This is a challenging ride that cuts across much of eastern San Diego county. Although I tracked this ride from Santa Ysabel, I'll describe it from Julian. Please see the Banner Grade, San Felipe Road ride for a fun route to Julian via Santa Ysabel. From Julian turn right off of the 78/79 onto the 79 headed south. The 79 will wind you around the east side of the Cleveland National forest and will take you on past Cuyamaca and all the way to Interstate 8. Just before Cuyamaca Lake, however, take the left onto Sunrise Hwy which will lead you up to Mt. Laguna. The ride up to Mt. Laguna is terrific combination of high speed sweepers and rolling hills. It is still interesting to see all of the fire damage as you get near the top. Just before the ranger stations make sure to stop at the desert lookout point. There is a really nice view of the desert below and usually you'll find several riders here taking a break. From there the road becomes incredibly scenic as you wind through the trees in the heart of Mount Laguna and then down the back side of the mountain. This back stretch is my favorite part of Sunrise Hwy as it concludes with a really nice section of smooth winding curves down into Pine Valley and ending at the 8 interchange. From here you can either take Old Hwy 80 west to the 79 and from there north back to Julian. Instead, I like to take Old Hwy 80 south to Buckman Springs Rd.. Buckman Springs is a common gateway to the 94 and the southern border with Mexico. At the end of Buckman Springs is nice stopping point called Cameron Corners. There's a little pink taco shop there and a gas station if needed. Form here on, you'll be treated to several miles of twisties as you head west on the 94. Hwy 94 should be heavily populated with riders as this is a popular route through Campo, winding through the canyons that filter down to Otay Lakes. For those of you with dual sports, this a great launching point for a number of off-road trails and fire roads down towards Tecate and around Otay Lakes. I usually finish this ride by cutting over at Otay Lakes Road and riding down to the North rim of the lake. This will dump you off at Telegraph Canyon Rd in Chula Vista and lead you from there to the 805. The only bummer for me with this whole ride is the super slab ride back up to Scripps Ranch!!
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