What we’re about
Moderately paced day hikes in San Diego County, California. A monthly happening for more than thirty-five years, formerly on the last Saturday of each month. Currently weekday hikes nearly every week, and some cross-posted hikes from other social media groups. Some GPX tracks and other information are posted at http://www.efgh.com/SDDH/
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Sweetwater River in Rancho San DiegoSan Diego National Wildlife Refuge Interpretive Loop, Spring Valley, CA
We'll be hiking the Sweetwater River Trail, starting near a historic 1929 bridge that used to carry California Highway 94 over the river. We'll go downstream along the more scenic south side until we've gone far enough. Then on the way back we can cross over to return on the north side of the river. Finally, we will cross the old bridge to the starting point. The total distance will be about five miles. The trails are mostly level, but there are a few rough hilly spots.
We've done this hike before. For details, including photographs, see
2024: www.meetup.com/sandiegodayhikers/events/301567231
2017: www.meetup.com/sandiegodayhikers/events/238544584Leashed dogs are allowed. There are no rest rooms at the trailhead or along the trails.
We will meet in the parking lot on the south side of the old bridge, at 2806 Millar Ranch Rd. near Highway 94 (N 32 43.842 W 116 56.323). We'll meet there at 9:30 AM and set out at 9:45 AM.
Overflow parking is available in the old parking area just off Singer Lane and at the Rancho San Diego Towne Center shopping center on the other side of Highway 94. I don't recommend parking along the highway. No parking on Millar Ranch Rd.
SUGGESTED ROUTE FROM SAN DIEGO: Take Highway 94 east to Jamacha Junction, where it turns right and becomes Campo Road. Turn right there and go across the Sweetwater River (on the new bridge), turn right into Millar Ranch Rd. and then right into the trailhead parking lot.
Check your favorite weather page on the Internet. (I like http://www.weather.com .) Wear good hiking shoes and layered clothing, take water, and use sun protection. Take a camera if you wish. Call or send E-mail if you have questions. No lunch stop is planned, but you may want to take a snack.
CONTACT: Philip Erdelsky cell 619-866-8512 e-mail: pje@efgh.com. Cell phone service is available in this area, although there may be a few dead spots.
On our previous hike, some hikers chose to cross the river at a very wet crossing (pictured in the 2017 hiker photos) before heading back. We will go as far as this crossing. I expect that it will still be too wet to cross. We will probably have to turn back and cross at a substantial bridge much closer to the trailhead.
Remember, we will meet in the new parking area accessible from Millar Ranch. Rd. If you park in the old area, walk cross the old bridge (pictured above) to reach the new parking area.
