The Highway 56 bike path runs just south of the freeway from El Camino Real to Pomerado Rd.
in Poway (there is a detour on the last bit, see directions below). The bike path is a
pleasant alternative to the usual eastward choices due to the absolute lack of traffic.
This route begins on I-5 to Sorrento Valley Parkway. Over the hill to the Carmel Valley
area to the bike path. The path extends to Rancho Penasqutos Blvd where there are
orange detour signs to Ted Williams Parkway which takes you to Pomerado Rd. From there,
head south towards Miramar Rd.
Difficulty: Moderate
Duration: 2 hrs
Start at Regents Rd. and Eastgate Mall. Head north on Regents Rd.
Turn right onto Genessee Ave.
Bear right onto I-5. Yes, it's legal to ride on the freeway on this short section, both ways.
Get off at the first exit, Sorrento Valley.
Turn left at Vista Sorrento Pkwy, directly under I-805.
Turn right on Carmel Mountain Rd.
Turn left on El Camino Real.
Before you cross under Hwy 56, you will need to get on the sidewalk and go down a dirt embankment to the bike path. This is on the east (right) side of the road. If you go under Hwy 56, you've gone to far. It helps to do this section the first time with someone who has been there before.
Stay on the bike path until there is a detour sign in the middle of the bike path. Turn right and press the pedestrian walk button to cross Carmel County Rd. Go across the road, and turn left up the slight hill (as in don't go into the gated community). Turn right at the detour sign, go down the steep hill into a housing community. The bike path is the sidewalk in this community.
Turn left at the first opportunity. The path will appear to continue straight, but you will want to turn left going past a couple poles (the anti-car variety). Turn right back onto the bike path & go up the hill.
The path will cross 3 intersections. Press the walk button and cross with the green light.
At Ranch Penasquitos Blvd, turn left and go under the freeway. There should be detour signs indicating this and the next few turns.
Turn right on Carmel Mountain Rd.
Turn right on Rancho Carmel Dr. after you cross over I-15.
Go under and then turn left onto Ted Williams Parkway. Note: You can choose to turn left onto Shoal Creek Dr, which is slightly before this turn and a bit of a shortcut. You will want to turn left onto Ted Williams Pkwy.
Turn right onto Pomerado Rd.
You will stay on Pomerado Rd. until it turns into Miramar Rd. Remember to turn right at the top of the hill after Scripps Poway to remain on Pomerado Rd.
Turn right onto Eastgate Mall which will take you back to your starting point.