P Mountain Loop via N Las Posas Road [CLOSED] is a 4.1 mile lightly trafficked loop trail located near San Marcos, California that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as moderate. The trail is primarily used for hiking, running, and mountain biking and is accessible year-round. Dogs are also able to use this trail.
Note: As of February 2021, the first part of the trail is closed due to construction and it is unclear whether it will reopen or not. This trail is a variation, first part of the trail is on the mountain, second part is more urban in a well-landscaped area behind houses.
February 6, 2021Construction going around... less land, more houses
February 4, 2021trail is a variation, first part of the trail is on the mountain, second part is more urban in a well landscaped area behind houses. one of the biggest problems is that there is construction in the first part of the trail and I am afraid that a good section of the trail will disappear trail is currently closed
February 1, 2021The trail was closed and said no trespassing
January 24, 2021It was fun and pretty tough for being a beginner and got off trail a few times. It was overall amazing!
January 20, 2021This was my favorite local trail! The view of the sunset on the way down is amazing. Too bad the trailhead and a third of the trail, including local plants and natural habitat, was just demolished so they can build some new houses. I’m super bummed, as are all the regulars I used to see almost daily on the trail. There are other ways to get up the mountain but not nearly as enjoyable.
January 12, 2021January 5, 2021Boots recommended loose rock throughout. Gate was closed to get back on the trail near the water tower.
January 1, 2021Loose rocky hills Quiet hike
December 29, 2020Fun trail but a little confusing to stay on the right path.
December 19, 2020December 13, 2020It was pretty nice. Not a lot of hikers. The ascent was far pretty than the descent. Lots of trash on the backside and even cars driving up the trail. A little walking on the road but nothing much.
December 6, 2020Rocky and some prey steep climbs. I couldn’t find the connection on this loop once trail got to a street, so I had to take it back the way I started. I didn’t enjoy that because the majority of it was down hill. I did like how little traffic there was.
December 5, 2020Not super scenic. It would definitely be nice if I lived here, but wasn’t worth the 45 minute drive
December 2, 2020Partially residential and then pretty steep up and down. Trail is VERY rocky. Nice views and fine workout.
November 25, 2020We decided to walk counterclockwise - started with the walk along the neighborhood back fence and then went up into the hills. There is still a good climb that direction but you finish in the woods. Nice hike with some good views.
November 23, 2020Really enjoyed seeing San Marcos from a view you don’t get to often. The climb in the beginning can be tough but there’s plenty of trees that’ll give shade if you need a break.
November 15, 2020Nice view in the beginning. Not that great for MTB as the end is just a big road hugging a neighborhood of houses.
November 15, 2020Sometimes hard to navigate with the gravel/rocks but amazing views! 10/10.
November 10, 2020Pretty for the first half but with no reception the first quarter mile we kept getting lost since there are a lot of other trails attached. Then the second half is all residential. We got a nice walk in (with some short steep climbs) but overall probably won’t do this one again unless I lived in the neighborhood.
November 7, 2020Quick initial ascent, good views, and fun loop!
November 2, 2020It sucked and I love it
October 14, 2020September 25, 2020Nice little workout. Didn’t like going through the neighborhoods too much. Sunset is beautiful. No shade. Lots of forks but the reception is good so you are able to use your phone to navigate.
September 22, 2020The first part was a nice incline, the sunset was amazing!! The second half of the hike was through a neighborhood which I normally would have been upset about but it was dark and I didn’t want to be up in the hills at dark by myself.
September 20, 2020Very steep at the outset. Very little shade
September 19, 2020it was great but hard definitely was a work out
September 9, 2020September 7, 2020I liked this hike. I did end up going off trail to hike up an unmarked part of the mountain and it was great. The incline was great. It was moderate, rocky, and unshaded so be prepared with your water and sunscreen.
August 19, 2020There are a lot of forks, so it can be a little easy to get lost. There’s also a lot of incline at the beginning, but then it evens out. Fun hike!
August 10, 2020Strange route that traces the perimeter of a neighborhood for about half of it. However, once you get off road it is a pretty cool trail. The route as planned is definitely not a bad option but there are also several off-shoots that provide either more or less direct options to the ridge line. Moderate is a fair rating because the elevation gains pretty much hits you all at once, but other than the climb to the ridge line it is pretty tame.
