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Print Friendly MapThe Inland Rail Trail runs alongside the Sprinter light rail service connecting Escondido to Oceanside. The 6.5-mile section in Escondido and San Marcos is the first segment complete, with a 7-mile continuation through San Marcos and Vista currently under construction. In the future, the trail will extend a total of 21 miles to a terminus at the Coastal Rail Trail on Wisconsin Avenue in Oceanside.
The setting for the Inland Rail Trail between Escondido and San Marcos is urban with the rail line on one side and parallel roads nearby. The trail gives access to Palomar College and the Escondido Transit Center, where it also meets the Escondido Creek Bike Path.
Free parking for the Inland Rail Trail is available at the Escondido Transit Center (700 W. Valley Parkway).
Overall - this trail was a fun ride. Nice to speed down the couple of hills but remember what goes down must come back up..... Next time we will park @ the Buena creek station and start ride from there. Cant wait till they open more of the trail in Vista.
Parking: While there isn't designated parking @ the "Philips Street" trail entrance, there is side street parking. We discovered after the fact that there is more discreet parking if you drive further down to Philips street/Philips Circle. There is even a dip in the curb for easy bike entry.
Trail: I would call this stretch of the trail intermediate. There were a couple steady inclines that might be difficult for some on the way back or if your hauling a kid trailer like we do. There were 2 major lights that needed to be crossed to continue on the trail. This section of the trail from Philips to the Buena Creek station where the trail continues is a little more than 2.5 miles.
My husband and I rode our electric scooters from the Civic Center, Vista train station to the end in Escondido - about 10 miles. It’s nicely paved and some of the fencing had beautiful blooming vines. The trail is positioned, at times, right to the side of a busy street but mostly it’s away from the street and runs parallel to the railroad tracks. There are a few cute wooden bridges to cross. There are many stops at street crossings (signals) and the continuation of the route is not well marked at many of those points so look at the markings on the sidewalks when you have a choice to go two directions. There was great etiquette by all users, whether walking, jogging, biking, skateboarding, or rollerblading. We had breakfast in Escondido at Delight of France and then went back to Vista. We really enjoyed it.
This may not be the most senic run in the area, but it is a well maintiained asphalt path. It is a nice alternative when you are looking to put in some miles and you want to stay off the streets.
It's nice that the path is separate from the roadway EXCEPT for the numerous street crossings. There is plenty of parking at the Escondido Transit Center with direct access to the path. There are no restroom facilities on the path so be prepared. On the return trip you can ride in the street on a clearly marked bike lane. Overall I give this three stars. I think it could be much better and may be more functional if it is extended all the way to Oceanside.
From North side of parking lot, at Escondido Transit Center, on North side of West Valley Parkway/N Quince St
The Inland Rail Trail starts at N33.11965 W117.09129 elev 643’ crosses Rock Creek Trail then turns left along North side of Rock Creek. Trail signs say Oceanside, however the trail currently ends in 6.6 miles at N Pacific St., just past Palomar College. There are many street crossings with directions painted on the trail surface. To cross Woodland Parkway the trail goes s-west a short distance to cross at Rancheros Dr. Noel Keller 7 Nov 09
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