Lower Sweetwater Reservoir Trail Run

Just 20 minutes south east of San Diego lays a lesser known trail running treasure.  The Sweetwater Reservoir is a remarkable San Diego trail running gem.  You can easily run a 13 mile out-n-back here.  Take the 1-5 to 94 east and make a right on Campo Road.  About 1/8 mile on your right is an old steel bridge.  Make a right and a quick left and park in the dirt parking area.  Run across the steel bridge.  Just as you cross it there is a single track trail entrance on your right, take it.

Run the single track following along the Sweetwater River on your right.  During this run always keep the river on your right.  You will pass a wooden bridge on your right about a mile into your run.  Do not cross it.  Continue running with the river on your right but just after the wooden bridge make a quick left a run up the steep hill.  When you crest the top continue running west.  The views are nice and during the right time of year it is very green.  Right after the rainy season the wildflowers are blooming too.  Continue running following the Sweetwater River and you will eventually see an old broken down bridge with barbed wire on the entrance.  STAY OFF THE BRIDGE!  Continue running and you will see the beginning of the Sweetwater Reservoir.  As you draw closer you will appreciate the size of the reservoir.  Make your way up the single track switchbacks towards the gazebo at the top of the hill at mile 4.7.  Stop and enjoy the views of the entire valley.  If you like turn around at this point and run back the way you came……or extend your run around the reservoir for another 3 miles.

The Lower Sweetwater Reservoir run is a great place to escape the traditional San Diego road runs.  It is a nice mixture of hills, single track and jeep roads and offers amazing views of the reservoir.  When you are done with your run there is a TGIF right across the street too.