After getting multiple requests we finally put together a list of some of our favorite gravel routes in North County San Diego. These are all moderately difficult routes ranging from 40-50 miles. Terrain is a mix of road, hardpack gravel, singletrack, bike path and fireroad. As such, we recommend a cross or gravel bike with tires at least 40mm in width. In most cases we’ve marked at least one water stop on course, and the dirt sections are labelled in blue. In general, these rides can take anywhere from 4-6 hours.

Coastal Gravel Route

• Distance: 43 miles

• Elevation: 2500 ft

• Start/End: The Confessional, Cardiff by the Sea, CA

• Highlights: Easily accessible via Pacific Coast Highway. Includes Coast to Crest Trail, Gonzales Canyon, 56 Bike Path, Pacific Highlands Pump Track, UCSD, PCH.

• Local tip: Enjoy pour over coffee and a fresh empanada at Bump Coffee before the start, then visit The Confessional post-grind for a pint of Red Barn farmhouse ale with a slice of East Coast Pizza.

Best of North County Gravel Route

• Distance: 51 miles

• Elevation: 5000 ft

• Start/End: Canyon Bicycles USA Showroom, Carlsbad, CA

• Highlights: Enjoy our 2019 Hunt of the North course that explores some of our favorite gravel sections throughout North County. This ride starts and ends at the Canyon US headquarters in coastal Carlsbad, CA. You’ll explore the trails throughout Veteran’s Park, Calaveras, Buena Vista, Leo Carrillo, Rancho La Costa, Encinitas Ranch and Eucalyptus Grove.

• Local tip: Be sure to check out the beautiful showroom at Canyon and check out their impressive lineup of gravel, road and mountain bikes.

RSF Gravel Route

• Distance: 40 miles

• Elevation: 4000 ft

• Start/End: The Lost Abbey, San Marcos, CA

• Highlights: Fun singletrack, river crossings, beautiful roads, remote canyons, steep climbs. This route packs it all in just 40 miles, the first route in our 2019 Gravel Adventure Series #DirtChurch.

• Local tip: This route passes through the villages of Rancho Sante Fe and San Elijo Hills, both offer a few options if you want to take a rest or grab a bite to eat mid ride.

Lusardi Gravel Route

• Distance: 47 miles

• Elevation: 4000 ft

• Start/End: Lost Cyclery, San Marcos, CA

• Highlights: Stone Brewing gravel path, Lake Hodges singletrack, Lilac Trail, Lusardi Loop, Switchbacks. This route has some classic San Diego trails mixed with some lesser known sections we love to ride.

• Local tip: Say hi to Tim Trevino, the owner of Lost Cyclery, who opened up his service-focused bike shop inside The Lost Abbey in 2019. Tim carries some select Gravelstoke merch in his shop, and you can visit him while enjoying a pint from the brewery next door.

Let us know what you think and feel free to ask questions in the comments below!