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A fun ride appropriate for a beginner but with enough challenge to keep any rider interested.


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Map Key

2.5

Miles

4.0

KM

Singletrack

899' 274 m

High

760' 232 m

Low

276' 84 m

Up

350' 107 m

Down

5%

Avg Grade (3°)

14%

Max Grade (8°)

Dogs Unknown

E-Bikes Unknown

To park at the east end of the ride you must pay the $10 entrance fee to Lake Cachuma County Park. The gate on the west end parking is locked at dusk.

Description

Although short, and with no major climbs, the Sweetwater trail packs a good workout and a lot of fun into 2.5 miles.

From the Bradbury Dam Overlook parking area, head SE past the bathrooms to find the start of the trail. After a short flat warm up, the trail drops down it's first steep rocky pitch. From here there's lots of up and down, some steep and a little loose, some smooth and fast, for the remainder of the ride. The trail holds your attention with quick turns and easy to avoid obstacles. There are a few spur trails that head towards the lake at different times but for the most part the main trail is easy to follow. Once you see the picnic tables on the left, and a paved path, your journey is over.

Most people will park at the dam parking area and ride this as an out and back. There are other short spur trails in Lake Cachuma County Park that are fun to check out. You can also use the Sweetwater Trail to hook into, or add a little extra, to some of the rides on the South side of hwy 154.

This ride provides fun and challenge in both directions. Most people feel westbound is a little more difficult. Novice riders should expect to push their bikes up some of the short steeper sections

Contacts

Shared By:

Kevin Fox

Trail Ratings

  4.1 from 10 votes

#8717

Overall
  4.1 from 10 votes
5 Star
50%
4 Star
10%
3 Star
40%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#563

in California

#8,717

Overall
17 Views Last Month
2,580 Since Oct 17, 2013
Intermediate Intermediate

13%
0%
75%
13%
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Photos

Head straight past the small pine tree to find the start of the trail.  The bathrooms are the stone building to the left.
Oct 18, 2013 near Santa Ynez, CA
This is the east end of the trail.  The main trail heads off left while the paved path goes towards a picnic area and fishing pier (water level permitting).
Oct 18, 2013 near Santa Ynez, CA
Beautiful views out across Lake Cachuma!
Oct 18, 2013 near Santa Ynez, CA
Looking down one of the steeper sections
Oct 18, 2013 near Santa Ynez, CA
Loose rocks make a tough climb
May 29, 2018 near Santa Ynez, CA

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Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Apr 30, 2022
Sarah Afman
Fun trail!
Feb 24, 2019
Jules Manfreda
May 17, 2018
Eric Knierim
Dec 8, 2016
Marcel Mijares
Aug 25, 2016
Bonnie Hall
Great with kids/teens 2.5mi — 2h 16m
Feb 20, 2016
Amber Danielle
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