San Clemente Figure 8

Dogs Leashed

An almost entirely non-pavement loop with lots of really fun trails, wildlife, and being alone.

Bathrooms and water at skate park near Dog Park. You'll hike by Target and other businesses near La Pata and Pico if you need to make a detour for water or bathrooms.

Start at paved Utiltiy Access Road on Salvador, take singletrack and fire roads to Dog Park, connect to Ridgeline Trail around Talega, follow the dirt path that mostly parallels La Pata, cross Pico and take the trail back to Dog Park, and then back to Salvador via the paved Utility Access Road. There are plenty of variations possible.

I made this route when training for a trail ultra because I wanted a long training hike close to home. It is great for long hikes. Since it is in close proximity to town, it is hard to get lost and there are many chances to bail if you need to, but there are still long, quiet sections.

Watch our for off-leash dogs if that annoys you. Trail is a combination of fire road and singletrack with a bit of hiking on dirt paths alongside existing roads.

I've seen rattlesnakes, coyotes, and even a bobcat—all wanted nothing to do with me.

This connection of trails seems to connect most of the San Clemente Hills.