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Palomar Mountain – Lake Henshaw loop from Valley Center

Routes

Bike touring routes & trails

Palomar Mountain – Lake Henshaw loop from Valley Center

Hard

3.2

(12)

riders

Palomar Mountain – Lake Henshaw loop from Valley Center

08:12

111km

2,600m

Cycling

Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.

Last updated: June 14, 2026

Tips

Your route passes through protected areas

Please check local regulations for:

Cleveland National Forest

Waypoints

Start point

Parking

Get Directions

36.0 km

Palomar Mountain

Highlight • Summit

There are many ways up Palomar Mountain, all doable on a road bike.

Tip by

38.0 km

Kica Mik Overlook is a great spot to catch your breath after the steady climb up Mount Lemmon Highway. The overlook gives you a wide view across the desert and distant mountain ranges, like Santa Rita Mountains and Rincon Mountains. There's room to safely pull over and take a break before tackling the next stretch.

Tip by

55.7 km

Lake Henshaw

Highlight • Lake

only refuel place on route

Tip by

75.2 km

Palomar Mountain Climb

Highlight (Segment) • Climb

Palomar Mountain is located in the heart of the Cleveland National Forest, offering a beautiful and rugged landscape for cyclists. As you ascend, you'll pass through dense forests, with towering trees and rocky outcrops that provide a scenic backdrop to the climb. The upper reaches of the mountain provide sweeping views of the surrounding valleys, including Pauma Valley and beyond, with the ocean visible on clear days. The summit itself is home to Palomar Mountain County Park, offering respite for cyclists with picnic areas and a peaceful atmosphere amidst the towering pines. The area is also known for the Palomar Observatory, a short drive from the peak, which offers incredible vistas and a fascinating glimpse into the world of astronomy.

Tip by

111 km

End point

Parking

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

58.8 km

32.8 km

18.5 km

1.19 km

< 100 m

Surfaces

110 km

1.49 km

105 m

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Highest point (1,620 m)

Lowest point (260 m)

Weather

Today

Sunday 30 August

33°C

19°C

0 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 13.0 km/h

to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route

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Palomar Mountain – Lake Henshaw loop from Valley Center

Palomar Mountain

Kica Mik Overlook

Lake Henshaw

Palomar Mountain Climb

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