This trail will have you burning calories and your legs feeling the burn too as you gain elevation from Leo Mullen Sports Park (across from Target shopping center) up to the high point of the Encinitas Ridge Line Trail then back. The trail starts and ends at the park,  it is close to plenty of spots to have a post-hike bite to eat or refreshments. 

The hike is 2 miles round trip and travels over both sidewalks and trails, not too steep, but with long, steady climbs. The route begins along the sidewalk heading uphill from Leo Mullen Sports Park at 951 Via Cantebria, then crosses to the other side of the street at the stoplight/crosswalk and continues up Via Cantebria to where the Cantebria Gardena trail is marked and turns to dirt. Follow the trail north staying below the bluff at the fork. The trail stays mostly flat for a stretch passing below the bluff, then reverses course to climb up to the Encinitas Ranch Ridge Line trail. From there, head to the southernmost point of the ridge line before dropping back onto the Cantebria Gardena trail returning to Via Cantebria. From there, head back down the road to Leo Mullen Sports Park where you started.

With the recent clear weather, the views looking north and east toward the mountains from the ridge line trail are fantastic. The sandstone bluffs and landforms you’ll pass are a deep orange when the sun is out and take on different shades of color as the sun passes. As cool looking as the bluffs are, please stay on the trail and out of closed areas for your safety. Also, as a reminder, while dogs make great hiking companions, on Encinitas Trails, they must stay on leash at all times. Be sure to bring plenty of water with you on this one!