Hodges Dam – Fire Road Switchback Viewpoint loop from Del Dios

Bike touring routes & trails

Hodges Dam – Fire Road Switchback Viewpoint loop from Del Dios

Moderate

4.9

(1320)

18,410

riders

Hodges Dam – Fire Road Switchback Viewpoint loop from Del Dios

02:17

23.8km

430m

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: October 16, 2026

Tips

Includes a very steep uphill segment

You may need to push your bike.

After 4.80 km for 194 m

Waypoints

Start point

Parking

Get Directions

1.67 km

Hodges Dam

Highlight (Segment) • Monument

Lake Drive passes through the community of Del Dios and runs along Lake Hodges to the dam, offering scenic views of the lake and countryside. This road is also used …

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3.36 km

Rattlesnake Viewpoint – View of Lake Hodges Dam and San Dieguito River

Highlight • Viewpoint

This viewpoint gets its name from the rock wall that winds around in the shape of a snake. Here, you'll find stunning views of Lake Hodges Dam and the San Dieguito River, along with a Pipe Scope Sculpture.

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6.46 km

Del Dios Gorge Trailhead

Highlight • Trail

This Trailhead starts the Del Dios Gorge Trail, which runs around the San Dieguito River and up to Lake Hodges and forms part of the Coast to Crest Trail.

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7.90 km

Santa Fe Valley Trail

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

The Santa Fe Valley Trail is a 3.6-mile trail in the San Dieguito River Park. Parking is available at the San Dieguito River Park staging area. The trail starts near …

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9.35 km

Fire Road Switchback Viewpoint

Highlight • Viewpoint

the switchbacks take a little skill to turn and stay seated on bike; fun once you get the hang of it...

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11.1 km

Steep Trail on Loose Dirt

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

dumps you into a private neighborhood, good exit path if lusardi creek crossing is flooded

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11.8 km

Flooded Creek Crossing

Highlight • Natural

About 4-6 inches at it deepest and maybe 12-15ft wide. There are rocks to step on on the side. Did not get my feet wet at all.

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15.6 km

Sante Fe Valley Trail

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

Though in some ways an urban trail, the Sante Fe Valley Trail—which follows the path of the San Dieguito River—provides a surprisingly vibrant, natural landscape of rolling hills, flowing river, and bright sky.

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