Eagle Peak Out-and-Back - Mountain Bike Trail

The Eagle Peak mountain trail is difficult out and back, ideal for advanced bikers. It is popular among bikers and hikers, especially in the winter and spring seasons. Read on for more details about its features.

To get to Eagle Peak, you must go through the less popular San Diego River Gorge trail. If you only ride to Eagle Peak, you won’t need a pass like trail users going to Cedar creek falls. The San Diego River Gorge trail gets packed on weekends, especially during winter and spring, because hikers go to the falls. You must beware of the hikers and other trail users on the trail. Save your biking skills flex for Eagle peak road. 

Before you go:

Drinking water

Restrooms

Fee required

Lift service

Fat bike grooming

Family Friendly

Night riding

E-bikes allowed

Dogs Allowed

Obstacles

Shuttles

Detailed Trail Description

As mentioned earlier, this bike route starts at the San Diego River Gorge trail, which begins at the Cedar Creek Falls trailhead. Two miles into the trail, you will descend 900 ft before crossing a river, which is usually dry unless it rains during winter. Turn left at the Falls intersection and ride up to the saddle on Eagle Peak Road.

The climb to the saddle is a technical singletrack with an elevation of about 1800 ft. The best thing about Eagle Peak Road is that it is less traveled by hikers. So you won’t get destroyed. You have two options from the Saddleback parking area: continue riding on Eagle Peak road to the famous Three sisters falls and do another 6-mile out-and-back with an elevation of 1000ft, or turn around and ride down the Eagle Peak descending up to 400 ft. If you choose to descend the Eagle Peak, avoid falling off the mountainside. If you are an endurance freak, ride all the way to Julian from the saddle, then go round to get to Three sisters fall.

When you ride to the bottom of Eagle Peak, rest and let the excitement wear off, then climb back to the San Diego River Gorge Trail. If you do the entire out-and-back, you will cover nine miles. We recommend using full suspension for fun. Hardtail could also do, but it wouldn’t be as much fun.

Additional Trail Features

A small parking area at Saddleback.

Three sisters fall.

Sights of Interest, landscapes, views

The Elgon Peak ride is not easy, but the views at the top are worth every hassle. Moreover, you can ride to the three sister falls and stop to breathe and take in the beauty of the surrounding. Cedar Falls is another interesting stop with breathtaking views. As for wildlife, you may spot a few bird species and different types of snakes. The trail is home to the Pacific and Western rattlers. You may also see other red, black, and white snake species.

Recommendations/precautions

•       Yield to other trail users on the San Diego River Gorge trail.
•       You need to be fit for the challenging climbs and descents.
•       Bring plenty of water, especially if you go riding in Summer. It can get as hot as 115 degrees Fahrenheit.
•       The trail contains different snakes, like the Pacific and Western rattlers. Be careful and check your environment when you make stops.
•       You need a pass to explore the Cedar creek falls.