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Bicyclist Andrew Bowen shares his favorite rides to see the county on two wheels
This story was originally published on April 7, 2021. It was updated in November 2023.
If busy roads have deterred you from biking in the past, look to this North County trek—not a single section forces you to share a lane with cars.
Start at the path’s northeastern terminus on the corner of Beven Drive and Wohlford Drive. The path will follow the “creek” (it’s more like a paved storm drain) for just under four miles before turning into a two-way protected bike lane that runs along North Broadway. This half-mile “missing link” through downtown Escondido was completed in 2019 and offers a preview of the many new high-quality bike lanes due to open in the coming years.
The bike path will rejoin the creek at Centre City Parkway. When you pass the Escondido Transit Center on your left, you’ll see another bike path called the Inland Rail Trail that you can take all the way to Oceanside.
For this shorter ride, the path ends at Harmony Grove Road. Turn around and pedal back to your starting point. The last few miles of your return trip offer views of the surrounding mountains.
This trail tucked in the middle of suburbia is popular with hikers, but exploring it on a mountain bike is even better (and easy enough for kids!). Keep Google Maps handy, because reception is fairly good throughout the canyon and there are infinite combinations of trails you can criss-cross.
For the simplest and flattest ride, start at the entrance by the southernmost tip of Camino del Sur. Head west following the trail that runs parallel to Peñasquitos Creek.
In two miles, you’ll see the waterfall that serves as the trail’s main attraction. Keep going west all the way to I-5, then double back and start your return.
Turn right at Wagon Wheel Crossing to reach the trail south of the creek and continue riding east. The trail south of the creek will eventually lead you to Eichar’s Grave, a memorial with some interesting local history. Take the next left, then go west on the final bit of trail to return back to your starting point.
This ride doesn’t have dedicated bike lanes, but the streets are relatively low-stress and you’ll be rewarded with a tour of gorgeous houses and canyon views.
Start on Park Boulevard and ride north to turn right on Adams Avenue. After you pass Trolley Barn Park, hang a left on Panorama Drive for the first detour. Admire the collection of historic homes as the street curves around to take you back onto Adams.
Continue east across the 805, then turn left onto Mountain View Drive for an even windier detour. Take a left onto Hawley Boulevard. Pedal to the end of Cromwell Place before returning to Mountain View.
Turn left and continue back to Adams. Ride east and turn left onto Kensington Drive for our final detour. Another left on Canterbury Drive will take you past stunning mansions. At the end, a right on Palisades Road, then another on Marlborough Drive, will take you back to Adams. Turn right onto Adams and it’s a 2.5-mile ride back to your starting point.
Bike Paths – Balboa Park
Even if you’re a lifelong San Diegan, there are likely still pockets of Balboa Park you’ve never seen. Biking is a great way to scope them all out. Start at Sixth Avenue and Upas Street and take Balboa Drive south all the way to Marston Point, the southwestern tip of the park. Follow the curve northbound until you reach the bathrooms, then turn right onto a separate path that will take you up to El Prado.
Head east into the park’s central mesa and turn right onto Pan American Road. Pass Spreckels Organ Pavilion and keep right at the fork for a jaunt past the International Cottages. You’ll soon reach the Palisades Plaza. While you’re there, stop at the Starlight Bowl amphitheater, a long-shuttered venue in the process of a revival.
When you’re ready to head out, travel southeast on Presidents Way and cross Park Boulevard to approach Inspiration Point, which has some lovely gardens. Hop off your bike and explore the area on foot for a quick rest stop.
Go back to Park Boulevard and ride north (this brief section can get busy and lacks bike lanes), passing the rose and cactus gardens on your right. Turn left onto Zoo Place and make a left at the crosswalk. This path will lead you back to El Prado, which you can ride all the way back to the park’s west mesa where you started.
The Bayshore Bikeway is a staple of San Diego cycling. Don’t let the length scare you: The route is almost entirely flat and much of it is separated from cars.
The first section, starting at Broadway Pier and going southeast on Harbor Drive, is the most urban, but stick with it for a close-up look at San Diego’s shipbuilding industry. Continue south, following the Bayshore Bikeway signage to a bike bridge that runs parallel to I-5 over the Sweetwater River. The route will take you past the Chula Vista Marina and South Bay Salt Works, where massive evaporation ponds yield mountains of sea salt.
When you reach Main Street in Chula Vista, turn right onto a separated bike path. Trident Coffee in Imperial Beach marks the halfway point and makes for a great pit stop, offering delicious cold brew and clean bathrooms. The bike path continues west, then north, alongside the San Diego Bay National Wildlife Refuge.
The final stretch follows Silver Strand all the way to Coronado, winds around the golf course, and ends at the Coronado Ferry Landing. Relax and enjoy the ferry ride back to downtown. Your bike is included in the $5 ticket!
With miles of coastal roadways, bike paths, and mountain bike trails, San Diego is home to a wealth of diverse clubs and meetups for bikers of all abilities
In spite of its reputation as a quintessential, laid-back southern California beach town, America’s Finest City is perpetually on the move, especially when powered by pedals. With miles of coastal roadways, bike paths, and mountain bike trails, it’s no surprise that San Diego is home to a diverse cycling community with clubs and meetups for bikers of all interests and abilities. Whether riding road, trail, or somewhere inbetween, these group rides are sure to help you find your peloton—or at least your two-wheeled wolfpack.
Featuring shop locations in Old Town and Carmel Valley, and group rides leaving from both throughout the week, Moment Bicycles is a good option for both novice and experience riders. Early bird roadies can check out Moment’s 6:30 a.m. Tuesday and Thursday morning rides which treat riders to gorgeous views of San Diego Bay, as they make their way through Point Loma to Cabrillo National Monument, culminating in hill repeats on Tide Pool Hill before returning to Old Town.
Those looking to get off the beaten path (or for a later start) can join Moment’s mountain bike rides, which take place at 8:30 a.m. on the fourth Saturday of every month. While the route each month will vary, the ride typically leaves from the Carmel Valley location and details will be communicated through Moment’s website in advance. Moment also hosts Sunday morning rides with different routes each week.
If skinny tires and spandex are your style, the San Diego Bicycle Club has just the peloton for you. Organizing events since 1976, SDBC continues to host Saturday morning meetups with seven different group and distance options for road riders at all stages in their cycling progression. Elite riders can push the pace with peers in the A Group, while hardcore roadies and weekend warriors will find their cadence in the B and C Groups. The Development Groups offer new riders the chance to build skills while focusing on safe group riding dynamics and techniques like paceline rotation. Each group leaves from UC Cyclery in La Jolla and riding starts at 8:30 a.m.
Beloved Normal Heights cycling establishment, Uptown Bicycles, may have recently closed shop, but that hasn’t stopped its former proprietors from continuing their No Spandex Saturday rides. As the name suggests, leave the lycra at home—this casual group ride is about the simple pleasures and camaraderie of enjoying the city on two wheels. Each week’s route is posted in advance on the group’s Instagram page and tends to feature a stop or two for refreshments at local favorites.
There’s enough asphalt in San Diego to keep even the most tenacious spinner satisfied, but sometimes the greatest thrills in life require taking the road less pedaled, which is where Gravelstoke comes in. An online hub for gravel riders, racers, bikepackers, and anyone else who enjoys adventure on two wheels, Gravelstoke hosts gravel rides and events on a monthly basis. Routes and locations are posted in advance on Gravelstoke’s event calendar and feature a mix of gravel, trail, and road riding conditions.
It’s often said that the simplest things in life are the best, and the best things in life are free—so why not apply that to biking, too? With no entry fees, no race numbers, and no registration, the Fiesta Island Tracklocross Association’s monthly Saturday race series has everything you want, and nothing you don’t. Starting at 9:30 a.m. the first Saturday of every month, a bike and the willingness to pedal for glory are all that is required to enter. Any type of bicycle is allowed, however “tracklocross” bikes—hybrid track/cyclocross bikes—are encouraged.
Adams Avenue Bicycles hosts multiple rides that are certain to keep even the heartiest velo fanatics busy. Drop bar banshees, gravel grinders and mountain mashers will all find something to suit their styles throughout the month. Roadie watt watchers can spin until their heart’s content each week on the Monday Smackdown road rides. Leaving from Adams Avenue Bicycles at 6:45 p.m., this ride is all about showing up and throwing down over the course of 26.88 miles before returning to the shop.
Mountain bikers and gravel riders seeking a midweek session will appreciate the DirTNR rides occurring each Tuesday night during the velodrome racing season. Riders link up at the velodrome at 5:15 p.m. before rolling out for a casual hour-long ride through Florida Canyon, returning to the velodrome in time to catch some track racing action.
Those who want to take their riding further afield will enjoy the monthly Sunday Field Trips, typically scheduled for the second Sunday of each month. Each trip will explore a different part of the county with locations and routes shared ahead of time on their website.
With the tagline, “We’re a pack. Not a mass,” Awarewolf is a collection of cyclists led by Charlie Sears and Ricardo Juarez, with the aim of increasing bicycling participation, safety and, of course, awareness, especially between riders and drivers in San Diego. In keeping with this mission, Awarewolf hosts a monthly Full Moon Bike Ride open to riders of all styles, from casual cruisers to fixed gear fanatics. The time, location and routes vary month-to-month and are posted in advance on Awarewolf’s website, but one thing is certain: when the Awarewolves are out, even the moon cycles.
The Awarewolves aren’t the only pack of pedalers in town; the SheWolves bring their own lycanthropic flair to biking. A cycling club for women, trans, femme, and gender nonconforming riders, the SheWolves focus on fostering inclusion and allyship in the San Diego cycling scene. Thursday night group rides leave from the Bea Evenson Fountain in Balboa Park at 7:15 p.m. and end at a different bar or brewery for post-ride libations each week.
Given its connections to cycling (its name is a French term for “having wheels,” and was later adopted by racers), it’s no surprise that North County beer staple and bike themed brewery, Rouleur, hosts a social ride every Thursday night from its North Park tap room. The ride begins at 6:00 p.m. and follows a 17-mile route, ending back at Rouleur for beer and refreshments.
The San Diego Bike Coalition does essential advocacy work to ensure the region’s bicycling culture continues to grow and thrive by championing projects to improve cycling infrastructure, access to bike lanes, and policies that benefit riders. While the Bike Coalition doesn’t host a dedicated weekly ride, they do publish a robust monthly calendar of biking events in the area, ranging from local races to classes on safe riding skills and bicycle maintenance.
Venture on two wheels through this spider web of trails offering views of the Coronado bridge on a clear day
On Florida Drive, which bisects Balboa Park, but not extending beyond Park Boulevard on the west side and Pershing Drive on the east, there is a spider web of trails in Florida Canyon. If you’re willing to explore it, you can connect upwards of seven miles of trails, depending on how you link them up. Since there’s no set route, use any available stretch of dirt pathway to get in around an hour of fairly strenuous riding.
Park in the parking lots by the Morley Field baseball and softball fields. To start, ride in the direction of the tennis courts and on toward the dog park, skirting its edge and diving into the trail on the far left corner, which is the southwest side of the dog area. The immediate cobble-filled downhill will get you loosened up a bit.
Stay straight, never making any hard turns. The trail will twist and turn as you pass turnoffs, but stay the course. If you do, about a mile later you will end up down at the intersection of Pershing Dr., 26th St., and Florida Drive. Staying on the dirt, look to your left and note the single track that climbs up alongside Pershing Dr. Take it. Enjoy the wildflowers if they’re poppin’.
It is about a half-mile climb up a tight and fairly narrow single track. Back down at the three-way intersection, go right, back in the direction that you came. As you work your way back through, at about the half-mile mark, turn left and cross over Florida Dr. The crossover occurs slightly beyond Zoo Place ahead of the trail entrance. It’s a little past Zoo Place, going north, on the west side.
Again, dive in and get ready for cobbles. Follow the trail as it bends to the right. At this point, there is a main trail going north, but you’ll see other trails jumping off as you go. I tend to stay low and keep close to the stream. When I reach the north end, crossing over Morley Field Drive, I slowly pedal the Little Eden Trail. It’s very short but oh so beautiful with the big trees and shady canopies.
At this point, turn around and cross back over Morley Field Drive. Then go up the steep incline/hill to your right. Up top, it will come to a T intersection, at which point, go left. From here, go across the top.
From there, it’s a free-for-all as to what to do next. You can double up again and ride what you rode earlier. One typical route I do is after crossing Florida Drive at Zoo Place, I go north on the trail and take the immediate right-hand trail that climbs up and up. It’s a switchback that can be grueling, especially on a single-speed.
Up top, turn right and ride the dirt road, heading south. On a clear day, you can see the Coronado Bridge and distant Coronado Islands in Mexican waters. It’s a stunning view when there’s no marine layer or haze. From there, look around and wander your way back to wherever you started. There are other trails up top that drop down. You can’t really get lost.
James Murren is an award-winning adventure/travel writer, with nearly three decades of independent journalism experience. He's often having a good time in our local mountains, deserts and waters, when he's not teaching classes at SDSU.
This lesser-known trek offers rewarding climbs and stunning views of East County
The Anderson Truck Trail (ATT) has been around for upwards of 80 years. Today, it is not a trail that you can actually drive a truck on from end-to-end. Technically, when mountain bikers, hikers, dog walkers and trail runners are on it today, they are actually using an unsanctioned trail. From top to bottom, there are various land use/title designations, including: United States Forest Service, Capitan Grande Reservation, San Diego River Park Foundation, and private property owners. Officially, there is no legal way to access the trail (but that does not prevent countless people from using it every day). I’m not saying you should go.
But if you did find yourself there, this is a trail riding experience that affords breathtaking views of the El Capitan Reservoir and surrounding foothills. The farther up you climb, the more rewarding the views. In late spring/summer, the rocky landscape becomes green and wildflowers pop. Winter’s rains course their way like lifeblood from the ground up through the trunks of oaks, the groves taking on a deeper green hue than the grasses.
To get started, some visitors park at the T intersection of Alpine Blvd. and Peutz Valley Rd. off of the I-8 near Alpine in a dirt parking area, or they simply park along the road below the 8 that runs overhead. They then pedal up Peutz Valley Rd. for about one mile, watching on their left for a single track entrance. They take it. They then descend at the outset a little ways, about a mile or so.
The trail has a cross-country-esque feel to it, meaning it dips and bends and has an uphill bump or two along the way. When it begins to noticeably climb, riders settle in for the relatively steep and long grind to the top, roughly three miles. With some chunk here and there, it is a perfect tech-lover’s training ground for boosting one’s ascending abilities.
The oak grove somewhere mid-way through the climb is a solid spot for a break to take in the views. At the summit, the trail opens up into what feels like a giant dirt parking lot. Again, the views. Not done? No problem.
The ATT continues, but riders will come upon a well-signed and fenced area when reaching the Capitan Grande Reservation. No continuing past that point. Riders here must turn around and head back in the direction they came up. Along the way, though, they can watch for unmarked single track to the sides of the ATT. If feeling adventurous, riders can take one, like those choose-your-own-adventure books of yesteryear.
Not feeling it? The descent on the original up hill trail is phenomenal. It’s fast, hair-raising, white-knuckle downhill glory at its best. One thing though: that little descent at the start of the ATT—after all the fun downhill ends—riders have to climb a little to get back out.
Riders who choose this trail should be respectful of locals by not parking at the trailhead. There is no legal parking there. Also, riders should not try to access Capitan Grande Reservation lands. Riders are not permitted to be there.
Anyone who is hungry after can take Alpine Blvd. into Alpine for about three miles. Order what sounds good at Tapatio’s and take it up the sidewalk to Mcilhenney Brewing Company. Order what sounds good there and then carry beer and Mexican food out back. Enjoy!
James Murren is an award-winning adventure/travel writer, with nearly three decades of independent journalism experience. He's often having a good time in our local mountains, deserts and waters, when he's not teaching classes at SDSU.
This month, the 2026 San Diego Business Impact Awards recognized local businesses making an impact in clean energy, biotech, hospitality, and beyond
Renewable energy companies building hundreds of power plants. Biotech startups using artificial intelligence to create personalized medicine for children with rare diseases. Hospitality companies quietly powering thousands of local events. Consumer brands growing from beach-town startups into national businesses. These are the kinds of companies driving San Diego’s economy today, and the businesses recognized at this year’s San Diego Business Impact Awards offer a snapshot of where the region is headed.
Hosted July 23 by San Diego Regional Economic Development Corporation (EDC) and JPMorganChase, the second annual awards event honored four local companies for innovation, growth, and economic impact. More than 100 nominations from San Diego’s middle-market businesses were reviewed by a 10-person judging committee, with winners selected across four categories: startup, early-stage innovator, rising star, and established heavyweight.
Two-time honoree Jimbo Someck, founder of Jimbo’s organic grocery stores, also joined the event for a fireside chat on buying local, supporting emerging brands, and giving back to the community.
“San Diego’s strength comes from its makers and builders—the resilient people who endure great risks and overcome obstacles to build and scale a company,” says Aaron Ryan, San Diego Region Manager and Middle Market Banking at JPMorganChase & Co. “These awards aren’t just recognition; they spotlight the talent, grit, and innovation shaping our region’s future. By celebrating those who create and build, we foster connections and fuel the growth that keeps San Diego thriving.”
Heavyweight honoree SOLV Energy has grown alongside the country’s rapid investment in renewable power. “It’s an exciting time for SOLV Energy as we are experiencing significant growth,” says CEO George Hershman. “The business has doubled over the last year and has almost double-digit growth since its inception.”
The Rancho Bernardo-based company designs, builds, operates, and maintains utility-scale solar and energy storage facilities. Since its founding in 2008, SOLV Energy has built more than 500 power plants.
Growth has translated directly into hiring. About 200 employees work from the company’s local headquarters, including roughly 20 interns. “Our intern program is a big part of the way that we grow our workforce,” Hershman says. “Last year, 43 percent of our interns became full-time employees. We believe San Diego is a great community to build and grow a high-tech infrastructure and technology company because of the incredible workforce—the ability to attract top talent and draw from world-class universities.”
Startup honoree La Jolla Labs is tackling one of medicine’s biggest challenges by developing personalized RNA therapeutics for patients with rare diseases—many of them children with neurological disorders like ALS. Using proprietary artificial intelligence and machine learning tools, the biotech company develops treatments tailored to each patient’s specific genetic mutation.
CEO Tamar Grossman says the recognition reflects how far the company has come despite limited resources. “We’re honored to be recognized for our ability to change and save patients’ lives and turn our lean startup into a clinical company with very minimal resources,” she says.
Grossman credits San Diego’s concentration of research institutions—including UC San Diego, the Salk Institute, and Scripps Research—with creating a pipeline of talent and collaboration. “San Diego is one of the world-leading centers for technology, genomics, and RNA therapeutics,” she says. “We have over 30 RNA therapeutics companies here, and we support each other and help with anything related to drug discovery.”
She says that collaborative spirit extends beyond formal partnerships. “You can walk around Torrey Pines, go into a café, and find colleagues from the industry and have an ad hoc conversation,” Grossman says. “That’s something very unique to San Diego.”
While Snake Oil Venue Company may not be a household name, chances are many San Diegans have attended one of its events. The early-stage innovator honoree has expanded from beverage catering and mixology consulting into venue management, operating Julep Venue in Mission Hills, Bramble Bay Venue in Imperial Beach, Vesper Venue, the Chapel at Liberty Station, and five outdoor venues throughout Liberty Station—more than 500,000 square feet of event space altogether.
“We do a lot of launch parties for corporations and new products,” says CEO Mike Esposito. “I really like working on the entrepreneur side of things, where new businesses are entering the San Diego market and looking to make a splash.”
Snake Oil has executed more than 16,000 events, employed more than 1,000 people, and partnered with more than 900 local vendors, including caterers, florists, photographers, entertainers, and other hospitality businesses. The company also works with many of San Diego’s nonprofits, museums, and cultural institutions. “We get to celebrate people’s most important moments,” Esposito says. “Whether that’s a wedding, celebration of life, or quinceañera, we’re fortunate to be involved in the community in so many different ways.”
Rising star honoree ALOHA Collection is proof that a simple idea can grow into a thriving company. Founded by two roommates who wanted a better way to carry wet swimsuits after a day at the beach, the lifestyle brand has grown into a business while maintaining strong year-over-year growth.
Now headquartered in Carlsbad, ALOHA Collection employs more than 100 people and operates its California flagship store in Encinitas, which is slated for a remodel. With roots in Hawaii, the company is known for its lightweight, splash-proof travel bags that have become a familiar sight on beaches in San Diego and beyond.
“‘Aloha’ is part of our name, but it’s also how we move through the world,” says CEO Lynna Barnard. “It’s how we show up for people, the way we travel, the way we give back.” Since day one, the company has maintained a 5 percent giveback to Hawaii conservation efforts, contributing millions of dollars over the years.
“I think what’s so inspiring about ALOHA Collection, and the founders in particular, is when you dream big, those dreams can come true when you work hard and trust in the universe,” Barnard says. “It’s inspiring to be a role model for other people wanting to start businesses from humble beginnings. Start small and watch it grow.”
Together, businesses like these form a cornerstone of San Diego’s economy—not only through the jobs and revenue they generate—but through the local workers they hire, vendors they support, and investments they make in the region. Their growth doesn’t happen in isolation; it ripples outward, strengthening the broader business community and the people who call San Diego home.
Cruise through a 10-mile trail featuring pine forests, mixed oaks, snow, and a sub-desert of the greater Sonoran
No, that is not John Denver crooning, “Rocky Mountain high, Colorado.”
It is me, singing, “Laguna Mountain high, San Diego.”
Up a mile in the bluebird sky of the Peninsular Ranges, I pedal away on my mountain bike from Penny Pines Trailhead, which sits off of Sunrise Highway, and go in the direction of the southern terminus of the Noble Canyon Trail, some ten miles away in Pine Valley.
It is a dandy of a trail, traveling through pine forest and mixed oaks before reaching the farthest edges of the Colorado Desert, a sub-desert of the greater Sonoran. Along the way, the traveler, whether on foot, horseback, or bike, descends through six eco-zones. During the winter, when rain and snow fall on the Lagunas, Noble Creek steadily—and sometimes heartily—flows through the canyon, a mountain-to-desert seasonal stream that fills the air with a refreshing and life-giving song.
The Peninsular Ranges are characterized by what some consider to be “sky islands,” meaning that their uppermost peaks reach more than 6,000 feet. The Noble Canyon Trail begins in a pine and oak “island,” then drops in elevation from its northernmost point to its southern end. However, trail traversers also ascend some uphill sections here and there, the first one less than a mile into the trek.
In the far viewshed to the north, snow-capped San Gorgonio glistens in its winter cloak. In the foreground and its environs, the nearby Cuyamaca Mountains sit quietly, peaks like sentinels watching over the land. Cresting out, I go down and around, the trail undulating like a flamenco dancer.
Further on, the trail plummets. The pines seem taller as they reach skyward from the darker forest floor, and the sound of water starts trickling in my ear. Not long after that, there it is: Noble Creek, a narrow ribbon running through the forest on its way to the desert. I cross over it a few times, trying not to get my shoes wet.
About midway down the trail, I arrive at the Tolkien Oak Forest (an affectionate nickname I’ve coined) waiting on the other side of one of the stream crossings. The ambient light is darker. The canopy of magnificent California Black Oaks is so thick that dappled light is all that hits the ground. I stay and quietly sit. This is my rehydration and snack spot, and it’s also where I refill my soul tank. To be here, in this moment, with these trees, is reason alone to make this 10-mile trek.
I continue, soul moderately quelled, knowing there’s more to discover still. Descending through more oaks with scattered pines that give way to desert chaparral and various cacti, I pedal methodically through the rock gardens, taking care not to crash and fall while still keeping pace. Soon, I arrive at the second place along Noble Canyon Trail that stops me in my tracks.
It feels as if I am biking through a keyhole, and, when I finally enter it, I unlock a door that opens to a stunning desert view with soaring ridgelines. Way down below, the stream is a silver snake winding its way through the hardscrabble landscape. Yuccas and beavertail cactus defy the odds, eons of evolution granting them the ability to thrive in an unforgiving landscape.
There’s no escape from the punishing sun. I pause, slathering some sunblock on my face and the back of my neck. The trail bends and meanders, ranging down and up and then down some more, with more rock gardens along the way. Decomposed granite dots the trail surface. When I reach the junction that requires me to turn left to stay on Noble Canyon Trail, I’m feeling a bit haggard, so I refuel with water and an apple, knowing a large sand trap is just around the way.
I pedal quickly past another creek up the slope to the other side, which leads me to another ethereal oak grove where the sun passes through the leaves, illuminating the canopy like a natural cathedral. I sit to take it in.
The next stretch is gradually uphill, a long couple of miles of slight incline that I call “the slog” on account of the endless sand. It’s a put-your-head-down-and-go section of trail.
Cresting out at the end of that slog, I carve my way along the trail as it passes downward through camel-colored boulders to my right and long views on my left. I continue to climb, eventually finding a manzanita forest, a gnarled, fragrant mess that always lures me in. I can never pass through without touching the trees’ silk-smooth bark.
Then, it’s all down-down-down to the parking lot, an exhilarating run. There are more oaks to admire and big rocks to navigate through, culminating in one final push, when the trail finally rolls like a soft magic carpet ride to its end point. I’m greeted by towering pines that whisper in the breeze, singing their own song.
James Murren is an award-winning adventure/travel writer, with nearly three decades of independent journalism experience. He's often having a good time in our local mountains, deserts and waters, when he's not teaching classes at SDSU.
Hit the trails this month to take in the wildflowers, cacti, and if you’re lucky, bighorn sheep
Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is the largest state park in California, at some 600,000 acres and with more than 500 miles of desert roads that are open to bikes. November through April is the perfect season to explore the natural beauty along those roads.
Here are three Borrego roads to wander this late winter and early spring:
On the west side of the paved S2 road, 8.5 miles north of the Ocotillo exit on I-8, there is a parking area and kiosk off the side of the road that is notable with The Impossible Railroad information sign that is there. Park your vehicle and get set up for biking on what is Mortero Canyon Rd., the sandy/decomposed granite desert road that is right in front of you.
Pedal a little over four miles away from the paved S2 road, or, head west. Your destination is the Dos Cabezas Water Tower, a remnant of the bygone days of The Impossible Railroad. From the water tower, you can go south/left or north/right on unmarked desert roads to add on more miles and exploration.
Approximately 4.5 miles south of Route 78 on the paved S2 road sits the parking area for Pinyon Mountain Rd. It is on the left (east) side of the road when traveling south, a little past Stagecoach Trails, which is an RV Resort and campground, complete with a little general store for stocking up on food and drinks for desert wandering.
From the parking area after you saddle up, stay to the right at the first desert road intersection that is a little beyond where you parked. The desert road (Pinyon Mountain Rd.) will gradually ascend, making for a slow climb that takes upwards of an hour before you reach the top, amidst the scattered juniper trees. From there, it is classic cross-country riding on two-track.
Continue straight for a few miles to reach “the squeeze.” It is a tight geologic formation that can be biked through, but it is quite technical. Hike-a-bike is also a good idea. After passing through the squeeze, continue straight another mile or so to the end of the road for a spectacular desert view. You cannot go farther, unless you have rappelling gear. Turn around and head back, or on the way back, explore side roads to see more slot canyons.
Take the In-Ko-Pah exit off the I-8, which is on the border of San Diego County and Imperial County. The large parking area for Valley of the Moon is obvious to see on the south side of the 8. With your back to the interstate, pedal over to the hard/paved road on your left and then prepare for a steep, strenuous and grueling climb to the top. It might take upwards of an hour to get up there, depending on your ability.
At the top there is an intersection and the roads are no longer paved. If you go right, you’ll climb some more before the desert road undulates up and down. Along the way, you’ll see the border wall between Mexico and the USA. I suggest going left at the intersection for wandering out into the desert in the direction of some boulder fields that are popular with rock climbers. There are several roads that shoot off from the main road that you are on, the entire area being a bowl, or a valley. Take your bearings when adventuring, reading the landscape and/or retracing your way back down to your vehicle.
I have biked Borrego’s desert roads on a singlespeed 29er with 2.1 inch tires, a full-suspension mountain bike with 2.3 inch wide 27.5 tires, and with a fat bike that has 3.8 inch tires. The fatter the tires, the easier it is to pedal on the desert roads with deeper sand/decomposed granite.
When the going gets deep, get to the sides of the roads where the surface will be harder and easier to pedal. Always pack more water than you think you’ll need. Three liters per person is a good minimum. Enjoy the wildflowers, cacti and if you’re lucky, the bighorn sheep.
James Murren is an award-winning adventure/travel writer, with nearly three decades of independent journalism experience. He's often having a good time in our local mountains, deserts and waters, when he's not teaching classes at SDSU.
It’s a Self-Care Summer. Because your best self is our favorite self.
If you’re anything like us, it can be easy to get so caught up in taking care of everyone else, that your own needs get lost in the ether. But while this may be a cliché, that doesn’t make it any less true: You can’t give your best self to other people unless you’re taking care of yourself.
Sometimes, that looks like stopping in for your regular acupuncture or chiropractic appointment. Other days, it means giving your body the fresh, organic fuel it needs to truly feel and function at its best. And some other times still, it involves leaving your responsibilities behind for a weekend to pamper yourself at an incredible resort and spa.
Only you can decide what your truly need. We’re just here to help you find the best ways to get it.
Island living meets desert luxury at the Tommy Bahama Miramonte Resort & Spa in Indian Wells. When you step onto the 11-acre property, you’ll be surrounded by sweeping view of the Santa Rosa Mountains with olive trees and fragrant citrus groves decorating the grounds. In other words, everything about this relaxed but refined resort is primed to help you let go of the stress from home and enjoy easy sun-soaked days and gorgeous starry nights.
The rooms blend calming, woven textures with Tommy Bahama’s signature tropical prints and feature private lanais, making it easy unwind the moment you walk in the door. If you book one of the four Villa Suites, you’ll be treated to exclusive Tommy Bahama furniture and unique personal touches to further that feeling of instant ease.
At the award-winning Spa Rosa, the expert team will help reset and recharge your body and mind using methods and rituals inspired by the desert. The 12,000-square-foot retreat includes outdoor soaking pools, eucalyptus steam rooms, and outdoor cabanas, as well as massages, facials, and body masks—all aimed at creating a day dedicated to you. We’re particularly partial to the Day Long Escape, an indulgent all-day affair of CDBs soaks, renewing scrubs, life changing massages, and transformative facials.
Following your treatment, continue the experience with a meal on the patio at Grapefruit Basil. We love the Hamachi Crudo, a light, citrus-forward dish featuring premium yellowtail, house-made ponzu, creamy avocado, and fresh seasonal garnishes.
Whether you’re strolling the gardens, relaxing beside its saltwater pools, or indulging in a restorative treatment, you’ll be able to escape in style and relax in luxury at the Tommy Bahama Miramonte Resort & Spa.
There’s no shortage of ways to stay active in San Diego—but if you really want to enjoy everything the city has to offer, you’ve got to make sure you’re giving your body its tune-ups. Enter: Healcove Chiropractic. The board-certified chiropractors and wellness professionals at Healcove are experts at addressing that stage where you’re not injured, exactly, but you’re not at 100%, either. Maybe you’re feeling a bit tense or stressed out. Or it could be that you’re not quite moving the way you want to. Sometimes, it’s just that the accumulation of days, weeks, or even years of daily strain is starting to take a toll. No matter what stage you find yourself at, the Healcove Chiropractic team can provide integrated, preventative care centered on long-term, science-backed approaches that ensure you can always stay active and live the life you want to live pain-free.
This starts by providing truly individualized care. Every patient can expect a thorough 60-minute consultation session that includes a posture and movement screening. This allows the team to develop a completely personalized plan. That plan might include chiropractic care, acupuncture, or massage therapy, as well as functional fitness training, vibration and sound therapy, and Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization, a clinical rehabilitation method that retrains the body’s stabilization systems. Whatever the team recommends, you can be sure that it’s tailored to meeting your body’s needs today and the future.
There’s a reason that San Diego Magazine named Healcove the “Best Chiropractor in San Diego”—don’t wait until you’re struggling with an injury to find out why. Book an appointment today for holistic, integrated care that helps ground and heal your body before it reaches a crisis point.
West Coast wellness culture meets the community feel of Southern Appalachia at Juice Holler. Juice Holler’s menu consists of made-to-order smoothies and smoothie bowls, as well as grab-and-go cold-pressed juices, wellness shots, salads, and more. It operates from the blissfully simple premise that fueling up with food and drink that’s guilt-free and good your body should be simple, accessible, and, above all else, delicious. And if you haven’t yet made it out to the Encinitas café, which opened just this year, let us be the first to tell you: Juice Holler delivers on each and every of these fronts.
We love the Supercharger smoothie, a mood-lifting and body-fueling option made with banana, almond butter, blue spirulina, maca, grass-fed whey protein, raw cacao nibs, medjool dates, and coconut milk. We’re also partial to the Thrive Alive smoothie bowl, where avocado, mango, sea moss, spirulina, mint, coconut milk, and agave are mixed and topped with coconut, chia seeds, strawberry, mango, and chocolate drizzle. The wellness shots include the Detoxifier, a cleansing blend of kale, cucumber, lemon and spirulina, plus a shot specially designed to fight inflammation (named, fittingly, Anti-Inflammation). Probiotic overnight oats, lemon turmeric bars, and strawberry shortcake chia pudding are other standouts on the grab-and-go menu.
Much of the vibe feels beachy North County chic—think green tile with orange and pink accents, grounded with greenery and natural wood—but Juice Holler founder Kelly Sergott, a longtime Encinitas local, has also enfused the space with her Kentucky roots. In Appalachia, a holler is small valley between hills and mountains, where nature reigns, community is king, and nourishment comes right from the land. At Juice Holler, Sergott has created a holler for the busy modern times, using local ingredients to create a spot for people to come together and enjoy fresh, fast, feel-good fuel for their day.
We’ve all had that experience with a medical professional where we’ve felt rushed, ignored, or misunderstood—and ultimately, like we didn’t get the answers that we needed. But at Everwell, the holistic acupuncture practice located in Solana Beach, the care team wants to transform your understanding of what healthcare can look like.
Patients at Everwell experience care rooted in intentional listening and radical empathy—and trust us, those aren’t just corporate buzzwords. This place actually puts those ideas into practice. You will always be given the time you need to tell your story— initial in-take appointments are two hours long—and you can rest assured that your story will be believed. Every single question and concern will be addressed by a dedicated practitioner who wants to find the specific solutions that work best for you, and you’ll receive care that’s aimed at healing the body, mind, and spirit.
Everwell’s highly trained, doctorate-level practitioners blend evidence-based acupuncture with the practice of classical Chinese medicine. (If you’ve never tried acupuncture before or aren’t sure if the team will be a fit, we’d highly recommended Everwell’s complimentary 20-minute consultations.) Research shows that by stimulating specific points on the body, acupuncture activates a natural healing response in the body, helping to restore balance, regulate the nervous system, and improve overall wellbeing. This allows the practice to address an incredibly wide range of conditions from chronic pain and autoimmune disorders to digestive issues, from stress and burnout to headaches migraines, fertility and postpartum struggles, hormonal imbalances, sleep concerns and more.
At Everwell, you can expect to feel heard, trusted, respected, and cared for. This is a space that doesn’t want to be just another healthcare provider you visit; it wants to provide patients with dedicated partner who will be there for their entire health journey.
