2.5 hr
Overview
The start from Clairemont Community Center is steep and travels along an exposed rocky hillside. Riders will quickly encounter two to three bump creek crossings. After that, it's a dream of nice wide trails, and a bit of singletrack. Crossing at Balboa, requires heading West up the hill, and reconnect with the trail on south side of Balboa. The route continues as more wide and easy trail, mixed with some fun singletrack. Cross the road at Mt Acadia and continue down Snead Rive into the Tecolote Canyon Golf Course area.<br><br>Be very respectful of golfers/property owners and don't travel onto the golf course or the golf paths. You do want to take the ramp alongside the building where the golf carts are parked. This connector heads down to the creek for a bridge crossing (you'll need to carry your bike up the far side). <br><br>Once back on the trail, the Tecolote Canyon Trail - South parallels the golf course. There's a wide power line trail with some good ups and downs that will make you work as you head towards the USD in the distance. The end of the trail exits into an ample parking area at the Tecolote Canyon Nature Center. You're now just 0.5 miles from Mission Bay, and Fiesta Island if you want to extend your ride!
Trail Stats
9.4 km
61 m
109 m
10 m
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Photos
TrailHead Entry/Exit to left of Tec. Nature Center. Ample Parking. Convenient to bike to/from Mission Bay/Fiesta Island.
TrailHead Entry/Exit to left of Tec. Nature Center. Ample Parking. Convenient to bike to/from Mission Bay/Fiesta Island.
Trail-Head on NORTH End of Trail. VERY STEEP DROP down into trail....!!
Trail-Head on NORTH End of Trail. VERY STEEP DROP down into trail....!!
The trail continues south of Mt. Acadia. Cut through the Tecolote Canyon Golf Course. Ride down Snead Drive, and drop through the creek.
The trail continues south of Mt. Acadia. Cut through the Tecolote Canyon Golf Course. Ride down Snead Drive, and drop through the creek.
Take Ramp by building down to CREEK CROSSING Bridge. Then continue SOUTH. Parallel golf course and USD area.
Take Ramp by building down to CREEK CROSSING Bridge. Then continue SOUTH. Parallel golf course and USD area.
Great trail borders the fence near the golf course.
Great trail borders the fence near the golf course.
Northern bridge
Northern bridge
Tecolote Canyon, south of Balboa Ave
Tecolote Canyon, south of Balboa Ave
Poison oak is plentiful under oak trees and can climb them. Leaves of three, let it be! Stay on the trail.
Poison oak is plentiful under oak trees and can climb them. Leaves of three, let it be! Stay on the trail.
Southern bridge. South bank is very steep and likely requires a bike carry.
Southern bridge. South bank is very steep and likely requires a bike carry.
Trail passes through oak groves
Trail passes through oak groves
Huge drop, followed by two big up hills. This is about four miles in.
Huge drop, followed by two big up hills. This is about four miles in.
Rattlesnakes are present, let them go about in peace and stay in the trail!
Rattlesnakes are present, let them go about in peace and stay in the trail!