Tecolote Canyon Natural Park is located in San Diego just east of I-5, relatively near Mission Bay and Sea World. According to their website (linked above) the park has 6.5 miles of trails, however this number seems low as a full out and back of the entire park will clock about 17 miles, with approximately 12 under your belt by the time you reach the far end and return by the most direct route. Except for the two road crossings linking the South, central and Northern sections of the park, it's easy to forget you're in the middle of the big city. Most areas have little or no traffic noise. There is a ton of shade throughout the park so this one is a must on a hot day.
Suggested route: Park at the far east end of Tecolote Rd. at the nature center, grab a paper map and say hi to the rangers.
*Warning: although a guidebook and other resources say it is kosher to use the shortcut past the northern end of the golfcourse to link the southern and central section, the numerous "no bikes/no hikers/private property" signs beg to differ. I do not suggest testing the issue. This trail system is too sweet to risk losing.
Main trailhead: From I-5, exit at Tecolote Rd./Sea World drive. Head east on Tecolote Rd. until it dead-ends in the parking lot for the trailhead.
Northern trailhead: From 805, exit Clairemont Mesa Blvd, heading west. Turn South on Genesee, and West on Bannock Ave. Park at North Clairemont Community Park, and locate the trailhead at the far southern end of the paved bike loop in the park.
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Side note Battle trail is a fun little side trail at East end, bike bridges easy lumps bumps tiny jumps, a few cutback turns. Nice little break from trail and some shade
Thank |This was a fun trail, although as you get into the trail it gets a bit hilly. The Battle Trail right near the beginning is a fun little loop, and the downhills are great. It is right in the middle of the city but it doesn't feel like it! Our family would definitely do it again, although we didn't get all the way to the end.
Thank |Not bad. My first time riding in California. Not to far from the hotel I was staying in. Trail has a nice mix of gravel, rocks, and sand. Some portions were double track, but the trail did not disappoint. There are enough hills to get a good workout. I would come back if I had the time.
Thank |Not amazing, but right next to my house, so can't complain.
Thank |This is my home go to trail network, I ride here once a week or more. There is a great downhill off of September street to start out your ride. You can link quite a bit of single track throughout this canyon with some street riding. My normal sunday morning ride is 20 to 30 miles and 75% trail, linking san clemente canyon and rose canyon.
Thank |This review is mostly for MUni riders. I did the route as suggested in this ride description on a KH24 unicycle and found the trail description spot on. A 26" unicycle would have been better suited, but I didn't have it with me.
When I started out, I did not expect much, but this is a real gem for an urban trail. Nothing technical (aside from a few short sections of River stone, which you can session) but some impressive climbs, especially on a unicycle. On a couple of the side climbs up power line cuts, I ran out of leg long before I ran out of trail. I had fun going down these inclines.
The only negatives are the two stretches on the road to get from one section of the park to the next. An underpass below Balboa Ave would be especially nice.
Thank |Rode part of this last weekend. Starting at trail entrance just off Osler/Wheatstone Streets, followed singletrack until it joined up with truck road, then followed road down towards golf course, then back to singletrack before meeting up with the main truck road that takes you straight down to the nature center. I skipped the singletrack down there this time as it was getting late in the day. Headed back on a slightly different route up the canyon which I regretted as I ran into very steep sections of truck road. Overall was about 5 miles there and back. Nice short ride for an afternoon.
Thank |went there on 7/29/12. great trails and not crowded. some trails are a bit sandy, lost my balance on one of them. multi use trails for both the novice and experienced. there are steep trails that can be challenging climbing up but fun riding down. knowing that the seaworld is just around the corner amazes me how the park makes me feel I am so far away. look to your left as you enter the trail and surprise, there's a stream. love it.
Thank |first west coast ride, trail needs work(lots o work), still a good experience one very cool down hill very touph uphills* Review edited 8/22/2010
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