1,083 ft
Distance
165 ft
Climb
00:01:35
Avg time

Sunset Trail Details

  • Activities
    • Mountain Bike
    • Hike
    • Trail Running
  • Riding Area
    San Elijo Hills
    San Marcos, California
  • Difficulty Rating
    White rate
  • Trail Type
    Paved Path
  • Bike Type
    AM, XC, RD, Gravel, Adaptive MTB
  • Direction
    Uphill Primary
    Popular in reverse
  • Climb Difficulty
    Green
  • Physical Rating
    Hard
  • Dogs Allowed
    Yes
  • Global Ranking
    #118426 in Mountain Biking [+]
    • #14599 in Trail Running
    • #37618 in Hiking
  • Local Popularity
    75 in Mountain Biking [+]
    • 100 in Trail Running
    • 85 in Hiking

The way up (via Schoolhouse Way) consists of a tough climb up to the KGMG-FM radio tower. For an even harder go at it, proceed straight up the steep paved section just to the left of the switchback section on the climb. Then go left instead of right to hop on the Lake San Marcos Trail for a steeper way up to the top.

Description from San Marcos Parks & Trails Pocket Guide:
The Sunset Trail provides access to the Cerro De Las Posas Ridgeline from San Elijo Park. From the center of the park near the “Off-Leash” dog area, head north towards the microwave towers on San Marcos Peak. Lake San Marcos will be visible on the west side as you progress up the steepest portion of the trail. This multi-use trail gains 560’ of elevation over a distance of one mile (this trail has its ups and downs).

source: San Marcos Parks & Trails Pocket Guide - South City
Traditionally Indigenous Territory
More Stats for Sunset Trail mountain bike trail trail
  • Altitude change
    165 ft
  • Altitude min
    834 ft
  • Altitude max
    999 ft
  • Altitude start
    834 ft
  • Altitude end
    999 ft
  • Grade
    15.206%
  • Grade max
    5.242%
  • Grade min
    25.438%
  • Distance climb
    1,083 ft
  • Avg time
    00:01:35
  • Avg reverse time
    00:01:22
  • view trail stats
Status:
on Oct 8, 2020
Variable
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  • Basemap 
  • Trail Style 
    • ?
  • Activity Type  
3D
Trail Conditions
  • Unknown
  • Snow Groomed
  • Snow Packed
  • Snow Covered
  • Snow Cover Inadequate
  • Freeze/thaw Cycle
  • Icy
  • Prevalent Mud
  • Wet
  • Variable
  • Ideal
  • Dry
  • Very Dry
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      Directions to sunset-trail-37711 trailhead (33.108261, -117.205010)
      update trails status or condition

      Sunset Trail Trail Reports

      statusdatedescription
      Oct 8, 2020 @ 4:33pm
      Oct 8, 2020
      Aug 31, 2020 @ 9:14am
      Aug 31, 2020
      Feb 21, 2019 @ 4:18pm
      Feb 21, 2019
      Oct 6, 2015 @ 12:47pm
      Oct 6, 2015
      		 Drying out. Mostly paved, so it doesn't matter much.
      view all reports »

      Recent Ridelog Activity on Trail

      Past Week
      • 1 rides
      • 26 miles avg distance
      6 Months
      • 40 rides
      • 14 miles avg distance
      All
      • 451 rides
      • Last: Mar 25, 2023

      Photos

      more »
      27 |
      Jan 5, 2021 @ 11:39am
      Jan 5, 2021

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      Videos

      more »
      PQ Sunset trail ride
      0:59 | 307 | Jan 28, 2014 , San Marcos
      Sunset Trail 4/28
      10:41 | 180 | Apr 29, 2012 , San Marcos

      Nearby Trails

      San Elijo Hills

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