Sweetwater Reservoir – Reservoir View loop from Bonita
Sweetwater Reservoir – Reservoir View loop from Bonita
4.7
(8149)
8,150
riders
Sweetwater Reservoir – Reservoir View loop from Bonita
01:33
19.4km
210m
Cycling
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.
Last updated: April 5, 2026
Tips
Includes a segment in which cycling is not permitted
After 17.1 km for 267 m
Waypoints
Start point
Parking
Get Directions
1.42 km
Sweetwater Reservoir
Highlight • Lake
Tip by
1.65 km
Sweetwater Summit Regional Park
Highlight • Rest Area
Tip by
2.14 km
Reservoir View
Highlight • Viewpoint
Tip by
2.99 km
Cardiac Hill Trail
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
Tip by
13.5 km
Rohr Park
Highlight • Rest Area
Tip by
13.7 km
Sweetwater River Trail
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
Tip by
19.4 km
End point
Parking
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
7.24 km
6.03 km
3.92 km
1.44 km
420 m
284 m
Surfaces
8.10 km
8.05 km
1.70 km
1.49 km
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Elevation
Highest point (120 m)
Lowest point (20 m)
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Weather
Powered by Foreca
Thursday 25 June
23°C
16°C
0 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 14.0 km/h
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Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Description
If you're looking for a touring cycling route that keeps you on your toes, the Sweetwater Reservoir – Reservoir View loop from Bonita offers a moderate 12.0-mile (19.4 km) ride with 697 feet (212 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking around 1 hour and 32 minutes. This trail is a bit of a Jekyll and Hyde, starting out easy but quickly introducing more challenging sections, making it ideal for cyclists who enjoy a varied terrain and aren't afraid of a little technical singletrack mixed with smoother paths.
What to expect on Sweetwater Reservoir – Reservoir View loop from Bonita
The route unfolds with spectacular views of the Sweetwater Reservoir, transitioning from near-flat, grassy sections and smooth singletrack to more demanding terrain. You'll pass through open grasslands and streamside vegetation, with glimpses of San Miguel Mountain in the distance. Be prepared for a 'split personality' trail; while some parts are gentle, others, especially after about a mile and near the 'Tiki Hut,' involve significant ups and downs, including gnarly, rutted sections that might require dismounting. This makes it a great choice for touring cyclists comfortable with varied surfaces and some technical challenges, offering a rewarding ride for those seeking more than just a paved path.
Planning your visit
The Sweetwater Reservoir trails are multi-use, welcoming pedestrians, horses, and leashed pets alongside cyclists. As part of the San Diego National Wildlife Refuge, e-bikes are permitted on USFW Refuge Land and most County Managed Trails. While specific parking details aren't provided, the trail connects from Bonita, suggesting various access points. Consider visiting during cooler parts of the day or year, as the open terrain can be exposed to the sun.
Trail details
- Distance: 12.0 miles (19.4 km)
- Elevation gain: 697 feet (212 metres)
- Difficulty: moderate
- Estimated time: 1 hours and 32 minutes
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