Coast to Crest Trail: Pamo Valley

Dogs Unknown

This is a new section of the Coast to Crest Trail built by the San Dieguito River Park Organization (SDRP.org) with signage placed in 2019. It is a wide rolling singletrack that meanders through the southern portion of Pamo Valley.

This trail parallels Pamo Rd, switching sides three times, with cattle gates at each transition. The first half is an easement through Pamo Valley Ranch. Beyond here Pano Rd becomes a gravel road. We encountered a half dozen vehicles when we hike the trail, half of which seemed to be county vehicles, and a similar number of hikers or cyclists.

I rate this trail 2½-stars. It's pleasant enough but it lacks grandeur or even any great views, never escapes the road, and follows the river at considerable distance. However, it was nicely green on an unusually warn January day. So perhaps 3-stars on a good day and only 2-stars on hotter browner days later in the year.