400 miles with 26,300 feet of climbing
San Diego - Pine Valley (50 miles with 5,400 feet of climbing)
Pine Valley - Warner Springs (76 miles with 6,400 feet of climbing)
Warner Springs - Palm Desert (102 miles with 2,900 feet of climbing)
Palm Desert - Hemet (57 miles with 5,700 feet of climbing)
Hemet - Fallbrook (55 miles with 4,000 feet of climbing)
Fallbrook - San Diego (59 miles with 1,900 feet of climbing)
Hostelling International's San Diego Christmas Ride is a six day tour through Southern California, showcasing the mountains (Mount Laguna and San Jacinto), Colorado Desert, and Pacific Ocean. Started in 1956, it is one of the longest-running cycling events in America.
The trip consists of about 100 cyclists on all kinds of bicycles. In the morning the organized critical mass starts together and then separates into smaller groups. Only the main route is officially supported, but many people ride alternate routes.
Route Profile • San Diego to Pine Valley
Cat. 3: Mile 29 and 36
Cat. 4: Mile 46
Day one starts at the University of San Diego and gradually climbs towards Pine Valley. The first part is mainly urban but the second part gets more scenic. An alternate includes Viejas Grade, a dirt road that leads through an Indian Reservation. Another alternate climbs Mount Helix and follows Lyons Valley Road.
Route Profile • Pine Valley to Warner Springs
Cat. 3: Mile 8, 12, and 17
Cat. 4: Mile 65
The second day leads from Pine Valley to Warner Springs. The day starts with a climb up Mount Laguna, the highest point in San Diego County. Sunrise Highway is the official route and Kitchen Creek Road and Pine Creek Road are alternates. The views are spectacular, as far as the San Bernardino Mountains, Salton Sea, Tecate Divide, and Pacific Ocean. After Julian, the main route continues on Highway 79. Alternates include Mesa Grande Road and San Felipe Road.
Route Profile • Warner Springs to Palm Desert
Cat. 3: Mile 3
Day three is the longest day and leads from Warner Springs to Palm Desert. The route follows Montezuma Grade Road down into Borrego Springs. Then it continues on towards Salton City, located below sea level (rough road at the county line). Highway 86 leads along Salton Sea and surface roads lead into Palm Desert.
Route Profile • Palm Desert to Hemet
Cat. 1: Mile 0
Cat. 4: Mile 17, 21, and 35
The fourth day leads from Palm Desert to Hemet. Route options include riding around Mount San Jacinto or riding over the mountain. The official route leads through the desert cities and Banning before turning south towards Hemet. The alternate route starts with a 24 mile climb on Pines to Palms Highway (also known as Seven Level Hill), which continues all the way to Hemet. Alternate options include Bautista Canyon (dirt road) and Idyllwild/Pine Cove/Banning.
Route Profile • Hemet to Fallbrook
Cat. 3: Mile 8 and 30
Cat. 4: Mile 46 and 52
Day five leads from Hemet to Fallbrook. After leaving Hemet, the route continues on Sage Road, Benton Road, and Rancho California Road, which leads through the vineyards and wineries of Temecula. After visiting Temecula, the route continues on De Luz Road, which follows its namesake canyon almost all the way to Fallbrook.
Route Profile • Fallbrook to San Diego
Cat. 4: Mile 44
The sixth day leads from Fallbrook back to San Diego. The route heads towards the coast, following Olive Hill Road, Old River Road, North River Road, and San Luis Rey River bike path to Oceanside. Then it continues on the Pacific Coast Bicycle Route, visiting several beach cities and finishing in San Diego.
San Diego Christmas Ride • Interactive Map
San Diego Christmas Ride • Pictures
Riders
Mount Laguna
Riders
Borrego Springs
Riders
Palm Desert
Riders
De Luz Canyon
Grassy Noll Tradition
Riders
By: B. Straehle
See Also: Multi-Day Rides