Piedras Pintadas
Trailhead Address: 18372 Sycamore Creek Rd, Escondido, CA 92025
We are at it again Hiking Piedras Pintadas Trail loop, known as the interpretive trail in Rancho Bernardo Community Park. It is a 4.2 mile loop located near Escondido, California that features a lake and is good for all skill levels. Piedras Pintadas means “Painted Rocks.”
This hike explores a small part of the rich San Diego County Kumeyaay Indian culture and habitat by following a well-marked trail with interpretive plaques, hence the “interpretive.” The trail wraps around Bernardo Bay on Lake Hodges.
It is dog friendly which we love, and also has a good uphill section you can really get a booty workout with.
We recommend going early in the day as it gets hot and there is not a lot of shade. Also, when they say “loop,” it means you actually have to turn about 2.1 miles in and go back, it is not a full Loop around the lake. We thought it was one giant loop around, but you head over to the rock formations, head uphill, then have to turn around and head back the way you came.
It takes about 2 hours to do depending on how many times you stop for photos and selfies:)
The view of the Lake at the top is gorgeous!! #pulseapproved
There are a few other trails you can take while you are there.
Interested in other trails at San Dieguito River Park? Check it out here.
Distance from downtown San Diego: Approximately 30 minutes. Take I-15 to the West Bernardo Dr./Pomerado Rd. exit. Head west on West Bernardo Dr. for about a half-mile and turn into the dirt parking lot on the right.
