Hidden Meadows - Mt Whitney - Double Double Peak Climb

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San Marcos, CA, US

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@oldguywhotris

San Diego Cycling Climbing Addict - Half & Full Ironman Age Grouper

71 km

1.580 m

This is a “locals in-the-know” urban/suburban/rural climb-a-thon in North County San Diego with views on top of views as your reward. This route will give you those “locals in-the-know” details to make for a perfect day of cycling and post cycling conversation/recovery.

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## Overview
This is a “locals in-the-know” urban/suburban/rural climb-a-thon in North County San Diego with views on top of views as your reward.  As a bonus, there is abundant opportunities in this area for après-ride local, small-batch crafted hop and grape induced beverages, if you are so inclined.  In both cases, I will provide you those “locals in-the-know” details to make for a perfect day of cycling and post cycling conversation/recovery/culinary delights.

This route will be a combination of urban riding through portions of San Marcos near Cal State San Marcos University, suburban neighborhoods, and some rural stretches.  This means that there will be traffic you will encounter.  Most of the traffic will be on the last half of the ride.  The good news is almost all of it has quality sized bike lanes where needed, except for the final Elfin Forest stretch.

## Where To Park - The Safe Start
There is a 7 Eleven at the corner of @point[El Norte and West Country Club Ln](d,17947.32). There is usually plenty of parking on @slice[West Country Club Ln](d,0,148).

## The Start
The beginning of this ride takes you through a @slice[residential area  with wide streets in Escondido](d,0,2334.62).  It is mostly flat with some rolling hills to warm up your legs.  Once you take a left onto Centre City Pkwy, you transition to @slice[a more rural stretch](d,2362.92,7411.01) with Highway 15 to your left.  This section has a very wide bike lane all the way until your first climb.  Once you see the golf driving range, that will be your cue that you are approaching the first climb.

## Climb #1 - Hidden Meadows
Your warm up is now done.  Time to get on it.  Turn right up @photo[Mountain Meadow Rd](4861324) and it will immediately start.  This is a @slice[1 mile long climb](d,7411.01,8940.42) at an average 9.2% grade that is constant with no breaks until the summit.  It is also pretty much straight up.  No switchbacks or other opportunities to recover.  You will quickly gain 473 feet of climbing in this short distance.  It will help jolt your legs for what is in front of you for the rest of the day.

This road is the entrance to the Hidden Meadows housing community.  It is a four lane road and there is a bike lane the whole way up and down.  At the top, there is a driveway on the right that you can pull over into before you turn and descend.  It is a good idea to stop here to check traffic both ways before you cross over and descend.  It isn’t heavy traffic, but a little bit of it is hidden so take the time to look both ways before you cross.

The descent can be very fast so proceed with caution.  @photo[It is basically straight down](4861325) so you beware of the quick acceleration that can happen.  As you near the bottom, keep in mind that you will need to turn left and eventually cross all four lanes to do so.

## The Recovery Section
Once you turn left onto Centre City Pkwy, you will have @slice[8 miles of recovery before your next climb](d,8882.47,23683.06).  This section is mostly rolling hills and @photo[flat](4861720) to get you ready for the steep Mt. Whitney climb.  There are four important transitions to be aware of and here are some tips on how to make them.

**Transition #1** – @point[Centre City Pkwy to Country Club Lane](d,15508.4).  Just before your turn onto Country Club Lane, you will be descending down Centre City Pkwy.  You will need to merge across traffic to your right.  That traffic will be coming off of an exit on Highway 15.  There doesn’t tend to be a lot of traffic on this off ramp, but what traffic there is generally is moving fast.

**Transition #2** – @point[El Norte To Woodland Valley](d,18321.05).  As you approach your left hand turn onto Woodland Valley,   you will need to merge from the bike lane across two lanes and into the far right left hand turn lane.  Again, you just need to be aware of traffic before you merge over to make this turn.

**Transition #3** – @slice[Woodland Valley Bike Lane Merge To Progress Under Highway 78 Bridge](d,20525.77,20762.33).  As you cross Mission Rd and pass the Albertsons grocery store on the left, you will need to merge across two lanes at the railroad tracks to position yourself to go under the bridge.  Simply slow down just before the railroad tracks to the right of the road and take a second to stop and look at traffic behind you.  There is a very safe place to do this just before the railroad tracks.  Then, once the coast is clear, execute your merge.

**Transition #4** – @slice[Barham Dr to La Moree Rd](d,22012.6,22141.86).  Once again this is a merge to the left across to lanes to position yourself to go under The Sprinter light rail bridge at Cal State San Marcos to go onto La Moree Rd.  Traffic has increased here as the university and surrounding area has grown so take your time to identify traffic before making that transition.

**Restroom Break Tip** – There is a @poi[public restroom](9712036) in the park on Woodland Valley.  Pull into the first road you come to at the park that leads up to the middle school.  The public restrooms are up near the public pool, not down by the playground.

## Climb #2 - Mt Whitney Climb
Now that you are on @slice[La Moree Rd](d,22090.06,23443.21), the traffic is pretty much behind you.  There will be a gradual incline along this road to wake your legs up a bit.  Make sure to stop and get a selfie and wave to the aliens as you pass our locally famous gate to @photo[Area 51](4861721).

Just after Area 51, you will have a very short descent and then turn onto @point[Coronado Hills Dr](d,23449.05) to start the climb.  As you make the turn you will immediately see the wall in front of you.  Yes, this is going to be a hard one.  Short, but hard.  In the @slice[first section](d,23443.21,24463.39), you are only going to climb .6 miles, but it has an average 13.7% grade!  @photo[See those two white arrows in front of you?](4861722)  Those will hit you like a ton of bricks.  After that, it is a @photo[tough grind](4861723) all the way up to your right turn on Washingtonia Dr.  I highly recommend doing this earlier in the day as the morning sun heats up the @photo[rocks on the hill to the right](4861724) and there tends to not be a breeze here.

Once you turn onto Washingtonia Dr, you will get a very nice break for a little while as you meander by some nice homes.  After a little while you will get a peek at the view below, but be patient and you will be rewarded with much better views in short order.

You will then come to a @slice[short climb](d,24833.7,25151.63) just after that little taste of a view which will take you @photo[up past some other nice homes](4861725).  This climb will seem like nothing compared to what you just did.  Once you reach the @slice[summit of this section](d,25265.53,25514.86), here you will find the views you have been hoping to see.  To your right you will see @photo[Cal State San Marcos below and all the way to Oceanside](4861731), Camp Pendleton and the Pacific Ocean.  On your left you will eventually be able to see inland across @photo[Escondido to the mountains](4861734).

Bonus Elevation - You will then descend to an @point[intersection](d,25704.46) of private roads to the homes up there.  Once of these roads has a gate in front of it to keep vehicles from going up the steep hill to where the homes are.  This used to be open, but the owners put the gate there because too many people where going up there and leaving trash etc.  If you would like to ride up this road the locals are ok with cyclists doing so and you can see a space on the left to go around the gate.  This is another short, but tough climb. I did not include this on the route map so this would be some bonus feet for you.  Additional bonus feet are available if you decide to walk around the next gate which leads to the top of Mt Whitney.  I have done these many times and they are fun hard climbs.

## Mt Whitney Descent
Descending back to Coronado Hills Dr is a nice sweeping downhill.  That being said, be aware of road conditions as there are some potholes etc.
**Coronado Hills Descent Caution!** – @photo[This descent is lightning fast](4861735).  That double digit grade will accelerate you exceptionally quickly.  Fortunately, the road is in great shape.

## Barham Dr To Twin Oaks Valley Rd Transition
To get ready to make your first climb up to Double Peak Park, you will need to @slice[merge to the left across two lanes on Barham Dr](d,30182.69,30371.86).  This is now a pretty busy road due to all the development that has happened over the past years and the density that continues to be built around Cal State San Marcos.  Fortunately, this road has a very nice bike lane for you to cue up in to check traffic before making that transition.

## Climb #3 – Double Peak Park CSUSM Side
@slice[The Double Peak Park climb](d,30371.86,36360.43) is the classic local weekend warrior and bike club climb for North San Diego County cyclists.  As you progress in your climbing ability locally, it is the one you are trying to check the box on.  It is fairly long for being in the middle of suburban housing and the last stretch is a hard grind.  The reward is you have a 360 degree view for as far as the eye can see.  On a clear day you can see South to the skyline of San Diego and North to Catalina Island.  In the winter you can even see the snow capped San Bernardino Mountains.

The first section from Barham Dr to Village Dr is a good primer for what is to come.  Once you pass Village Dr the climb really begins.  It is a consistent 8% grade on @slice[this section](d,31943.62,33801.71).  You will get a short break when you see the fire station.  At this point you will have a brief descent (feel free to cross over to the paved path on the right if you want to take a break from the bike lane and traffic) before turning left onto the last section of the climb on Double Peak Dr.

Once you turn onto Double Peak Dr, you will likely encounter many cyclists going up and down if it is the weekend.  The first part will have you climb up two hills before the final grind hits you.  Your cue that the hard stuff is upon you is @point[the gate to the park](d,35540.04).  Once you pass this gate, this where you earn your keep for the day.

The grade will gradually increase.  On your right you will see a @photo[large blue metal cylinder](4861738) coming up out of the ground which is where you will start to experience 10%+ grades.  After a short, and intense climb, there will be a very brief break.  Then, you will be back to 10%+ grinding again until you reach the park entrance at the top.  Unlike Coronado Hills Dr., these sections are not as long, but because you have been climbing for 22 miles already, you are a little more wore down which increases the difficulty.

If it is your first time, it is a good idea to ride to the left to the end of the parking lot and walk your bike up a very short trail to the @poi[top of the park](9712129).  Here is where you will have your @photo[360 degree view](4861746) and your social media cycling photo op moment.

Just below you back down at the end of the parking lot you will find @poi[public restroom](9712130)s and much needed @poi[water](9712131) to refill your water bottles since you are going to have to do this one more time today.  Probably a good time to eat something as well.

## Double Peak Park Descent
This is another descent that can get crazy fast.  However, the road is very smooth and sweeping so it can be fun.  There are three things to look out for on this descent.

Rocks – In the @slice[first section](d,36360.43,36737.96) rocks can fall into the road from the hill on the right.

Stop Sign At Gate & Hiker Vehicle Traffic – You will come back to the @point[park gate which has a stop sign](d,35541.89).  You will be tempted to blow past it because you are having so much fun on the descent.  However, there is a housing community on the left with light traffic coming out of it and on your right there will be cars parked who are people hiking on the trails up there.  Those cars back into the road when they want to leave so they can’t see you zipping by.  Once you are past the gate it is pretty open down to San Elijo Rd except for cars from the community on your right.

## San Elijo Rd Descent #1
This will be a long descent of 3 miles down a two lane road with a good bike lane for you.  However, pay attention to what is in the bike lane as often there is debris such as rocks and sometimes construction debris since they are constantly building houses up there.  Usually, it is pretty clean but you just never know.

Additionally, there are trees to your right all along this descent.  The city tends to keep them trimmed, but throughout the year those darn trees grow and extend into the bike lane enough so that they can hit your head and send you flying.

After .5 miles you will reach the small city center of San Elijo.  There are two stop lights for you to navigate through before you get up to speed again.  The rest of this section will take you to @point[Rancho Santa Fe Rd](d,42866.03) where you will turn around and come back.

## Climb #4 – Double Peak Park San Elijo Side
The start of this climb will be gradual from Dove Tail Dr and then begin a constant grind as you reach the city center of San Elijo.  As you leave San Elijo it will be similar to the climb on the other side but a little longer and tougher now that you have been climbing for a few hours.

You will eventually need to make a left turn at @point[Double Peak Dr](d,47575.73).  Since this is a busy road, I will point out two options.

Option #1 - You could merge across two lanes to your left into the left hand turn lane.  This has obvious dangers and since you will likely be getting a little more tired by now you might want a safer option.

Option #2 – Roll up and through the stop light and push the cross walk button.  This will stop traffic, you can cross safely, and you will be on the side of the road you want to be on once you are on Double Peak Dr.

The rest of the climb is what you have already done.  Déjà vu grinding, amazing views, potty stop, bottle refill.

## San Elijo Descent #2
Previous instructions remain the same.  However, you will need to merge over two lanes to the left and make a turn onto a one way street named @point[Elfin Forest Rd](d,53441.97).  It will be the second stop light (Not the first) once you get to San Elijo.

## Elfin Forest Route
Once again, you are now on a classic @slice[weekend warrior and bike club route](d,53565.54,67662.03).  This section of the entire route was put in to give you a little diversity of scenery and some @photo[fun sweeping roads](4861749) and to work off all that climbing.  There are some pros and cons to this section.

The Pros – You will ride past many horse farms and through a @photo[beautiful rural canyon](4861752) home to a popular hiking venue.  The ride is fun, has a great descent and just a little rolling climbing.

The Cons – The bike lane is intermittent and sometimes there is none.  If you take this at 4:00pm during the week it can get busy with people cutting over to Escondido from San Elijo.  On the weekends it is not as impacted and there are so many bikes on the road that the cars get the hint that they need to be aware and subservient.  This is also a rural type road so be aware of gravel, rocks, etc. that can be in the road.

You will eventually emerge near a development called @point[Harmony Grove](d,63072.36).  If you need a restroom break, in the middle of this development is 4th of July park and it has a @poi[public restroom](9717787). The directions and transitions from here are pretty easy and the flat and rolling hills and horse farms continue until you make a couple turns through some light industrial complexes.

Alternate Route – When you are done with your second climb, do not descend into San Elijo.  Descend back to CSUSM and then turn right onto Barham Dr.  This will take you where you can pick up the end of the route at @point[Mission Rd](d,67657.37).

## The Final Stretch
You will make a left turn onto @point[Mission Rd](d,67675.8) just after you cross some train tracks.  You then make a few simple turns through residential streets back to where you parked.  There is not much traffic through these streets except for the short distance on El Norte but there are bike lanes through all of it.

Congratulations!!  You are did the local humpity hump hump hump hump today and should be very proud and your phone should be full of share worthy pics!

## Apres Ride Celebration Opportunities
**Mexican Immediately** – You will literally be parked within walking distance of [Cenote Grill](http://www.cenotegrill.com/).  Burritos and more will please with healthy portions of all.  I highly recommend the fish tacos.  They are substantial and come with a heaping helping of fresh guacamole on them.  Cerveza and wine margaritas are available if there is interest.

**Hop Induced** – Here are a few of our many options within no more than five miles of your car and there is plenty of parking at all of them.

* [Lost Abbey/Port Brewing](http://lostabbey.com/) – Look for the open roll up door and the smell of wet grain.  They always have a very large selection of brews and usually a food truck on the weekends.  Plenty of parking and you can’t go wrong with this choice.

* [Jacked Up Brewery](https://jackedupbrewery.com/) – A small family run operation and super friendly.

* [Wild Barrel](http://wildbarrelbrewing.com/) – A newer brewery with an indoor baseball training facility next door.  Literally right down the street from Lost Abbey.  I prefer Lost Abbey, but it is a new choice so I put it on the list.

* [Dos Desperados](http://www.dosdesperadosbrew.com/) – Another small roll up door kind of place that has been around for many years.

* [Rip Current Brewing](http://ripcurrentbrewing.com/) – The owner won “Home Brewer of The World” once before he opened his business.  Parking can be a little tougher here and it would be nice if they worked on the friendly component, but the beer is great.

* [Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens](https://www.stonebrewing.com/visit/bistros/escondido) – This their headquarters location.  It is an amazing architectural building and has even more amazing grounds with gardens and waterfalls.  However, it is always super busy and may be more than what you want to deal with after a long day of riding when you just want instant gratification and carbs.

**Grape Induced** - There are other wineries, but I would not recommend them.  These two are the best and unfortunately I don’t get paid a dime to make that statement.

* [BK Cellars](https://www.bkcellars.com/) – If you took the route as provided you rode right past it when you made the transition from @point[Opper Street to Barham Drive](d,67541.86) just before you crossed the train tracks and made a left onto Mission Rd.  If this one interests you, stop in and stick your head in the door to check it out when you go past it.  They are super friendly and the wine is great.  I am a wine snob so you can trust this reco.  This is an urban winery which means they buy their grapes from others and make it in their facility.  The seating is indoors and nicely airconditioned.  You can bring food in or have it delivered there.

* [Forgotten Barrel](https://www.forgottenbarrel.com/) – This is a very old winery literally from the 1800’s that has been recently purchased and restored.  The wine is also good.  They have really nice outdoor seating areas between the old barns and usually have live music outside on the weekends.  Again, you can bring your own food or have some delivered.  When your GPS routes you through old neighborhoods of Escondido don’t panic.  You are on the right track.  This whole area used to be the vineyards, but they sold it off little by little over the years to developers.  The winery is tucked in behind the houses and still has the old barns, equipment etc.

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Hidden Meadows - Mt Whitney - Double Double Peak Climb

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