Coast to Crest Trail: Del Dios Gorge and Santa Fe Valley

This is a great little trail in the Del Dios Gorge area. Hiking west from the staging area will take you to the switchbacks and the end of the SDRP inland trail system. The trail is hard-pack singletrack that cuts through the bottom of the gorge then back out and up via a series of about 30 continuous switchbacks. Look for the great views of the gorge along this challenging climb. East from the staging area will take you towards the Lake Hodges dam and join up with the trail on the north shore of the lake. This direction is a steady ascent from Del Dios Gorge on a mixed width trail. The climb is broken up in areas by flats and viewpoints making it fairly easy. Good views of the dam are available at the Rattlesnake Viewing Area that also doubles as a cool piece of art.