A beautiful route that follows the Sweetwater River and loops back over the hills.
The Route:
Follow Merigan Fire Road (a shorter route is to take Saddleback Trail).
Continue on the Sweetwater Trail, which follows the Sweetwater River.
Then take the South Boundary Fire Road and cross the river, sometimes (almost) dry or knee-deep.
Exit left onto California Riding & Hiking Trail.
Exit left onto Dead Horse Trail, a somewhat rocky trial.
Near the end of the trail, cross the river again, a wider crossing with more water (there is an alternative crossing that we took to the left, crossing over rocks).
Meet the Merigan Fire Road and continue to the parking lot.
How to get here:
From the 79, take Viejas Blvd and park at the marked Merigan parking area.
Fee: $10 (2024) There is free parking less than 5 minutes from the main parking area.