San Luis Rey River Trail

The San Luis Rey Trail was something I’ve never known about before until traveling up to Oceanside for a friend one day. The 7 to 8 mile trail spans the 76 freeway starting around Neptune Way going north east towards the College bridge near Mance Buchanon Park. I ended up coming across this trail by looking at Google Maps one day and realized how long it was. There are about six or seven access point areas to this trail where you can park your car easily. It passes by several parks, the swap meet area, sky diving airport and goes under several road bridges. The trail its self is pretty much paved the whole way and towards the end it cuts through some neighborhoods. It’s considered multi-​use for people cycling, running or walking but the majority of people on this trail are cyclists. Pay close attention to who is behind you and in front of you at all times, I was almost hit by several cyclists who are blazing through this thing super fast. The pavement is relatively flat the entire way, with very little inclines or turns which makes this a easy area for running. Great trail to check out if you’re in the north county area, especially if you enjoy cycling.

Seems better suited to cyclists than walkers. City of Oceanside website says for safety concerns cyclists right everyone else left facing oncoming cyclists. Didn’t get 50 feet before encountering a walker on the wrong side saying I was on the wrong side

Great trail! This trail is a fun trail with plenty of places to stop for breaks all the way from downtown Oceanside to Melrose. There are restrooms along the way too. I prefer to use the Mance Buchanon Park one. I use this trail for bike rides, runs, and walks. Oceanside residents are so lucky to have a trail like the San Luis Trail. Great job City of Oceanside!

Good trail to hike if you’re just starting out. Pretty easy hike but will make you sweat if you’re not in the best shape! Very good place for a family hike! Just watch out for the cow manure!

Great place to ride, run or walk your dog. Just discovered this trail and I will definitely be coming back.

Excuse me, but from the photos posted this looks like a blacktop for pedestrians, a running trail and not a hiking trail, with no access to the actual land, and nothing much to look at but desert scrub. It seems like it would be ten times more interesting to walk around my neighborhood. If you live nearby and like to bike or run, I can see using it, but otherwise, if a person wants to get out into nature and explore, is there anything?

I’ve been on this trail a few times and it’s pretty nice and long but a lot of areas can be dangerous. Tons of people use this trail for biking, running and walking. You’re suppose to be on the right side of the trail just like when you drive but some people just don’t get it. I haven’t seen to many dogs on the trail but that doesn’t mean they’re not allowed.
You have to be careful about the time that you use the trail because in some areas there are a lot of bushes. So if someone was hiding you would never know so it’s also a good idea to have a partner or maybe even some pepper spray. You can have a great time here but be careful of your surroundings and you should be fine. If you come on the weekend be prepared because it’s crazy busy with bikers.
This is a great way to get out and enjoy yourself in the open air. It’s really a great way to see a part of Oceanside that you may not normally see.

This trail is more suited to bikers than walkers or runners in my opinion, although all can enjoy the mostly flat surface and clearly marked track with lanes separated with lines like a road. Personally, I found it a bit boring since there wasn’t much to see that was «natural,» but I did not go the whole length of the trail, so maybe it gets better further out. It is also hard to find if you don’t know where you are going. You have to watch for the turnoff or you will miss it since it is down off the road. Watch for the «Bike Trail» sign up on the road, and that is where to turn off the road. I would give this place 2 stars, but walking trails are important and I support them no matter what form they come in. Happy trails!

I live right along this trail and ever since I was old enough to remember, the views and trails were so awesome and cool!
I used to walk the trail when I was in high school and the scenery was just so awesome!!!
I seen a few coyotes, main different species of birds, rodents, and butterflies!
This trail is so perfect it leads you all the way to the beach which is pretty cool.
I loved walking the trail in Saturday’s and Sunday’s because it was an easy access to the Pceanside Swap Meet!
Now that I’m older I haven’t really gone back to riding my bike on the trail nor walking or jogging.
There’s a lot of agriculture that is being started and restored upon here so that’s a great plus!

I wouldn’t consider this a nature trail. If you’re looking for a straight, flat path for running or biking, this may do the trick, but there is little to see here, other than pavement and concrete. I tried the trails on both sides of the river, and in both cases (the dirt or the paved trail), the trail is elevated above the surrounding natural scenery, with piles of rocks and concrete sloping on either side.
This made it so that it’s very difficult to see much in the way of nature, and I wouldn’t be able to bring my young kids to this trail, as I’d worry about one of them slipping off the side of the path, and crashing down the rocky slope.
If you simply need a straight, outdoor path for exercise in the full sun, this place would probably work well for you, but if you’re looking for a little shade, a family-​friendly path, or some nature in your trail adventure, I’d recommend going with one of the other options in the area instead.

Nice, clean, a place where you can be with your thoughts… Lol, yeah it’s just a trail, but a good, well maintained one. Stretching from the Oceanside marina all the way to the 76 and South Santa Fe Road this trail is great. The trail itself is just about as wide as a regular two lane road and plays host to people on bikes and on foot. The surrounding scenery can also be great once you pass the neighborhoods and get greenery on both sides of you.
The only downsides to this trail is the lack of shade on hot days and places where you can leave the trail. Some people complain about the lack of water fountains, but let’s be realistic here. These would be public fountains how long would you expect them to be clean, not to mention how the animals and insects would act if a supply of water was available like that. Also Saturday traffic on the trail can get annoying with children often riding their bikes in lateral lines together and not wanting to form a single column when they see oncoming pedestrians or other people on bikes.
If you’re into to fitness and enjoy being outdoors this trail is perfect.

Mostly nice smooth surface to walk or bike. A few bugs along the way when it’s warmer but nothing to be concerned about. Some nice wildlife in middle of the suburbs. Not difficult.

I love this place. I’ve been here twice already with my husband and our two bikes. I came on a Sunday and Monday so there wasn’t a lot of people. At first, I thought the path was a circle, lol The trail is long and high, where you can see houses and the trees to the side of the path. There are a few things you can see, but I prefer looking over the beach when I’m biking. Overall this place is awesome. The paths are clean and trash free.

9 miles end to end. Being an Oceanside resident I’ve travelled this trail for many years on foot walking, running and cruising my bike and skateboard. Not until I started road cycling and using this as a direct commute to the transit center did I realize how dangerous it can be.
There is a speed limit which is rarely enforced, but a major cause of contention for many. You may catch a service vehicle or cop roaming and although I regularly hold 20+ it’s at my own risk for a ticket.
The danger here is everyone else. Unlike cars on a road you don’t need a license and about 1% of the population has any idea about the rules on a trail. Just like our streets you drive on the right and allow for slower traffic to pass on the inside. Do not take the whole lane, do not walk with earbuds to where you are unaware of your surroundings. It’s negligence and reckless. My level of attention is 100% greater than the average driver and pedestrian when I’m riding my bike because I have you. Control your dogs and kids and I may be that guy that everyone hates, but I’ve never hit anyone so every accident you’ve ever had means you’re not batting 1000. Your anger is your own fault.
I love the trail because it’s pretty flat, it’s paved, elevated and useful to the community.
I hate the trail because of the headwinds, idiot pedestrians not paying attention and every once in a while the bums coming out of the river bed.

You gotta love a trail that sets your goal to reach the beach! Well kept up and plenty long enough for most people. We see a lot of families and couples biking, skating and/​or walking by. It makes for an enjoyable day out in the fresh air, it also gives a positive, behind-​the-​scenes perspective on the easy living of Oceanside.
My family and I really enjoy bike rides to the beach. Its good exercise before and after a day at the beach. One of these days we want to go to the end of the east side just to say we did.
Most people get it, but the only con I see is (a select minor few) speed bikers can be rude as they jade themselves by.
Also, I would avoid taking the bike trail at night, especially with the family, as transients like to come out at that time. Sometimes you don’t see them until you roll right up next to them. Not that we’ve had any problems with them, but its still a little freaky.

This is a fantastic trail. I use it for geo caching, walking my pup, and for family bike rides. I have never seen a snake myself but know they are there so beware if you go off trail. It’s a great thing to have in the community.

This trail isn’t just for hiking. It is used by bike riders, skateboard riders, people with their dogs and people just walking for fitness. The trail is split in half with a dotted line so you don’t have to worry about being run over by others using the trail.
With all that being said, lets talk about this trail for a moment. The trail is actually 9 miles long, but only 7.8 miles is talked about as the SLR Trail. The reason why that is, is because other people use the trail past the 7.8 mile marker (bike riders) and it more congested past the College Exit due to riders.
I have ridden this trail from begging to end on my bike numerous times and it is a GREAT ride. All one needs to do is stay on their half of the trail unless they are going to pass others then glide back into their lane. It is a nice ride and the scenery around you is nice to see too. The San Luis River runs to the north of the trail and there are parks, houses and even a drive-​in movie center on the south-​side of this trail.
There is some downfalls to this trail though, not just for hikers, but for everyone — lack of water at either the beginning OR the ending of the trail. Sure, you could go into the park and grab some water, but that takes you off the trail a little bit. … maybe Oceanside can figure out how to install a water source at the ends of the trail so people can get some water before or after they use the trail.
Overall Rating
Easy of Use: 4 — Easy to get in and out of the trail, but there are only a few exits to this trail (usually near overpasses). If more exits were on this trail that would be nice.
Water — 1 — Lack of water at the entrances/​exits to this trail are MISSING! This, in my opinion are a bad thing, especially when people bring their animals on this trail, ride this trail on bikes and use it for hiking.
Cleanliness — 5 — Every time that I have ridden this trail from beginning to end (9 miles one way 18 miles round trip) it has ALWAYS been clean of trash, leaves/​sticks and other crap.
People on Trail — 5 — On the weekends this trail is packed with lots of people, but they stay on their side of the trail (except to pass others). I you are looking for a mellow time on this trail, then the weekend isn’t your cup of tea. I would try for sometime during the week to hike the trail if you wanted less people on it.
Conclusion:
Great trail for hikers, bike riders and others. This trail does lack water on it so make sure you bring enough water for your adventure. I recommend you try this trail out at least once. The scenery is different than most trails and the trail is relatively flat (a few hills to climb but they go quick).

went to ride the trail today but it was chained off at the west end. I contacted the city of Oceanside to find out the situation. Here is what they sent me.
INTERMITTENT CLOSURE OF SAN LUIS REY BIKE TRAIL/​MAINTENANCE ROAD
US ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS
The United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) will implement a number of «hard closures» of the SLR Bike Trail/​Maintenance Road in order to perform habitat restoration activities in the flood risk management channel. The closures will occur from Benet Road South to Interstate 5, Monday through Friday from 6:00 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. for the following weeks:
THESE DATES ARE 2014 DATES
September 9 — 13
September 23 — 27
October 7 — 11
October 21 — 25
November 4 — 8
November 18 — 22
December 2 — 6
All cyclists and pedestrians will be prohibited from utilizing the Bike trail/​Maintenance Road during this time period. Cyclists may use State Route 76 as an alternate route. Signage and road barriers will be installed during the periods of closure.

This is a great trail for running and from the looks of it, a great trail for cycling! I haven’t completed the whole trail yet but that is the goal for one day. There is always plenty of parking at the trail head and the trail is well kept. Saturdays are a little busier but nothing I can’t handle. There are bathrooms and a water fountain at the park so it is a nice place to cool down.

Okay, there are so many aspects to this trail that come to mind, and some of them I’m tempted to not even share so that the trail doesn’t become more crowded…
Yes, there is a paved side to the trail. I never use it, so I won’t even say anything else about it, but I’ve always seen people use it, so I imagine it’s nice. Across the «canal,» is the gravel side that I use. I’m usually up by College/​North River Road, so that’s my frame of reference here, even though I know the trail goes on for quite a bit.
For those who love geocaching, there are tons of caches along this trail. I have a few friends who are avid fans, and that’s the number one thing they mention about the trail.
The trail is always is use, but not overly so. (I am usually first thing in the morning or right after work.) I only hit about a two mile stretch, but I generally only see about 3 – 5 people (and usually about as many dogs) while I’m out there. I’ll take my dogs, too. There are waste stations and garbage cans, and for the most part, people are good at picking up after their pets.
The area runs behind some storage lots, auto auction storage lots, and more industrial type areas. As a woman alone, you might get to feel uneasy. There is also a lot of graffiti, and there are many homeless people that sleep in the area. I can say, though, that I’ve never felt threatened or that I should worry about my own safety.
I love this trail. It’s well maintained and it’s close enough to home that it’s super fun.