Kick Ass Guide to East San Diego
Trails, Food, Beer and Live Music
I’m going to say that anywhere east of College Area and going into La Mesa would be considered the eastern side of San Diego, meaning we’re moving into the county view. I’m not going all the way out the 8 to the mountains and desert, though, as I’ll save that for another installment. These are places to get in a quick fix, spin the wheels, and take in some really nice views.
Reminder: check your favorite mapping system to pinpoint what you want to ride. I’m only suggesting that all of this is single speed-able, which means you can ride it with gears, too, of course!
Stowe Trail and Mel Brooks Trails
Some local people poo poo on the Stowe Trail because it requires getting a pass from the marines to ride it. That’s a looooooong story. I’m not telling it again. For me, hopping on Stowe in Santee and taking it up to Martha’s in Sycamore and then back down with a side jaunt over to the Mel Brooks trails is an outstanding couple of hours of riding. It’s a bit strenuous but all rideable, minus a few spots in the Brooks system (depending how you ride/direction), with only one gear.
Crestridge Eco Reserve
Go now/spring season to see the oak grove. It’s magical.
Be willing to wander and explore, as most of the trails are not marked/signed. I love it. It really is old school riding. Trails are not super buffed out, groomed sidewalks made of dirt. It’s actually a trail that you are riding. There are fire roads connecting it all up. If you link it all up, you have a solid 2 hours of riding that’s available to you. Be sure to climb up to the water tower and ride down from there. You’ll see it.
Hollenbeck Canyon
It’s been a while since I’ve been there, but it also offers up some good ole fashioned trails in a network that requires a sense of adventure. You have to pay to park there, as a heads up. If you go in spring, the hills are green as green can be.
Sweetwater
Another great spot to unwind the mind and get in some miles, is how it works. Make it 2 times through it all to get in more of a workout. Yes, it’s that kind of a place.
Food and Beer in the Area: I’m going with Sunny Grove Brewing in Santee for this one. They’re new-ish and have been winning some awards. It’s an easy-going locals kind of place. What I’ve had there has been quite tasty.
And you’re into eating barbecued animals, West Coast Tap and Smoke House in La Mesa is your place. Oh, and it has one of the best tap lists this side of the Milky Way.
Live music. There’s The Magnolia in El Cajon. It’s a nice spot downtown with intimate theater seating. I saw one of my faves there, Mary Chapin Carpenter. The Sycuan Casino Resort also has live shows, including big name acts from time to time. Admittedly, I’ve yet to make it there.
That’s it, a little Kick Ass Guide to the eastern side of San Diego. Get out there and ride!
The Kick Ass Guide Series is inspired by Shanna’s Kick Ass Cogs (and Rings) at Endless Bikes Co. I asked if I could use the “Kick Ass” part for naming the series, as the guides are set up to be about single speed riding. She graciously and immediately said, hell yeah! Check out what she offers at:
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Need to check out Sunny Grove. Thanks for tip. Wish they’d extend the San Diego River Trail from Santee. That’s more my ability these days. Leave it dirt or gravel is fine. But it suddenly ends at the Carlton Oaks golf course.