24.0 miles
Distance
991 ft
Climb
-992 ft
Descent
439 ft
High Point

A loop from PQ Canyon, along the beach, and back.

To ride on the sand, only low tide works. If tide isn't low, you can modify by riding on the roads, or trail along the train tracks (which is not legal).

Two potential beer stops noted: Viewpoint Brewery and New English Brewing. Or, if you're wearing Lycra, join the roadies at a coffee shop.

Detailed Description
A PQ Beach Loop is a 24 mile popular easy route located near Los Peñasquitos Canyon California. This mountain bike primary route can be used both directions and has a moderate overall physical rating. This route includes 37 trails. This route climbs 991 ft with a max elevation of 439 ft then descends -992 ft.
Local Trail Association
Local trail association
San Diego Mountain Biking Association (sdmba.com)
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56 Reviews & Comments

  • + 1
Pathangi (Jul 17, 2022 at 22:02)
For the most part, the route and the maps the trail forks shows is accurate, there are some places where you will see no trespassing signs or the trails fork that can be missed but as long as you have the maps of the trail forks open and try to follow the directions and get back on the route when lost, you will make it. Keep the phone screen always on and track yourself on the route it displays. Used a specialized full suspension bike with pedal assist, took three hours
[Reply]
  • + 1
brianpetry TRAILFORKS (Jul 18, 2022 at 9:26)
Sounds good. The only valid no-trespassing sign should be along the train track, which is officially not-legal. You can ride the road or sand (at lower tide).

3+ hours is expected, especially if you stop at Viewpoint or New English. A super-fast lycra'd gravelor/roadie should make it in just over 2 hours unless they stop for coffee.
[Reply]
  • + 0
Ksmcafee (Jul 4, 2022 at 7:08)
Trail Switchbacks
Fun but very hard as a climb. Not sure if there is a better option up from "Big Tony's" trailhead off of the 56
[Reply]
  • + 0
mattyj2001 (Apr 10, 2022 at 14:12)
Trail Switchbacks
Descent is fun AF. Many climbers still seem unaware that this is bidirectional now. Prepare for snark. Put your bells on and announce your presence in both directions.

Would be neat to designate this downhill only and provide a different climb because Eucalyptus can jump in a lake as far as I’m concerned.
[Reply]
  • + 1
frothmonster (Mar 21, 2022 at 13:59)
Trail Eucalyptus
Definitely not a black. Hope this trail can get some attention and maybe a couple of berms on the top section.
[Reply]
  • + 1
frothmonster (Mar 21, 2022 at 13:59)
Trail Eucalyptus
Definitely not a black. Hope this trail can get some attention and maybe a couple of berms on the top section.
[Reply]
  • + 1
brianpetry TRAILFORKS (Mar 22, 2022 at 12:43)
Trail Eucalyptus
Well, maybe barely black. Check out IMBA rating system (not great though): www.imba.com/resource/trail-difficulty-rating-system. Agree this trail could use some maintenance and berms.
[Reply]
  • + 1
brianpetry TRAILFORKS (Mar 22, 2022 at 12:43)
Trail Eucalyptus
Well, maybe barely black. Check out IMBA rating system (not great though): www.imba.com/resource/trail-difficulty-rating-system. Agree this trail could use some maintenance and berms.
[Reply]
  • + 0
DaveDaum (Sep 25, 2021 at 15:01)
Trail torrey Pines trail
This is a fun easy ride with lots of greenery. This section is a great entry-level ride.
[Reply]
  • + 0
DaveDaum (Sep 25, 2021 at 15:01)
Trail torrey Pines trail
This is a fun easy ride with lots of greenery. This section is a great entry-level ride.
[Reply]
  • + 1
brianpetry TRAILFORKS (Aug 25, 2021 at 10:52)
Trail Switchbacks
This trail is back to bidirectional, as of March 2021
[Reply]
  • + 1
bike4us (Aug 25, 2021 at 9:38)
Trail Tunnels Road
I believe the drop from the mesa at .9 miles is very steep, not flat as shown on profile.
[Reply]
  • + 1
bike4us (Aug 25, 2021 at 9:38)
Trail Tunnels Road
I believe the drop from the mesa at .9 miles is very steep, not flat as shown on profile.
[Reply]
  • + 1
brianpetry TRAILFORKS (Aug 25, 2021 at 10:45)
Trail Tunnels Road
Yes, it's fairly steep and about 1/4 mile long. Fire-road descent with loose rocks. Not sure why the elevation profile does not show it properly. But it's also climbable in the reverse direction. Strava calculates average grade 15.7%. www.strava.com/segments/856274
[Reply]
  • + 1
brianpetry TRAILFORKS (Aug 25, 2021 at 10:45)
Trail Tunnels Road
Yes, it's fairly steep and about 1/4 mile long. Fire-road descent with loose rocks. Not sure why the elevation profile does not show it properly. But it's also climbable in the reverse direction. Strava calculates average grade 15.7%. www.strava.com/segments/856274
[Reply]
  • + 0
infinoah (May 14, 2021 at 22:52)
Trail Eucalyptus
very fun but it sucks that you need to climb to ride it, then after it you have to climb back up lol.
[Reply]
  • + 0
infinoah (May 14, 2021 at 22:52)
Trail Eucalyptus
very fun but it sucks that you need to climb to ride it, then after it you have to climb back up lol.
[Reply]
  • + 1
josephtorres84 (May 7, 2021 at 9:26)
Trail Two Bridges
Has a small technical trail .
[Reply]
  • + 1
currymtb (Apr 5, 2021 at 16:35)
Trail Eucalyptus
Steep and fun DH
[Reply]
  • + 1
currymtb (Apr 5, 2021 at 16:35)
Trail Eucalyptus
Steep and fun DH
[Reply]
  • + 1
traderscoach (Mar 19, 2021 at 16:34)
Trail North Side Trail - East
Any mountain lions seen in this region?
[Reply]
  • + 1
traderscoach (Mar 19, 2021 at 16:34)
Trail North Side Trail - East
Any mountain lions seen in this region?
[Reply]
  • + 1
traderscoach (Mar 19, 2021 at 16:34)
Trail North Side Trail - East
Any mountain lions seen in this region?
[Reply]
  • + 1
traderscoach (Mar 19, 2021 at 16:34)
Trail North Side Trail - East
Any mountain lions seen in this region?
[Reply]
  • + 1
bakteria8 (Feb 14, 2021 at 10:20)
Trail Switchbacks
Please make this trail back to DH! TBH Eucalyptus sucks...
[Reply]
  • + 0
JGiovanni (Jan 3, 2021 at 19:11)
Trail Switchbacks
This is a solid climb back out from where eucalyptus spits you out. Great if you wanted to do multiple runs of the recently renovated trail Smile .
[Reply]
  • + 1
ChristopherK8bOD (Dec 16, 2020 at 17:30)
Trail Switchbacks
So...where is this uphill “rule” posted? And why on the green earth was one of the funnest downhills at PQ ruined this way? Roadbikers- keep your rules of the road on the road, please.
[Reply]
  • + 2
brianpetry TRAILFORKS (Dec 16, 2020 at 23:52)
Trail Switchbacks
The city rangers posted a sign at the top. No longer there. I wouldn't worry about the "rule". Just be ready for uphill riders, as usual.
[Reply]
  • + 2
bike4us (Aug 23, 2021 at 18:23)
Trail Switchbacks
No sign, road down it today. Down hillers just need to be aware of up-hillers
[Reply]
  • + 1
JGiovanni (Nov 30, 2020 at 16:44)
Trail Eucalyptus
Someone has done work on this trail and I very much appreciate you. Underrated trail. Wouldn’t really call this a black.
[Reply]
  • + 1
JGiovanni (Nov 30, 2020 at 16:44)
Trail Eucalyptus
Someone has done work on this trail and I very much appreciate you. Underrated trail. Wouldn’t really call this a black.
[Reply]
  • + 1
mattyj2001 (Nov 27, 2020 at 15:56)
Trail Switchbacks
As an uphill this thing is brutal. I don't know why anyone would want to subject themselves to this.
[Reply]
  • + 1
brianpetry TRAILFORKS (Dec 1, 2020 at 9:57)
Trail Switchbacks
Haha. Keep doing it and you'll get it! A good workout is to lap switchbacks-up and eucalyptus-down multiple times.
[Reply]
  • + 2
SDBill (Oct 11, 2020 at 14:19)
Trail Eucalyptus
Trail is getting better with use but could definitely use some TLC to smooth out some of the ruts.
[Reply]
  • + 2
SDBill (Oct 11, 2020 at 14:19)
Trail Eucalyptus
Trail is getting better with use but could definitely use some TLC to smooth out some of the ruts.
[Reply]
  • + 2
MrGrenadeMcBoom (Jul 19, 2020 at 17:16)
Rode most of this route today (19July). I did it on my Cyclocross bike with 38c Panaracers. Due to my choice of bikes I avoided Eucalyptus by staying on the fire road and also bypassed West Rim and Hurry home and added about a mile and come change by taking the Santa Monica Ridge double track. All the trails and route before and after that were very doable on a cyclocross/gravel bike with minimal hike-a-bike that was on me more than the bike.
[Reply]
  • + 2
budgetmtb (Jun 18, 2020 at 15:23)
Trail Switchbacks
This trail, in my opinion is much better going down than up. Kinda sucks.
[Reply]
  • + 1
ewikpark (Jun 18, 2020 at 14:50)
Trail Switchbacks
RIP Switchbacks Downhill 2020. You will be missed even though I rarely see people climbing this trail
[Reply]
  • + 2
budgetmtb (May 27, 2020 at 16:32)
Trail Eucalyptus
I hope this trail gets some attention, especially after you can't go down switchbacks.
[Reply]
  • + 2
budgetmtb (May 27, 2020 at 16:32)
Trail Eucalyptus
I hope this trail gets some attention, especially after you can't go down switchbacks.
[Reply]
  • + 1
ewikpark (Mar 19, 2020 at 18:20)
Trail Eucalyptus
Rutted
[Reply]
  • + 1
ewikpark (Mar 19, 2020 at 18:20)
Trail Eucalyptus
Rutted
[Reply]
  • + 0
currymtb (Mar 15, 2020 at 8:35)
Trail PQ Creek Park Access
Nice rest stop though
[Reply]
  • + 0
currymtb (Mar 15, 2020 at 8:35)
Trail PQ Creek Park Access
Nice rest stop though
[Reply]
  • + 1
currymtb (Mar 14, 2020 at 14:51)
Trail PQ Creek Park Access
extremely wet. lots of horrible ruts, but rideable.
[Reply]
  • + 1
currymtb (Mar 14, 2020 at 14:51)
Trail PQ Creek Park Access
extremely wet. lots of horrible ruts, but rideable.
[Reply]
  • + 0
currymtb (Mar 14, 2020 at 14:47)
Trail Powerline
best way to get to cobbles. looks a lot harder than it actually is, recent rains have somehow fixed most of the ruts.
[Reply]
  • + 1
brianpetry TRAILFORKS (Feb 22, 2020 at 17:57)
Trail Eucalyptus
Yes, this one is a sanctioned trail. It needs more attention, with the ruts and so forth though.
[Reply]
  • + 1
brianpetry TRAILFORKS (Feb 22, 2020 at 17:57)
Trail Eucalyptus
Yes, this one is a sanctioned trail. It needs more attention, with the ruts and so forth though.
[Reply]
  • + 0
budgetmtb (Feb 21, 2020 at 16:35)
Trail Eucalyptus
is it sanctioned?
[Reply]
  • + 0
budgetmtb (Feb 21, 2020 at 16:35)
Trail Eucalyptus
is it sanctioned?
[Reply]
  • + 0
eirwik (Mar 25, 2019 at 19:45)
has anyone recently done this? how is it?
[Reply]
  • + 1
Austenczapla (Nov 1, 2018 at 9:21)
Trail Penasquitos West Side Hill Climb
Don't use this as a climb out of the canyon. The trail dead ends into a fence around the neighborhood homes.
[Reply]
  • + 1
anthonydiaz (Jun 13, 2018 at 8:27)
Trail North Side Trail - Far West
Fun trail with a lot of branching off trails. There is a lot to explore here and make sure to bring water if you plan to go in the later morning.
[Reply]
  • + 1
anthonydiaz (Jun 13, 2018 at 8:27)
Trail North Side Trail - Far West
Fun trail with a lot of branching off trails. There is a lot to explore here and make sure to bring water if you plan to go in the later morning.
[Reply]
  • + 1
anthonydiaz (Jun 13, 2018 at 8:27)
Trail North Side Trail - Far West
Fun trail with a lot of branching off trails. There is a lot to explore here and make sure to bring water if you plan to go in the later morning.
[Reply]





Trails in Route

Details

  • Riding area
    Los Peñasquitos Canyon
  • Primary Activity
    Mountain Bike
  • Other Activities
    • E-Bike
  • Difficulty rating
    Green
  • Route Type
    Loop
  • eBike Allowed
    Yes
  • Bike type
    AM, XC, CX, Gravel
  • Direction
    Both Directions
  • Physical rating
    Moderate
More Stats for A PQ Beach Loop mountain bike route
  • Altitude min
    1 ft
  • Altitude start
    236 ft
  • Altitude end
    233 ft
  • Grade
    -0%
  • Grade max
    -42.4%
  • Grade min
    34.1%
  • Distance climb
    8 miles
  • Distance down
    8 miles
  • Distance flat
    8 miles
Avg: 5 (2 votes)
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  • Trail Style 
    • ?
  • Activity Type  
3D
Trail Conditions
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  • Freeze/thaw Cycle
  • Icy
  • Prevalent Mud
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  • Ideal
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Recent Trail Reports Along Route

statustraildateconditiondescription
Eucalyptus Bypass
Jan 13, 2023 @ 11:21pm
Jan 13, 2023
Del Mar Flow Trail
Dec 31, 2022 @ 3:31pm
Dec 31, 2022
Tunnels Road
Dec 23, 2022 @ 4:42am
Dec 23, 2022
North Side Trail - Far West
Dec 23, 2022 @ 12:01am
Dec 23, 2022
Two Bridges
Dec 23, 2022 @ 12:01am
Dec 23, 2022
more reports »
  • By brianpetry TRAILFORKS & contributors
  • #11772 - 2,290 views