Sweetwater River in Rancho San Diego

We'll be hiking the Sweetwater River Trail, starting from 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. The total distance will be about four to seven miles out and back, depending on how far we want to go. The trails are mostly level, but there are a few rough hilly spots.

We've done this hike before, most recently on March 25, 2017. (Has it been that long?) For details, including photographs, see https://www.meetup.com/sandiegodayhikers/events/238544584/

Leashed dogs are allowed. There are no rest rooms at the trailhead or along the trails.

We'll meet at 9:00 AM in the parking lot on Highway 94 at Singer Lane in the Rancho San Diego area (N 32 44.05 W 116 56.47), and at 9:15 AM we will hit the trail. There is room for only a few cars in this parking area. Overflow parking is available on 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.

SUGGESTED ROUTE FROM SAN DIEGO: Take Highway 94 east to Jamacha Junction, where it turns right to follow Campo Road. About a block south of the junction, turn right into Singer Lane and then left into a small parking area near the old bridge over the Sweetwater River.

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. I checked this crossing last week, and it is still very wet, so I don't plan to cross it. We will use another crossing with a good, sturdy bridge. If you want to use the wet crossing, bring your galoshes or plan to get your feet wet.