30.5 miles
Distance
1,828 ft
Climb
-1,948 ft
Descent
440 ft
High Point

Like the other beach loop, just more.

Detailed Description
Beach loop #2 is a 30 mile popular intermediate 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 38 trails. This route climbs 1,828 ft with a max elevation of 440 ft then descends -1,948 ft.
Local Trail Association
Local trail association
San Diego Mountain Biking Association (sdmba.com)
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71 Reviews & Comments

  • + 2
d1d (Oct 24, 2022 at 14:30)
Trail Tunnel 1
What's the story on the fenced area and a steel tube on the ground with DO NOT ENTER or similar written in red? This is just after finishing Tunnel 4. I didn't go past to respect the nature area (I suspect that's what it's for), but some other dude on an ebike did.
[Reply]
  • + 2
brianpetry TRAILFORKS (Oct 24, 2022 at 15:59)
Trail Tunnel 1
The rangers installed those to warn against entering a closed area. There are a few of these around Del Mar Mesa. The ones to the east of Tunnel 4 are about land parcels owned by California Dept of Fish and Wildlife or US Fish and Wildlife Service. By law they have to "protect" and easiest thing to do is just shut off access. Other areas with the same tubes are on City property and the city and rangers have determined to "protect." Part of the rim trail off bowtie, and Tunnel 5. Rather than build fences and have them constantly vandalized, they thought they could put the tubes down and write people tickets sometimes (which they do). There are some endangered and threatened species that live in those areas.

Long story, and lots of debate and opinions about whether those areas a really worthy of shutting out public access. Is the land managed well by city, state and feds? Is access, including bikes, causing harm to the protected species living there? Some people think obeying the tubes will prevent larger scale shutdowns of the areas. Others think entering sends a signal that more trail access is needed, as "civil disobedience."
[Reply]
  • + 2
d1d (Oct 24, 2022 at 14:17)
Trail Tunnel 4
Still awesome! Been a little while, and I'm on a new bike. Felt easier. Was it the bike or the "tree chopping report"? Not sure. Hiker was coming up, but I had a bell and speed under control no problem. I yielded/stopped, said hi, he walked past. and I kept having fun. Be a good steward.
[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
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 15:12)
Trail Blazing Star
Fun 5 minute single track with moderately steep initial and final climbs that are less than 100 high.
[Reply]
  • + 0
DaveDaum (Sep 25, 2021 at 15:07)
Trail Torrey Pine Trail East
This is a great downhill run. The top has some tight switchbacks requiring intermediate and above skills. It is very fun to rid up this section on an emtb. Watch out for all kinds of traffic.
[Reply]
  • + 0
DaveDaum (Sep 25, 2021 at 15:04)
Trail Torrey Pines Loop Trail West
This is an absolute blast to climb on an EMTB. It has very tight winding single track. Most of this section is solid intermediate riding with some fairly steep switch backs towards to last 1/4 mile.
[Reply]
  • + 0
DaveDaum (Sep 25, 2021 at 15:04)
Trail Torrey Pines Loop Trail West
This is an absolute blast to climb on an EMTB. It has very tight winding single track. Most of this section is solid intermediate riding with some fairly steep switch backs towards to last 1/4 mile.
[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
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
Drew12345678911 (Jul 14, 2021 at 22:34)
Trail The Appendix
Not very fun it was super loose and there were many blind corners with no berms and was very overgrown
[Reply]
  • + 2
Michaelnz7Tdh (Jun 15, 2021 at 19:37)
Trail Tunnel 4
Needs a one way do not enter sign at the exit for mtb. Almost collided with some guys going the wrong way. Who enjoys climbing this thing?
[Reply]
  • + 0
brianpetry TRAILFORKS (Jun 16, 2021 at 13:28)
Trail Tunnel 4
The PQ rangers tried that and then reverted to bi-directional. I climb T4 fairly frequently. It's a more enjoyable climb than cardiac. Also, hikers and trail runners use T4 in both directions. Bells are important.
[Reply]
  • + 2
mattyj2001 (Apr 30, 2022 at 22:37)
Trail Tunnel 4
I've never done a climb that I would describe as 'enjoyable'. Ha ha.
[Reply]
  • + 1
brianpetry TRAILFORKS (May 2, 2022 at 14:25)
Trail Tunnel 4
Agree. It's all relative!
[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
traderscoach (Mar 19, 2021 at 16:34)
Trail North Side Trail - East
Any mountain lions seen in this region?
[Reply]
  • + 0
AdamTJr7b1 (Feb 27, 2021 at 22:06)
Trail Cobbles
Super fun trail one of my favorites in PQ but needs some love in a few spots. The lip or ride up to the table top definitely needs work
[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
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]
  • + 0
mattyj2001 (Nov 22, 2020 at 17:19)
Trail Cobbles
Fun downhill. First time down it today and it didn’t seem too rutty. A little rutty but that just keeps you on you toes.

Heed all the warnings about hikers. Seems like a not fun route to hike up but I passed four or five people on the way down. I don’t have a bell so I verbalize ‘ding! ding!’ on corners and hikers today seemed courteous, aware and not full of contempt.
[Reply]
  • + 1
mattyj2001 (Nov 22, 2020 at 17:08)
Trail Tunnel 1
Fun trail in the shade. If you’re 6’1” or above like me, dropper seat post is highly recommended. I feel like I was pushing the limits of height on this one. Lots of opportunity to smack your head into trees. One particularly low tree was marked with red ribbon. Very nice but taller people, especially with 29s, really need to be alert on this one.
[Reply]
  • + 2
NFLPhD (Oct 25, 2020 at 15:15)
Trail Tunnel 4
This is a great trail that is fast and flowy and weaves its way through the canopy of trees and bushes... A lot of cobblestones at the top so make sure you ride fast enough to get up on the dirt berms to go through the turns... Several low branches that you can hit your head on or your light on your helmet if riding at night. The trail is narrow on a few sections.
A must ride for anyone visiting this area for the first time.
[Reply]
  • + 2
NFLPhD (Oct 25, 2020 at 15:00)
Trail Cobbles
A fast flowy downhill but make sure you have a bell ???? to warn people because there are several blind turns... People walk up and down the trail and some people ride up but most bikers fly down this trail. Very fun downhill. Fairly easy trail to go fast with a few small jumps towards the top of the trail.
[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]
  • + 1
kkim0228 (Oct 6, 2020 at 12:26)
Trail Torrey Pine Trail East
Steep tight switchbacks initially, tricky midsection due to erosion control steps.
[Reply]
  • + 1
firepigmtb (Aug 31, 2020 at 14:51)
Trail Cobbles
Sorry idk how to personal message on trailforks. Could you send me one? Thanks
[Reply]
  • + 1
budgetmtb (Aug 31, 2020 at 13:56)
Trail Cobbles
PM me.
[Reply]
  • + 0
firepigmtb (Aug 31, 2020 at 13:22)
Trail Cobbles
Do you know where the entrance is? It sounds like a fun trail
[Reply]
  • + 1
budgetmtb (Aug 31, 2020 at 14:17)
Trail Cobbles
PM me
[Reply]
  • - 1
firepigmtb (Aug 30, 2020 at 18:36)
Trail Cobbles
@ewik park where is area 52? I can't find it on the map. Thanks
[Reply]
  • + 1
budgetmtb (Aug 31, 2020 at 11:55)
Trail Cobbles
It's a unsanctioned trail. It's not on the map.
[Reply]
  • + 0
Bobbywasabi31 (Aug 29, 2020 at 11:07)
Trail InTooQuick
Closed due to construction
[Reply]
  • + 1
budgetmtb (Jul 29, 2020 at 18:34)
Trail Tunnel 4
A great fun trail. Lot's of shade, unlike the surrounding trails.
[Reply]
  • + 2
Dreid44 (Jul 19, 2020 at 20:27)
Trail Tunnel 4
Love This Trail!!!!!!!!
[Reply]
  • + 1
budgetmtb (Jun 23, 2020 at 10:24)
Trail Tunnel 1
A fun trail with some little G-outs/ stream crossings.
[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]
  • + 1
budgetmtb (Jun 11, 2020 at 20:11)
Trail The Appendix
Would recommend starting at the tunnel/ cobbles and ride clockwise. More fun that way.
[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
budgetmtb (May 27, 2020 at 8:39)
Trail Tunnel 4
New one way only sign posted at the top.
[Reply]
  • + 1
ewikpark (Mar 19, 2020 at 18:20)
Trail Eucalyptus
Rutted
[Reply]
  • + 1
ewikpark (Mar 14, 2020 at 19:59)
Trail Tunnel 4
Fallen tree is still not cleared, I don't know if I have permission to clear it. Also there is a low lying branch in one of the downhill sections that almost got me. Be wary of that when you go down
[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]
  • + 1
OBkook (Oct 3, 2019 at 19:33)
Trail Tunnel 4
Fun trail! Wear eye protection. I ran into a small low hanging branch, had I not been wearing glasses I may have suffered an eye injury.
[Reply]
  • + 1
Crock619 (Oct 12, 2018 at 11:03)
Trail The Appendix
Rode this for the first time before hitting cobbles. Was an awesome extra section! Tight with a few little jumps, and about the same climb either way.
[Reply]
  • + 1
anthonydiaz (Jul 18, 2018 at 12:55)
Trail Cobbles
this trail is best as a downhill only. if you want to get to the top go up the powerlines firerode heading towards tunnels 4 then follow the preserve path. some parts get skinny and almost ran into people climbing with their heads down.
[Reply]
  • + 3
ewikpark (Mar 21, 2020 at 10:02)
Trail Cobbles
Disagree, there are many other downhills that are much better than Cobbles, and people who go down Area 52 or Sh!ts come up Cobbles.
[Reply]
  • + 1
anthonydiaz (Jul 18, 2018 at 12:52)
Trail The Appendix
fun trail with an easy climb at the end. definitely one to hit before going down cobbles
[Reply]
  • + 2
anthonydiaz (Jul 18, 2018 at 12:48)
Trail Tunnel 1
cool wooden feature that is easy to practice skinnies on. not too much traffic through here
[Reply]
  • + 1
anthonydiaz (Jul 18, 2018 at 12:47)
Trail Tunnel 4
fun trail. just watch for the loose rocks at the beginning. after that its smooth sailing.
[Reply]
  • + 1
anthonydiaz (Jun 22, 2018 at 9:25)
Trail Cobbles
lots of people climbing uphill, hikers and bikers. Just keep an eye out on your way down. Couple of fun wall rides too.
[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
Ranji (Jul 9, 2017 at 12:07)
Trail Cobbles
There are riders coming uphill which makes maintaining downhill flow difficult. My assumption was that you are supposed come uphill through powerline trail and go down via shitz or cobbles!
[Reply]
  • + 1
ewikpark (Mar 14, 2020 at 19:41)
Trail Cobbles
People go down Area 52 and come up via Cobbles.
[Reply]
  • + 1
streetpilot (May 6, 2017 at 20:14)
Trail Cobbles
Recent rains have really wrecked everything past duckpond and ruts have ruined most of the flow on the upper half. Not the fun trip it used to be.
[Reply]
Deleted threads/comments are hidden





Trails in Route

Details

  • Riding area
    Los Peñasquitos Canyon
  • Primary Activity
    Mountain Bike
  • Other Activities
    • E-Bike
  • Difficulty rating
    Blue
  • Route Type
    Loop
  • eBike Allowed
    Yes
  • Bike type
    AM, XC, Adaptive MTB
  • Direction
    Both Directions
  • Physical rating
    Moderate
  • Ridelogs
    4
More Stats for Beach loop #2 mountain bike route
  • Altitude min
    9 ft
  • Altitude start
    364 ft
  • Altitude end
    246 ft
  • Grade
    -0.1%
  • Grade max
    -40.9%
  • Grade min
    29.1%
  • Distance climb
    11 miles
  • Distance down
    11 miles
  • Distance flat
    8 miles
Avg: 5 (1 votes)
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    • ?
  • Activity Type  
3D
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  • Unknown
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  • Snow Cover Inadequate
  • Freeze/thaw Cycle
  • Icy
  • Prevalent Mud
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  • Variable
  • Ideal
  • Dry
  • Very Dry
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Recent Trail Reports Along Route

statustraildateconditiondescription
Tunnel 4
Jan 27, 2023 @ 11:28pm
Jan 27, 2023
East Deer Canyon
Jan 19, 2023 @ 6:57am
Jan 19, 2023
Eucalyptus Bypass
Jan 13, 2023 @ 11:21pm
Jan 13, 2023
Cobbles
Jan 12, 2023 @ 11:20pm
Jan 12, 2023
Del Mar Flow Trail
Dec 31, 2022 @ 3:31pm
Dec 31, 2022
more reports »
  • By dailyshredder & contributors
  • #12272 - 1,169 views