What's Up with the Stowe Trail in San Diego?
An Update on the Permit Process, 23 October 2023
The following is an update on the process for renewing or obtaining a Stowe Trail Permit. For those who don't know, the Stowe Trail on MCAS Miramar property in San Diego, CA requires that you have a permit to be on the trail, whether you're hiking, running, or mountain biking, etc. To get that permit, you have to fill out paperwork and submit it to the person behind the window at the Transportation office on base.
An online search for the forms will have this link, which will appear first/or near the top of your search:
If not that one, it will be this one: https://www.miramar.marines.mil/Resources/StoweTrail/
Either way/however you navigate to it, you will be directed at some point to click on the Application and Liability forms. This morning, 23 October 2023, the Application form at the link was not valid when I submitted it at the Transportation office window. It was/is considered "old."
There is a new/updated form. It is only available at the Transportation office. That office has notified the person/people who need(s) to update the form at the online link(s), meaning, they are aware and know of the situation. Again, it has not been updated online, yet.
So, if you are going to renew or apply for a Stowe Trail Permit, simply go to the Transportation Office at MCAS Miramar and tell them you want to renew, or apply for, your permit. They will hand you the forms. You will fill them out there.
You need to know your social security number (I was not asked to provide my SS# card). You also need to hand them your driver's license. I did. If you do not have one (though, how did you drive there?!/or, maybe someone drove you?), I'd assume that a U.S. passport would suffice, if you have one.
Also, in case you weren't aware, there's a new temporary entrance for accessing the Stowe Trail. This map should help you find the trailhead. Park at the end of the road/cul-de-sac where the red marker is on the image. Be respectful/mindful of people living in the neighborhood. Basically, don't be a jerk.
When you go over the step-through at the gate that’s at the cul-de-sac, which is where/how you access the trail, go to your right and then up the hill that bends to the left. Up there, make your way to the Stowe Trail. Here’s an image:
The blue/purple line(s) is the way(s) to the Stowe Trail/red line. Have fun out there. Stowe to Martha’s and back around to the Mel Brooks system is one of San Diego’s premiere rides near/in town. Put it all together and you have 2-3 hours of riding, possibly more, depending on what you ride and how you connect it all.
Good luck and happy riding ...
Cheers!
