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Ridgeline Trailhead
4.7 ★★★★★ 184 Google reviews · Running trail in San Marcos, California · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Ridgeline Trailhead's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Hiking area with well-maintained trails that offer scenic views.
What runners say about Ridgeline Trailhead
“Nice dirt parking area with clean, flush restrooms and water fountain.”
“Perfect for kids, doggy bag stations on the way there, great view.”
Trail Series, Part 2 First of all, a Happy Father’s Day to all of the dads out there! Just remember, your kids don’t require you to be perfect, but they really do need you to be present in their lives.
Good trail, perfect for a 5k or if you are an slow walker. Good for toddlers. Make sure you pack water and descent hiking shoes.
Great place to go for a hike get outside and enjoy life. Beware there are snakes don’t bother them and they won’t bother you.
Excellent trail, strongly recommend for anyone looking for a relatively short hike in the hills. Good facilities on the top of the hill and at the trailhead, lovely views, and a number of branching paths to keep it exciting. View drop the top was awesome too
Trail conditions & character
“Numerous sections offer ocean breezes to greet and encourage you and the views range from San Marcos and environs to the North and the Pacific Ocean to the West.”
“The Ridgeline Trailhead is located in San Marcos, CA and can be accessed where Twin Oaks Valley Road and San Elijo Road converge (directly across from Double Peak School).”
“There's a slight elevation difference throughout this trail compared to the steeper trails starting from the lake or town center.”
“The trail itself is a mixture of groomed, rocky, and paved surfaces and welcomes hikers, runners, cyclists, and even equestrians.”
“The trailhead provides sufficient parking, a restroom, and a drinking fountain.”
“The trailhead provides sufficient parking, a restroom, and a drinking fountain.”
“Trail is wide gravel, paved in parts.”
Plan your run at Ridgeline Trailhead
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms, water — reported by runners
- Websitesan-marcos.net
Hours
| Monday | 8:30 AM–4:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 8:30 AM–4:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 8:30 AM–4:30 PM |
| Thursday | 8:30 AM–4:30 PM |
| Friday | Closed |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |
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