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A long, out-and-back through the Lake Hodges area with access to other trails and parks along the way.


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Map Key

15.6

Miles

25.1

KM

Out and Back

424' 129 m

High

323' 99 m

Low

407' 124 m

Up

407' 124 m

Down

1%

Avg Grade (1°)

19%

Max Grade (11°)

Dogs Unknown

Family Friendly A wide path and an easy grade with beautiful views and access to nearby restaurants and amenities.

Overview

The San Dieguito River Parks North Shore trail system surrounds Lake Hodges in North County San Diego, provides year-round good hiking in the scenic California inland valleys. This route is a terrific option for families and hikers of all abilities as there are always options to stay on the level fire road with access to singletrack trails, too.

Description

The hike predominantly follows wider doubletrack, but there is some tighter singletrack for a couple of miles before you get to Lake Hodges Dam. This is the most popular trail within the SDRP for recreation due to its level ground and close proximity to trailheads and staging areas.

If you want to see Lake Hodges, this trail will take you on a tour of the whole North Shore. If you're feeling hungry along the way, stop at Hernandez Hideaway, a nice little Mexican restaurant just off the trail on the way towards the dam.

If you're looking for a longer point-to-point option, keep going past the dam and link up to the Coast to Crest Trail: Del Dios Gorge and Santa Fe Valley to the hike.

Contacts

Land Manager: San Dieguito River Park

Shared By:

Zander Göpfert

Trail Ratings

  3.3 from 3 votes

#1

in Lake Hodges

#5197

Overall
  3.3 from 3 votes
5 Star
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4 Star
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3 Star
67%
2 Star
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1 Star
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Recommended Route Rankings

#1

in Lake Hodges

#699

in California

#5,197

Overall
29 Views Last Month
3,950 Since Apr 21, 2017
Intermediate Intermediate

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Photos

Lake Hodges.
Apr 21, 2017 near Escondido, CA
At the Lake Hodges lookout.
Apr 21, 2017 near Escondido, CA
Shoreline view.
Apr 21, 2017 near Escondido, CA

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Current Trail Conditions

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Check-Ins

Feb 4, 2024
David Young
Didn't actually go on this trail but rather thr "lake" right below it
Mar 31, 2023
DD Demers
Dec 8, 2019
Alita Hawksworth
2.7mi — 0h 53m
Mar 7, 2018
Tara Hall
3mi
Jan 14, 2018
Jake Hawken
No shade
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