Panoramic View of Lake Hodges, Bernardo Bay and Mountain from Piedras Pintadas Ridge Loop Trail

While trail running on north side of Lake Hodges in San Dieguito River Park is more commonly used by cyclists and trail runners, South side has better hiking.  First part is well known Piedras Pintadas trail (meaning "Painted Rocks").  Interpretive posts with native Kumeyaay history provide for interesting family-friendly walk.  After reaching fantastic viewpoint (lead pano on this page) Piedras Pintadas loops back but Shore trail continues along the South side of the lake.  This is a wonderful trail with true wilderness feeling.  Much exploring can be done, but logical destination is Fletcher Point - peninsula like Hill at point where Hodges makes 90 degree turn.  Views from the top that features American Flag are fantastic.  From photography perspective this hike leads itself better to first part of the day, as sun dips behind forested hills later in the afternoon and leaves south side in shade.  For full day - and two cars - one can return from Fletcher point via rough Del Dios Gorge trail ending at top of Alva Road in 4S Farm.  Gallery / write-up for Hodges south shore is broken in two parts, while Abstract at bottom of the page is for entire South Shore Trail.

1.  Piedras Pintadas
2.  Fletcher Point

Piedras Pintadas trail starts below Retirement Center at top of hill on West Bernardo Drive and has small parking lot.  Better option is to simply park at Bernardo Community Center then cross the park and pickup Bernardo Bay trail past tennis courts.   Piedras trail intersects shortly from the right; turn left.  On next junction go left again and and after crossing bit of marsh and pedestrian bridge turn right onto South Shore trail proper.  This is wonderful stretch with great views, passing by giant oak tree then swinging left and up couple of short switchbacks to viewpoint of nice waterfall.  While living in Rancho Bernardo I'd hike this part often after work and would have peaceful couple of minutes by the falls. Nowdays access has been forbidden due to local kids that trashed the area;  sign warns of not crossing over the fence and stiff fines - enjoy view of the falls from the distance.  Above the switchbacks trail from Poblado street residential joins in. Final part is "Ridge Loop" climbing briefly to great viewpoint of entire San Dieguito River Park - highly recommended.  If not continuing further towards Fletcher Point, return the same way. It is also possible to exit to Poblado road, then walk on residential streets to West Bernardo Drive and then down the street back to parking. This option is longer and involves lots of asphalt walking, but does offer variety.  It is also possible to park the car on Poblado Road and start walk from there if wishing to visit only Ridge Loop viewpoint and not hike entire Piedras - suit yourself.

Piedras Waterfall

Small, but picturesque Waterfall below Ridge Loop. The access is now forbidden due to extensive damage careless hikers have caused over the years

Continuing along South Shore to Fletcher Point is much more involved.  Trail starts where two legs of Piedras Ridge loop join in below the hill.  There is table here warning about not entering the wilderness, but trail is not closed.  Initially easy it stays level, but soon starts getting narrower with ups and downs that get deeper the further you go.  There are several beach exits in this part, and will provide for wonderful solitude when compared to much busier Bernardo Bay trail across the lake.  Peninsula like Fletcher Point comes into view after 30-40 minutes, but is still quite far and couple of deep and rough water drainages much be crossed.  I had to use my hands at couple of places; hiking pole is an asset here.  There are some really great views across the Lake here - see gallery.  Eventually trail mellows and comes to unsigned junction where Del Dios Gorge Trail comes in from the left - turn right and hike over chaparral dotted ridge to Fletcher Point.  Depending on season and time of day, you might be lucky and enjoy spectacular views all by yourself.  Swing in shade of large Oak Tree just past the Flag adds to pleasant "summit" stay, before hiking back the same way.