Lake Cuyamaca Mount Laguna Sunrise Loop

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San Diego County, CA, US

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Route Overview

@oldguywhotris

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

45 mi.

4,067 ft.

This is an incredible mountain cycling route that you can only find in a place like San Diego County. From a beautiful mountain lake down to the valley, up to the thick pine forest at the peak of Mount Laguna, and then return with views of the vast Anza-Borrego desert below.

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Route Details

## Where To Park

There is ample parking at the @poi[Lake Cuyamaca Restaurant and Store](9669141).  There are additional parking areas around the lake and on the streets near the homes that overlook the lake.  There is also plenty of camping available if you want to camp and ride like I did.

## The Beginning
As you leave Lake Cuyamaca behind, you will ascend into the forest quickly.  You will pass many campgrounds until you start to descend into @point[Descanso](d,18456.27).  All along the way the mountain and valley views are breathtaking.

## Old Highway 80
Once you turn left onto @slice[Old Highway 80](d,18562.86,29008.24), you will be happy to find a wide bike lane.  You will experience solid climbs and solid descents, but not the biggest or baddest of your adventure.  This is your warm up.

If you want to take a break, hit the restroom, or get some food or drink this is the time.  At the end of Old Highway 80, it is a long, long grind with nothing for miles.  @point[Pine Valley](d,26691.8) will have the most options, but you can also find limited sustinence in Guatay.  The last time I rode through @point[Guatay](d,22363.93) there were a couple of guys in the middle of town sitting on a stone wall with a case of beer drinking a few and gave me a wave.  You never know if you will meet a new friend and they want to share.

## The Sunrise Climb
After you leave Pine Valley, it is a few short miles before you turn left and start the @slice[long climb up to Mount Laguna](d,29008.24,44434.07).  The good news is that this is a spectacular climb and the views are incredible.  Depending on how you view it, the climb is long.  You will start with open views of the mountains and valleys, transition to high mountain meadows, and then enter the thick pine forested areas at the top of your climb.

*Along the way you likely pass vehicles parked on the side of the road with bike racks and mountain bikes.  If you also enjoy riding the fat tire, come back to this area as it is a paradise for serious mountain bike folk.  World class stuff if you want to tackel it, but plenty of great intermediate as well.*

Finally, you will feel it level off and that means you will be getting close to the town of @point[Mount Laguna](d,44508.2).  Here you will find campgrounds, a general store, and the @poi[Pine House Cafe](9669144).  If you want a break, the Pine House Cafe has beer and actually pretty fantastic food that any foodie would love.  If you cheat this route, and want to start out at one of the campgrounds here, breakfast is quite exceptional at Pine House Cafe.

## Riding The Ridge Between Mountains & Desert
Shortly after you leave Mount Laguna, you will notice a @poi[scenic overlook area on your right](9669171).  Take a second to stop and gaze at the massive Anza-Borrego desert.  @slice[For the next many miles](d,49699.83,67246.1) on your right down below is the desert and on the left are the mountains.  This is something you just can't experience just anywhere.  I should point out at this time that if you do this route at anytime where it could be hot, **DO NOT do this route in reverse**!  You want to do this section at the end because it is mostly a descent in this direction.  I passed many a person almost passed out on the side of the road trying to climb this in the afternoon heat approaching 100 degrees due to the proximity of the desert below.

## Final Turn
@point[At the end of the Sunrise Highway](d,67307.86) you turn left onto the 79 for a short ride back to the lake.  Easy peasy and remember the Lake Cuyamaca Restaurant and possibly your campsite is at the end of this stretch for refreshments and relaxation!  Upon completion, you can also drive a short stretch to [Julian](https://visitjulian.com/) for a slice of their famous apple pie or maybe a whole one!

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Lake Cuyamaca Mount Laguna Sunrise Loop

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