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Print Friendly MapThe Sweetwater Bikeway runs along the Sweetwater River from a parklike setting opposite the Plaza Bonita Shopping Center on the trail's east side to the yacht harbor at the mouth of the river. The trail follows the river under numerous roads to reach the bay. At its western end, it connects to the Bayshore Bikeway. Farther up the Sweetwater watershed, there are numerous hiking and equestrian trails through Sweetwater Regional Park. Restaurants are located near both ends of the trail, and a food court is available in the trailside Westfield Plaza Bonita shopping mall.
Access to the Sweetwater Bikeway is available at 2nd Avenue, W. 33rd Street/Hoover Avenue, Plaza Bonita Road and Bonita Road. On-street parking is available at all entrances. Restrooms and parking are also available at Pepper Park two blocks from the west end of the trail.
Many homeless people living along the path. High brush and garbage, tunnel made me nervous. Then, it continued down the side of a road. Not interested in walking with cars.
I have hiked this for years , part of early morning walk. this trail also is part of the California Riding and Hiking Trail, which heads inland for another 16 miles, to steel canyon bridge, you will need a mountain bike. In addition the California Coastal Trail and San Diego Bike the Bay Trail crosses this and is part of it for a short segment . My only issue is the amount of freeway noise in a few places, but the view of the river will keep your attention. There is easy parking at the end of E st. , off frwy 5 or Plaza Bonita shopping center. The trail head is an short walk from the E st trolley station, So in short you can travel a few trails in one.
Since moving to San Diego in 2010, I've averaged 2500 miles a year on a Haro 29er on pavement only, riding trail and streets from Chula Vista to Seal beach to the North.I started the sweetwater trail at the marina and headed east up river, I've ridden a lot of San Diego trails but this one from the harbor to the Westfield mall was by far the most scary in terms of personal safety, by all the trash and shopping carts in the river I assumed this area is neglected and taken over by the homeless community.
I am a beginner rider and was looking for a flat terrian so that I could steadily increase my distance and inclines. Well I made the mistake of starting at the Marina... I had my toddler with me and the extra weight made the inclines going under the bridges seem like I was in San Francisco! Now remember I am a beginner and I totally saw other cyclists have no problem, unfortunatly that wasn't me :( I was out before I even got started! My thighs were on fire and though I had intended to ride to Outback Steakhouse (end of the trail), I only made it half way and had to turn back for fear that I wouldn't have enough energy to cycle up the small, but steep inclines. If it wasn't for that it would have been a nice ride. Next time I go I am going to try another entrance at Hoover & W. 33rd St... from that point it was flat.
So again if you don't mind hills then start at the Marina, if coming off of the 5fwy. If you want flatness, like me, then start at Hoover Ave or Outback Steak next to Plaza Bonita off of the 805 fwy.
Remember my frew is from a beginners beginner!
This was a nice easy ride. We parked on the street at the Chula Vista Harbor. Good safe place to park and nice food place there also. My only complaint about this trail is that it is too close to the 54 frwy. Even though the trail was not crowded at all, we will not be going back there because it is just to close to the frwy.
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