Park

#1881

Overall
  3.2 from 32 votes
5 Star
9%
4 Star
38%
3 Star
25%
2 Star
16%
1 Star
13%
Recommended Route Rankings

#1

in Marian R. Bear Memoria…

#221

in California

#1,881

Overall
53 Views Last Month
21,368 Since Jun 28, 2014
Intermediate Intermediate
7%
4%
74%
7%
7%
0%
Add a Photo

Photos

Biltmore Trail - fast downhill.
Jun 29, 2014 near La Jolla, CA
Looking back at the steepest section of the Rose Canyon trail.
May 24, 2017 near La Jolla, CA
Rose Canyon is scenic in its own way.
Mar 20, 2017 near La Jolla, CA
Turn around point and back.
Jun 28, 2014 near La Jolla, CA
Ride through the oaks.
Jun 28, 2014 near La Jolla, CA
Singletrack through the Oak trees.
Jun 28, 2014 near La Jolla, CA

0 Comments

Weather

Current Trail Conditions

All Clear 72 days ago
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Dec 20, 2022
Brandon Kirsch
9.7mi — 1h 13m
Dec 15, 2022
Josh Nelson
Sep 4, 2022
Michael Cornejo
Nov 28, 2021
David P
Fun! 12mi
Sep 12, 2021
David P
16mi — 2h 15m
Jun 25, 2020
Danny Alton
16mi — 2h 05m
Jun 6, 2020
N Abdel
Feb 1, 2020
Mad Dog

Nearby Recommended Routes

Welcome

Join the Community! It's FREE

Already have an account? Login to close this notice.

Get Started