Poway Gravel Experience

The 2nd annual Poway Party Ride took place on February 17, 2024. Around 60 riders joined us as we revisited one of our favorite San Diego gravel routes that took us from Rancho Penasquitos to parts further east through the hills, streams, and tunnels of Poway, CA. The course was designed by Jeff Paulson, who first had the concept last year for his birthday ride, thus the name Paulson’s Poway Party Ride or PPR for short.

The 46-mile / 4100ft route starts from the Knotty Barrel RP parking lot. The ride is best enjoyed from late fall to early spring when conditions are best and temperatures are moderate. Plan for a 4-5 hour ride that covers a good variety of terrain, steep climbs, singletrack, and a few water crossings. Here are photos from the 2024 Poway Party Ride. You can purchase our in-house designed PPR Tee to support Gravelstoke and keep the adventures coming. Thanks and enjoy!

POWAY CALIFORNIA GRAVEL ROUTE DETAILS

  • Distance: 46 Miles

  • Elevation Gain: 4100 Feet

  • Location: San Diego, CA

  • Terrain: Paved, Singletrack, Fireroad, Gravel, Bike Path

  • Parking: Knotty Barrel Rancho Penasquitos map

  • Places Visited: Penasquitos Canyon, Trans-county Trail, Poway, Pomerado Singletrack, Old Coach Trail, Highland Valley, Lake Hodges, Lusardi Canyon, Black Mountain.

  • When to Ride: Late fall, winter, or early spring for best conditions and moderate temps.

  • Route by: Jeff Paulson follow