Looking for the best trails around El Cajon?

Explore the best rated trails in El Cajon, CA, whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the Rose Creek Bike Path and Linear Park (CA) . With more than 19 trails covering 93 miles you're bound to find a perfect trail for you. Click on any trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.

Recent Trail Reviews

San Diego River Trail

Fallen to horrible disrepair

October, 2023 by wmichaelbratton

As the title describes, I triked the complete length of the trail from Mission Valley all the way to Dog Beach this past week and it's deplorable. About 70% of the length of the trail's surface is bone-shakingly bad. From the parts that are concrete, to the asphalt sections, there are few sections that are in decent, ridable shape. It has been poorly looked after by San Diego Parks and Rec. As mentioned here previously, the homeless population has taken over. It has become seriously unhealthy from garbage and encampment sites. It' so sad as this was one of my favorite rides in the city.

San Luis Rey River Trail

Great trail

October, 2023 by n5ick_tl

This is a very fun trail to ride up and down on! Just remember to slow down for the walkers!

Bayshore Bikeway

Full loop

September, 2023 by psuozzo

Imperial west is good. San Diego side is a poorly marked jumble of urban paths. Not recommended.

Accordion

Escondido Creek Bike Path

sketchy

September, 2023 by blueboxparts

Tried this path with my wife. Lots of homeless people discussing where to get hypodermic needles sitting in the path.

Mission Bay Bike Path

Wonderful fun path

September, 2023 by barbscondo

We have been staying at Mission Bay RV Park (great place) and the bike path is out the front of the RV park. We have ridden it 5 times in the last few days-both directions and then wandering off the path into different areas and the beach boardwalk. Really nice during the weekdays and more crowded on the weekends. The speed limit is 8 mph !! And most riders honor that. Honestly, that's fast enough there is so much fun stuff to look at and the people watching is wonderful. Beautiful houses/water/boats/kiteboarders and on and on.

Rose Creek Bike Path

Joiner Path

September, 2023 by barbscondo

We are staying at Mission Bay RV Park and riding the Mission Bay Bike Path which is right outside the RV Park. This is a little offshoot off the path. It runs into the Rose Canyon Bicycle Path and onto others I think. I see it mainly as a place to get from A to B of you need to. Not a Path I would ride again for pleasure. This first portion a little sketchy with some homeless campers but no real problem.

San Luis Rey River Trail

Great 20-mile biking trail from down to Oceanside beach and back, safe, clean, and well marked easy route and a variety of views.

August, 2023 by kk19

Great 20-mile biking trail from down to Oceanside beach and back, safe, clean, and well marked easy route and a variety of views.

San Luis Rey River Trail

Please share the road with walkers

July, 2023 by sherrytamai

I usually ride my bike here but today I decided to walk. An older, Caucasian male who was on a bike rudely yelled that this is for bikes only. Idts. I see walkers all the time. I don’t see why we can’t share the trail.

State Route 56 Bike Path

Finally a protected route

July, 2023 by silvishi

A great route with lots of breezes from the Hwy. I don’t mind the noise with my headphones. The path is very large for passing. I’m impressed!

San Luis Rey River Trail

Super Saturday Ride

June, 2023 by kcombs55

Great ride with nice canyon views. Well kept with good underpasses at busy intersections. We will definitely do it again soon.

Bayshore Bikeway

A mid-day Wednesday loop

May, 2023 by dazwr

On a day trip to see my daughter in South Park, I took the 2 hour ride and thoroughly enjoyed it.
I rode through Downtown to catch the ferry, only had to wait about 10 minutes. I wound my way through Coronado before I figured out how to get on the bikeway. Then it was plain sailing.
I agree that the east side does not have the aesthetic and has more challenges, but since this is a major city and this is the industrial part, along with the Naval presence, I was pleasantly surprised that this bikeway exists. I took a minor detour by my missing my turn in the Bayfront area of Chula Vista, but then noticed the Bayshore Bikeway signs. Since I ride a Giant Rincon hybrid, I can handle the few instances the road section was potholed. It got a bit tricky passing the Naval Station between 32nd and 28th between folks coming in and out and road construction. I opted to take 28th to get back to my daughter's place.
I live in the San Gabriel Valley/Pasadena area, and I have learned to be a defensive cyclist, so this seemed quite tame and a nice 26 miler in a major city.

Mission Bay Bike Path

San Diego Local peeps

March, 2023 by drasla

My wife and I ride the Mission Bay bike trail all the time. Great scenery, but sometimes a little crowded.

Find Nearby City trails

Accordion

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