North Poway Loop

This is a hilly 5.74-mile loop through the northern part of Poway, including the West Ridge Trail, the Lomas Verde Trail [sic], and parts of Old Coach Trail and Justins Trail. There are good views from some parts of the trails.

A GPX track of this hike has been posted on the San Diego Day Hikers file page at www.efgh.com/SDDH.

This hike is the northern part of a mountain bike route posted at www.efgh.com/bike/mpoway.htm.

We've done this hike before, most recently on April 23, 2024. For details, including some photographs, see www.meetup.com/sandiegodayhikers/events/300526307

We'll meet at 9:30 AM near the restrooms at Valle Verde Park, 16899 St. Andrews Dr., Poway 92064 (N 33 1.171 W 117 2.729). At 9:45 AM we'll start the hike.

SUGGESTED ROUTE FROM SAN DIEGO: Go north on I-15 and exit at Rancho Bernardo Rd. Go east about 1.9 miles on Rancho Bernardo Rd., which becomes Espola Rd. at the Poway city limit. Valle Verde Park is on the left, at corner of Espola Rd. and Valle Verde Rd., where there is a traffic light. Park in the off-street parking lot or on the street. Note: To enter the parking lot, turn left on Valle Verde Rd., then left on St. Andrews Dr. and left into the parking lot.

Leashed dogs are allowed. Wear appropriate clothing and take some water. No lunch stop is planned, but you might want to take a snack. There is very little shade; use sun protection.

The trails are mostly hard-packed dirt, with a few steep, rocky parts. Hiking shoes are strongly recommended. Hiking poles may be helpful. The last mile of the hike is along the north side of Espola Rd., which is flat.

This hike has a short section of trail in common with the North Old Coach Trail hike.

CONTACT: Philip Erdelsky, cell 619-866-8512, E-mail *pje@efgh.com*. Cell phone service is available in this area, but there may be some dead spots.