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1,083 ft
Distance
165 ft
Climb
00:02:09
Avg time
165 ft
Altitude change
834 ft
Altitude min
999 ft
Altitude max
834 ft
Altitude start
999 ft
Altitude end
15.206%
Grade
5.242%
Grade max
25.438%
Grade min
1,083 ft
Distance climb
00:02:09
Avg time
Sunset Trail Details
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Activities
- Mountain Bike
- Gravel Bike
- Adaptive Bike
- Hike
- Trail Running
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Riding AreaSan Elijo Hills
San Marcos, California -
Difficulty Rating
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Local Popularity95 in Mountain Biking [+]
- 95 in Trail Running
- 100 in Hiking
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Global Ranking
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Trail TypePaved Path
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Bike TypeAM, XC, RD, Gravel, Adaptive MTB
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DirectionUphill PrimaryPopular In Reverse
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Climb DifficultyGreen
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Physical RatingHard
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Dogs AllowedYes
The way up (via Schoolhouse Way) consists of a tough climb up to the KGMG-FM radio tower. For an even harder go at it, proceed straight up the steep paved section just to the left of the switchback section on the climb. Then go left instead of right to hop on the Lake San Marcos Trail for a steeper way up to the top.
Description from San Marcos Parks & Trails Pocket Guide:
The Sunset Trail provides access to the Cerro De Las Posas Ridgeline from San Elijo Park. From the center of the park near the “Off-Leash” dog area, head north towards the microwave towers on San Marcos Peak. Lake San Marcos will be visible on the west side as you progress up the steepest portion of the trail. This multi-use trail gains 560’ of elevation over a distance of one mile (this trail has its ups and downs).
Local Trail Association
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trail development & maintenance.
Traditionally Indigenous Territory
Recent Activity on Trail
Past Week
- 1 rides
- 9 miles average
6 Months
- 45 rides
- 9 miles avg distance
All
- 349 rides
- Last: Jul 3, 2026
| c1 | c2 | c3 | c4 |
|---|---|---|---|
January | February | March | April |
May | June | July | August |
September | October | November | December |
Sunset Trail Trail Reports
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Trail Conditions
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- Snow Groomed
- Snow Packed
- Snow Covered
- Snow Cover Partial
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- Icy
- Prevalent Mud
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Directions to sunset-trail-37711 trailhead
(33.108261, -117.205010)
Videos
2 more »
0:59 |
316 |
Jan 28, 2014 , San Marcos
10:41 |
185 |
Apr 29, 2012 , San Marcos
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Nearby Trails
- Sunset Trail 1,496 ft
- Schoolhouse Way 2,743 ft
- Cerro De Las Posas Ridgeline Trail 3,094 ft
- Oceanview Trail 4,196 ft
- Canyon Trail 5,112 ft
- By snowcrasher & contributors
- #37711 - 2,757 views
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Frequently Asked Questions About Sunset Trail
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Where is Sunset Trail located?
Sunset Trail is located in San Elijo Hills, San Marcos, California, United States. It is part of the San Elijo Hills trail network. The trailhead is located at coordinates 33.10826, -117.20501.
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How hard is Sunset Trail?
Sunset Trail is rated as White difficulty. The physical rating is Hard. The average grade is 15.206%. The climb difficulty is rated Green.
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What is the elevation gain for Sunset Trail?
Sunset Trail has 165 ft of elevation gain. The elevation ranges from 834 ft to 999 ft.
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Is Sunset Trail a point to point trail?
Sunset Trail is not a point to point trail. The direction is Uphill Primary. The trail type is paved path.
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