Reference Notes for Trip Leaders
For Information only to use in trip notes
BICYCLE CAMPING NOTES
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WILLIAM HEISE REGIONAL PARK, SAN DIEGO COUNTY
Ample bicycling opportunities exist in this regional park located a half-dozen miles from the unincorporated Julian community (famous for its pies). It includes more than 12 miles of multi-use non-motorized trails. Situated 4,200 feet above sea level in a forest of pines and oaks along the northern extremity of the Cuyamaca Mountain Range. The day-use and camping park spans over 1,000 acres. Camping trip bicycle use is recommended.
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BORREGO SPRINGS CAMPING
An active bicycling community exists in the Borrego Springs community. Smack in the middle of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, and unpretentious, the town of Borrego Springs, population 3,429. is the only California town that is completely surrounded by a state park. It’s also an official International Dark Sky Community—the first and only one in California—dedicated to protecting the night sky from light pollution
The downtown area has a passel of ice cream shops, restaurants, and lodgings, but the local art scene evokes the most community pride. First, there are the supersize prehistoric and fantastical beasts that both line area roads and are sometimes seemingly dropped randomly in the middle of nowhere, far from any road or foot traffic. The meticulously crafted metal creatures, rust-colored and featuring such details as curling eyelashes and “fur” of shaved iron, are the work of metal sculptor Ricardo Breceda. Visitors to Borrego Springs who would like to camp have it especially good—you are allowed to camp for free anywhere in the surrounding Anza-Borrego State Park.
The lightly traveled roads, including the 9 mile route from town to park, are all Bicycle friendly. Expect to encounter bicycling families and riding groups on the excellently maintained paths. Camping trip bicycle use is recommended.
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HURKEY CREEK HIGHWAY 74 CAMPING
Last year Hurkey Creek proved excellent for bicycling. In addition to extensive paved roads within the park, there’s also a specially designated paved hiking/walking path.
Adjacent to the park’s Highway 74 entrance is the paved Apple Canyon Road which is an excellent lightly-traveled eBike gradual climb leading to the Zen Center. Camping trip bicycle use is recommended.
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GUAJOME REGIONAL PARK, OCEANSIDE, SAN DIEGO COUNTY
Guajome Regional Park Camping Is recommended for bicycling. It has numerous paved roadways within the park suitable for bicycling. There is also an excellent 10 mile bike path from the park into Oceanside. The trail there merges with the waterfront road leading to many shops and restaurants. And the area adjacent to the park includes signed bikeways. The bike paths and routes are all considered good quality and recommended..
Guajome Regional Park’s brochure states there are approximately 3.5 miles of well-maintained trails that meander through diverse Southern California habitats such as woodlands, chaparral, wetlands, and mixed grasslands. There are eight named trails, including a short self guided nature trail, and a couple of unnamed trails. Camping trip bicycle use is recommended.
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SWEETWATER RESERVOIR SAN DIEGO AREA
Bicycles are recommended for the several shared roads provide ample opportunity for cycling exercise.
The park entrance is adjacent to the county’s Bonita and Chula Vista communities and the multitude of excellent bicycle paths within the greater San Diego city communities. The San Diego area is nationally recognized as one of the premier bicycling areas. The county website has an entire information section that includes bicycling maps, interactive route planning guides, and much more. The 10 mile outing to the distant waterfront and oceanside are all on available bike paths. Camping trip bicycle use is recommended.
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IDYLLWILD REGIONAL COUNTY PARK CAMPING
This Riverside County Idyllwild regional camping park has a single entrance/exit road devoid of vehicle traffic. It provides bicyclists a route into the adjacent unincorporated Idyllwild downtown community. Restaurants, shopping options and tourist attractions exist. The area’s hilly terrain limits other bicycle opportunities. State Highway 256 runs through the town and bicycle road-warrior use of the two-lane road is not uncommon.
Camping trip bicycle use is recommended.
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MECCA CAMPING
Fronting on heavily traveled, and sometimes dangerous State Highway 111, this Salton Sea area state park is rather small with no bicycle paths. Without bicycle options it is NOT recommended. Camping bicycle use is NOT recommended.
Above information provide by member Bond Shands
Possible custom registration options:
- Will you be bringing a bicycle?
- Would you be interested in a group bicycle ride?
