Sweetwater Trail

Overview

Although short, and with no major climbs, the Sweetwater trail packs a good workout and a lot of fun into 2.5 miles.<br><br>From the Bradbury Dam Overlook parking area, head SE past the bathrooms to find the start of the trail. After a short flat warm up, the trail drops down it's first steep rocky pitch. From here there's lots of up and down, some steep and a little loose, some smooth and fast, for the remainder of the ride. The trail holds your attention with quick turns and easy to avoid obstacles. There are a few spur trails that head towards the lake at different times but for the most part the main trail is easy to follow. Once you see the picnic tables on the left, and a paved path, your journey is over.<br><br>Most people will park at the dam parking area and ride this as an out and back. There are other short spur trails in Lake Cachuma County Park that are fun to check out. You can also use the Sweetwater Trail to hook into, or add a little extra, to some of the rides on the South side of hwy 154.<br><br>This ride provides fun and challenge in both directions. Most people feel westbound is a little more difficult. Novice riders should expect to push their bikes up some of the short steeper sections

Trail Stats

Photos

Loose rocks make a tough climb

Loose rocks make a tough climb

Looking down one of the steeper sections

Looking down one of the steeper sections

Beautiful views out across Lake Cachuma!

Beautiful views out across Lake Cachuma!

This is the east end of the trail. The main trail heads off left while the paved path goes towards a picnic area and fishing pier (water level permitting).

This is the east end of the trail. The main trail heads off left while the paved path goes towards a picnic area and fishing pier (water level permitting).

Head straight past the small pine tree to find the start of the trail. The bathrooms are the stone building to the left.

Head straight past the small pine tree to find the start of the trail. The bathrooms are the stone building to the left.

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