The State Route 56 Bike Path provides a traffic-separated connection between inland and coastal San Diego County. The route gradually inclines traveling inland and parallels State Route 56 closely for much of the way. There's a short on-road segment on low-stress Azuaga Street near Interstate 15 at the northeast end of the trail.
On the western end, just west of I-5, is the Sorrento Valley Road Trail; unfortunately, there is no linking path for now, although long-term plans call for the connection to be made.
On the western end of the trail, a parking area is available at the intersection of Clews Ranch Road and Carmel Country Road. On the eastern end of the trail, parking is available in nearby Carmel Mountain Ranch Community Park (10152 Rancho Carmel Drive).
I rode this path this past Saturday. I started in Del Mar and hijacked the ride from there to Rancho Penasquitos and back. I used the Mappy Thing to locate this trail and it turned out to be a nice ride for a beginner like me. The hills are not steep but there is a noticeable climb heading from west to east. The ride back to the west was significantly faster going downhill. One thing to note is that the path goes through part of a neighborhood so watch out for children and families. Total distance I traveled was 27 miles but that isn't necessary to get some exercise. Also, watching the hot air balloons was very cool!
This trail is not a big draw for tourists, but it's popular for exercise and for getting between Interstate Routes 5 and 15 in north San Diego County. There is a fairly steep quarter-mile climb on Azuaga Street going east near the east end of the trail. This appears to be the reason why many of the folks just out for exercise turn around when they reach Rancho Penasquitos Blvd. The eastern section of the trail closely follows Highway 56 and the rolling hills are not bad for most riders. The scenery is fairly interesting for Southern California. The western section follows a river bed and has a lot more trees and other foliage to ride through. You also go by a horse ranch and the upscale Palacio Del Mar development. There are no restrooms or water on the trail itself. There is a convenience store and gas station next to the trail at Camino Del Sur a little east of the halfway point. There is a Taco Bell near the west end accessible via northbound El Camino Real then left at Carmel Valley Rd.
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