Poway Gravel Experience

A 46-mile mile / 4000 ft gravel route in San Diego, CA that includes Penasquitos Canyon, Poway, Highland Valley, Lake Hodges, Lusardi Canyon, and Black Mountain.

ReportsDave MalwitzFebruary 19, 2024newport beach gravel, laguna beach gravel, irvine gravel, orange county, buck gully gravel ride, bommer canyon gravel ride, crystal cove gravel ride, shady canyon gravel ride, quail hill gravel ride, gravel routes, gravel ride, california, best gravel routes, socal gravel routes, gravel route, rides

Crystal Cove

40 mile / 5000 ft Gravel route in Orange County, CA

ReportsDave MalwitzMarch 1, 2021newport beach gravel, laguna beach gravel, irvine gravel, orange county, buck gully gravel ride, bommer canyon gravel ride, crystal cove gravel ride, shady canyon gravel ride, quail hill gravel ride, gravel routes, gravel ride, california, best gravel routes, socal gravel routes, gravel route, rides

San Diego Gravel Routes

After getting multiple requests we finally put together a list of some of our favorite gravel routes in North County San Diego. These are all moderately difficult routes ranging from about 40-50 miles. Terrain is a mix of road, hardpack gravel, singletrack, bike path and fireroad. As such, we recommend a cross or gravel bike with tires at least 40mm in width. In most cases we’ve marked at least one water stop on course, and the dirt sections are labelled in blue. In general, these rides can take anywhere from 4-6 hours.