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Switchback your way to the top of Rancho La Costa Preserve on this steep, steady-going, and picturesque singletrack.


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Map Key

2.0

Miles

3.2

KM

Singletrack

986' 300 m

High

470' 143 m

Low

515' 157 m

Up

0' 0 m

Down

5%

Avg Grade (3°)

16%

Max Grade (9°)

Dogs Leashed

E-Bikes Not Allowed

Description

Starting from the on street parking area on Camino Junipero, Switchbacks winds its way on multiple switchbacks (duh...) to a connection with Denning Drive. This steep, technical, at times rocky trail winds through coastal sage and wildflowers, offering commanding views all the way to the Pacific Ocean. Several straightaways allow for fast and flowy sections. Watch for overgrowth and erosion; have fun!

Contacts

Shared By:

Tom Robson with improvements by James W

Trail Ratings

  4.1 from 21 votes

#1756

Overall
  4.1 from 21 votes
5 Star
24%
4 Star
62%
3 Star
14%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#139

in California

#1,756

Overall
7 Views Last Month
2,343 Since Mar 17, 2015
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult

0%
0%
15%
30%
55%
0%

Photos

To the right is the start/end of Switchbacks.  To the left is the start of Nascar (aka Drop Down Trail as indicated by signage).
Apr 13, 2022 near Lake Sa…, CA
By far the most technical section that I encountered.
Feb 23, 2019 near Lake Sa…, CA
Sitting at the top of Nascar
Jan 11, 2015 near Lake Sa…, CA
Switchback descent
Nov 12, 2018 near Lake Sa…, CA
Switchbacks Straightaway
Sep 8, 2017 near Lake Sa…, CA
Batiquitos Lagoon, Carlsbad Stacks and Pacific Ocean View
Sep 8, 2017 near Lake Sa…, CA
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Weather


Current Trail Conditions

Minor Issues 38 days ago
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