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9 miles of climbing rewarded with great views.

B L

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Map Key

13.4

Miles

21.6

KM

Doubletrack

3,386' 1,032 m

High

641' 195 m

Low

2,759' 841 m

Up

2,792' 851 m

Down

8%

Avg Grade (4°)

23%

Max Grade (13°)

Dogs Leashed

E-Bikes Allowed

The driving directions take you to a gate on private property. A sign there directs you to drive to the Pio Pico campground at the other end of the trail. Starting from that end puts you onto a very steep climb right out of the gate. I saw 9, 10, up to 19% grade. The views are nice, but the climb on gravel is intense.

Need to Know

Beware of rattlesnakes. Bring plenty of water and snacks. Popular area for trucks and jeeps. Campground convenience store can provide refreshments and restroom.

Description

This is the Otay Mountain Truck Trail. It is an unshaded, open-sky climb. The grade is fairly mellow as far as climbs go if it's done in this direction—riding the reverse is a steeper climb for those so inclined. The views are pretty awesome, and the descent down to the campground is a blast. Beware because the gravel is loose, so the corners are formidable at high speed. The place is also popular for jeeps and trucks, so watch out for those as well.

Recommend making this part of an epic loop starting and ending at the Otay Lake boat ramp. Bring plenty of water and snacks. You can also re-fill at the campground convenience store if needed.

Contacts

Shared By:

B L with improvements by Cameron Gary

Trail Ratings

  3.5 from 2 votes

#21726

Overall
  3.5 from 2 votes
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Trail Rankings

#126

in California

#21,726

Overall
15 Views Last Month
1,853 Since Jul 21, 2019
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult

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Photos

The way down from Dog House Junction.
Nov 11, 2017 near Ejido J…, MX
View to the east, near Dog House Junction
Nov 11, 2017 near Ejido J…, MX
Unpaved road
Nov 11, 2017 near Jamul, CA
Exploring the coastal observation history.
Mar 23, 2020 near Ejido J…, MX
The BLM sign coming up the southern route.
Mar 23, 2020 near Ejido J…, MX
The lone tree on the side of the trail...
Jan 27, 2021 near Jamul, CA
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Weather


Current Trail Conditions

Unknown
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Check-Ins

Apr 12, 2021
n thorwirth
Standing all the way up, breaking all the way down. Still, a lot of fun. Not crowded on Monday morning in April. 12mi — 3h 30m
Nov 12, 2020
Justin O
Otay Mountain Gravel Loop 62.6mi — 7h 49m
Jul 17, 2020
Gonzalo Adz
Mar 21, 2020
B L
Gates at both ends were open - both the Pio Pico Campground and the Alta road entrances. 13mi — 2h 30m
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