Name: Coast to Crest Trail - North Shore Lake Hodges
Rating: 3.5

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

— Zander Göpfert

GPX File

Features -none-

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.