Del Poniente Loop Hike
About the Hike:
The hike is about 5 miles long and is of medium difficulty. The trail has a few steep parts and rocky areas. We start at the Gateway Medical Center parking lot and head south along Pomerado Trail, which runs close to Pomerado Road for a while. Then we climb and head east passing close to Twin Peaks, and then continue east then north to meet up with Del Poniente Trail which takes us back to Pomerado Trail and the parking lot (see map below). There is not much shade on this hike, but good views of the western side of Poway, including some new development encroaching on open space.
Location and Parking:
The trailhead is located at the north west corner of the Gateway Medical Center Parking Lot at 15725 Pomerado Road. There will be a row of covered parking spaces at the back of the lot. If you see those, you are in the right place (see below). There should be plenty of parking on Sunday, as the Medical Center is closed.
Weather:
Sunny with a high near 80, so bring plenty of water, sunglasses, a hat, and suntan lotion if needed.
Restrooms;
No restroom is available at the trailhead, as the Medical Center is closed on Sundays, but there is a Sprouts nearby.
As always, you can choose to go as far as you feel comfortable or have time for.
No need to reply. Just show up.
Don’t forget water. And some of you might also want to bring sun screen, hat, snack, camera, binoculars, GPS or walking stick.
Voluntary trash pickup: bring your own trash bag, gloves, mechanical pick-up stick, etc.